anthrozoology.org

Esteves, Stephanie Walters; Stokes, Trevor

Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals, Volume 21, Number 1, March 2008 , pp. 5-15(11)

 Productive and positive interactions between dogs and humans have been documented in studies using dogs trained as companion animals and as assistants for people with disabilities. In this study, the effects of the presence of a dog on social interactions between three 5-9-year-old children with developmental disabilities and their teacher at an elementary school were analyzed. A single-case experimental design with repeated measures and with replicated effects across participants was employed to assess changes in interactions from baseline to an intervention condition. During baseline, interactions were assessed in the social environment of a room adjacent to the classroom, which had a toy dog and other play materials, during time with the teacher. The experimental change introduced sequentially and systematically across the participants was the additional presence of an obedience-trained dog, a German Shepherd/Labrador Retriever cross. Interactions between the children and their teacher were examined during morning sessions using reliable direct observation interval recording procedures. All participants demonstrated an increase in overall positive initiated behaviors (verbal and non-verbal) toward both the teacher and the dog. The children also showed an overall decrease in negative initiated behaviors. In addition, observational ratings showed positive generalization of improved social responsiveness by the children in their classroom following the completion of the experimental sessions. This study supports the position that children with developmental disabilities benefit from the use of skilled dogs as teaching assistants and therapeutic adjuncts.

The Relation between Socio-Economic Status Concerns and Angry Peer Conflict Resolution Is Moderated by Pet Provisions of Support

Bryant, Brenda K.; Donnellan, M. Brent

Anthrozoos: Volume 20, Number 3, September 2007

Conflict resolution is a critical skill required in peer relations, and anger retaliation is a problematic strategy for resolving conflict. Conflict resolution with peers in relation to socio-economic status (SES) concerns among boys was investigated. Of particular interest in this study was a test of the value of pet provision of feelings of importance and pride in relation to children's use of an aggressive style of conflict resolution with peers. One hundred and seven boys, in grades 3-7 (ages 8-13 years) participated in this study. Boys' self-reports of the extent to which their favorite pet made them feel important was of central interest. Three specific pet provisions of support were considered: a) a pet showing admiration and affection, b) a pet being an object of nurturance while providing companionship, and c) a pet providing an exclusive, intimate relationship by "listening" to a boy sharing of feelings. Results indicate that the pet provision of child self-enhancement provides a buffer to boys with SES concerns in relation to their use of anger retaliation with peers. Unlike pet provision of admiration with affection (i.e., child self-enhancement), pet provision of support as an "object" of child nurturance and enjoyable companionship was not related to anger retaliation among boys in general or among boys with SES concerns. This demonstration of differential effects of pet provisions of support attests to the importance of delineating what constitutes support and testing the function of different forms of support. Interpretation of findings include a discussion of theoretical perspectives proposed useful for understanding the role of pets in child development.

 Kenneth R. Kaufman a; Nathaniel D. Kaufman b

Death Studies, 30, 1 2006 , pages 61 - 76

Childhood grief and mourning of family and friends may have immediate and long-lasting consequences including depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, behavioral disturbances, and school underachievement. Childhood pet bereavement is no less important, because the pet is often considered a member of the family by the child. However, society does not always acknowledge the significance of pet bereavement, which can result in unresolved grief. This article, a case analysis with literature review, addresses childhood pet bereavement in the context of multiple prior losses (K. R. Kaufman & N. D. Kaufman, 2005). This case mirrors both old and new findings in grief research and therapy: (a) beneficial response to emotional expression of grief in context of search for meaning; (b) beneficial response to cognitive approach toward grief with ability to prevent development of complicated grief even in the face of multiple losses; (c) beneficial effects associated with supportive family and with positive self-concept; (d) intensity of grief magnified by the child's degree of attachment to the pet, the suddenness of the pet's death, the multiple prior losses, and the role of the pet in the child's life; and (e) resiliency. This case further emphasizes the need for parents not to trivialize death of pets, to appreciate the role pets have in children's lives, and to assist the child in multiple approaches toward expression (be it verbal, written, or artistic). Finally, this case reinforces the ability of the child to assist in family bereavement and to serve as teacher.

Westgarth, C.; Pinchbeck, G. L.; Bradshaw, J. W. S.; Dawson, S.; Gaskell, R. M.; Christley, R. M.

BMC Veterinary Research. BioMed Central Ltd, London, UK: 2007. 3: 5, (3 April 2007).

Background: Dogs are popular pets in many countries. Identifying differences between those who own dogs or have contact with dogs, and those who do not, is useful to those interested in the human-animal bond, human health and for provision of veterinary services. This census-based, epidemiological study aimed to investigate factors associated with dog ownership and contact with dogs, in a semi-rural community of 1278 households in Cheshire, UK. Results: Twenty-four percent of households were identified as dog-owning and 52% owned a pet of some type. Multivariable logistic regression suggested that households were more likely to own a dog if they had more occupants (five or more); if they had an adult female household member; or if they owned a horse. The age structure of the households was also associated with dog ownership, with households containing older children (between six and 19 years of age) and young adults (between 20 and 29 years of age), more likely to own dogs. We also found that dog owning households were more likely to be multi-dog households than single-dog if they also owned a cat or a bird, or if the household contained a person of 20-29 years old. Dog owners reported increased contact with dogs, other than their own, compared to those that did not own dogs and this contact appeared to be mainly through walking. Conclusion: Some household types are more likely to own a dog than others. This study supports the suggestion that dogs are more common in families who have older children (6-19 years), as has been generally observed in other countries. Dog owners are also more likely to have contact with dogs other than their own, compared with those not owning a dog.

Filiatre, J. C;  Millot, J. L;  Montagner, H.

Behavioural Processes. Vol 12(1) Jan 1986, 33-44. 

Conducted an ethological study of interaction systems and the effect of pet dogs on family communications. Also examined were correlations between characteristics of children and their pet dogs and the duration and frequency of communications between children and their pets. Ss were 18 children (aged 2-5 yrs) and their 18 pet dogs (mean age 37.66 mo). Results from a systematic investigation of communication behavior between children and their dogs drawn from videotaped interactions in the home indicate that children took the initiative in communication more often and sought body contact more often than the dog in dog-child interactions. Age of child, family size, and size and sex of dog were strongly correlated with the quantity of communication and type of child behavior in relation to the dog. Findings confirm the hypothesis that interaction systems between the dog and child can play a role in the emotional development and relational systems of the child, suggesting that pet dogs can enhance the social and emotional development of young children.

An investigation of human-animal interactions and empathy as related to

pet preference, ownership, attachment, and attitudes in children.