If you grew up with a dog or you're raising your own children with a pup, you know just how valuable the relationships between canines and kids can be. Having a dog can teach a kid so much about caring for other living creatures — and the true meaning of unconditional love.
In one recent video, a toddler boy and his Labrador have a hilarious "chat" that's almost like a duet. Every time the boy makes a noise, the dog responds enthusiastically...and hilariously!
View the original article to see embedded media.
"Chats between besties," wrote @maxydoodle23 . These guys are definitely buds for life! The dog seems to be taking their conversation very seriously, while his little human pal can't stop laughing. Commenters couldn't get enough of the adorable duo.
"Nothing in this world will convince me that the dog wasn't smiling. Just look how happy he is!" wrote nattylara.
"Anyone else catch how the lab MATCHES his sounds?!" wrote jdubsfr.
"They are brothers," wrote Katy Ibbotson.
Related: Dog and Toddler BFFs Cuddle Up to Watch a Show Together
It's no secret that having a pet can be great for kids of all ages, but the experience might be especially beneficial for toddlers and preschoolers, experts say.
How Having a Dog Can Benefit Toddlers
According to CNN, a study published in the journal Pediatric Research found that "owning, walking and playing with a family dog could encourage your toddler’s social and emotional development ."
"Toddlers from dog-owning families who participated in the study were 30% less likely to have conduct and peer problems in comparison to preschoolers from families who didn’t own dogs, the researchers found. Even at this age, toddlers could indeed benefit from interacting with a pet while supervised."
Toddlers with dogs were found to have fewer issues with peers, including "how they got along with other children and if they preferred to play alone. Prosocial behavior considered how much the children were considerate of others’ feelings and helpful if someone was hurt, upset or sick. The surveys also measured emotional symptoms, hyperactivity and overall difficulties."
"Toddlers from dog-owning families were more likely to exhibit higher levels of prosocial behaviors, and they had lower overall difficulties. Children who walked a pet dog with their families at least one day weekly and played with their dogs at least three times a week had higher prosocial scores than those who did so less often."
Unsurprisingly, little kids with dogs also benefitted from the increased opportunities for physical exercise that come with having a dog...not to mention all the extra laughs!
For more WeHaveKids updates, be sure to follow us on Google News !
Most Popular
Comments / 0