PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Many pet owners share a special bond with their furry friends, and a study has found that children and dogs make a very special pairing.
Oregon State University published a study that found that dogs synchronize their behavior with children and their adult caregivers.
As the animal advocate of Pennsylvania SPCA Carol Erickson explains, the study shows that dogs pay a lot of attention to the children they live with. Dogs, for example, were seen to match the baby’s movements about 60 percent of the time.
The researchers recruited 30 young people between the ages of 8 and 17. To conduct the study, the researchers created color-coded taped lines on the floor and told the participants how to walk the lines with their dog off-leash at their side.
The study found that when a child walked or stopped the dog typically did too, Erickson says.
Erickson says that this positive relationship between the child and the doll shows their very strong bond.
The same study also showed that family dogs match the body movements of their adult caregiver 80 percent of the time.
The higher rate of mirroring between dogs and adults could be related to the amount of time they spend with each other, Erickson says. The more time a dog spends with an adult, the more they can mirror them.
Erickson also notes that growing up with a pet can help reduce lonelinessincrease self-esteem and provide exercise and play.
Pennsylvania SPCA pets for adoption
Meet Tony!
Tony is a 3-year-old cat who loves to cuddle and jump. He prefers to be the only cat and is very active and affectionate. He likes to explore and high places to perch.
See you in August!
August is a little over a year old and was brought in by the animal order team. He likes tricks and other dogs. Erickson says August is so friendly that they use him to test the friendship of other dogs.
Meet King Koopa!
King Koopa is a 3 to 5 year old adult terrier who was brought in as a stray this week. He would like to live with cats and children. He is a small boy full of energy and is a reliable playmate.
If you are interested in learning more about these pawfect friends for adoption contact the PSPCA at adoptions@pspca.org or call 215-426-6300.
You can also watch this week’s Pet Project interview with Erickson in the video player above. Stay tuned until the end to meet Tony, August and King Koopa.
