When Matt Cassels, at the University of Cambridge, studied the data set from the Toddlers Up Project led by Professor Claire Hughes at the Centre for Family Research, he made some interesting discoveries. He found that children often have a closer relationship with their pet than their siblings.

This gives us new information about the depth of the human animal bond, even in children. The Toddlers Up Project has collected information over a ten-year period about the social and emotional development of children. The research included data from the children, their parents, teacher and siblings.

Cassels found that children who suffered from adversity in their lives were more likely to have a stronger relationship with their pets than their peers. The types of adversities ranged from divorce, illness, instability, and disadvantaged backgrounds.

What is interesting is that these children would turn to their pets, confiding in them instead of peers even though they knew the pets did not understand what they were saying.

The study showed that children with stronger relationships with their pets had a higher level of prosocial behavior, such as helping, sharing, and co-operating than their peers.

I personally have seen the positive impact of pets on children and would love to see more research about the role pets play for young children who do not have siblings.

Children have bonded to dogs and other animals throughout history. One famous actor got his nickname because of his Airedale, Duke, was his constant companion. That actor of course, was John Wayne.

For more information about Matt Cassels study go to:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150513135011.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fplants_animals%2Fdogs+%28Dogs+News+–+ScienceDaily%29