Effects of dog ownership on children’s social-emotional development: findings from the PLAYCE cohort study

Abstract

Dog ownership is common in families with children and could play a role in children’s social-emotional development. This study used longitudinal data on dog ownership and changing dog ownership to investigate their effects on young children’s social-emotional development. Parents reported family dog ownership when their child was aged 2–5 years and at 5–7 years. Children (n = 591) were assigned to a dog ownership group by combining their current and prior dog ownership status. The parent-report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) measured children’s social-emotional development at 5–7 years. Analyses included linear, Poisson, and logistic regression and adjusted for socio-demographic factors. Girls who acquired a dog had significantly higher peer problems scores than non-dog owner girls (exp(β) = 1.8; 95% CI 1.3, 2.6). Boys who acquired a dog had significantly lower peer problems scores than continuing non-dog owner boys (exp(β) = 0.5; 95% CI 0.3, 0.8). There were no other significant effects observed between dog ownership group and SDQ scores or the odds of having abnormal scores. Overall, changing or continuing dog ownership status had minimal impact on young children’s social-emotional development. Future longitudinal research should examine the effects of dog ownership on child development by family characteristics and attachment to the dog.