Research in Human-Animal Interaction
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.