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Obtaining a new pet dog: Effects on middle childhood children and their families

Authors :
Paul, E.S.
Serpell, J.A.
Source :
Applied Animal Behaviour Science; April 1996, Vol. 47 Issue: 1-2 p17-29, 13p
Publication Year :
1996

Abstract

A prospective questionnaire survey was used to investigate the impact of obtaining a new pet dog on the lives of 27 middle childhood children and their families, during the first year of ownership. Changes in the social interactions, health, behaviour and well being of subject children were assessed using maternal questionnaires administered immediately before the pet dog was acquired, and at follow-ups, 1, 6 and 12 months later. Similar questionnaires were administered over the same period to a comparable group of 29 non-dog-owning mothers. Dog-owning children were reported to have been visited more by their friends by the time of the 1 month follow-up, compared with their non-dog-owning counterparts (U= 256.0, P< 0.05). Dog-owning families also engaged in more leisure activities at home together over the same period (U= 268.0, P< 0.05). However, dog-owning children were also reported to have experienced increases in the number of ill health symptoms they suffered by the 12 month follow-up (z= 2.6297, P< 0.01). Higher levels of attachment to the dog were positively associated with changes in confidence by the 6 month follow-up (T= 0.3971, P< 0.005), and negatively associated with changes in tearfulness or weepiness by the 12 month follow-up (T= −0.3118, P< 0.05).

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01681591
Volume :
47
Issue :
1-2
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs2935552
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-1591(95)01007-6