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Zwischen Bindung und Belastung: Was die Wissenschaft über Familien und ihre Hunde verrät

In recent years, and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, many families in the UK have acquired a puppy – not only out of a desire for companionship, but also in the hope that a dog will contribute positively to the family's mental health. This study addresses precisely this issue: it examines how families experience the arrival of a puppy, what positive aspects there are, but also what challenges arise – especially in households with children aged 8 to 17. PLOS


The researchers conducted an online survey (2023) with two groups:

· Households that had acquired a puppy in 2019 (‘2019 puppy’). PLOS+1

· Households that had acquired a puppy during the 2020–2021 pandemic (i.e. ‘pandemic

Puppy'). PLOS


A total of 382 adult caregivers and 216 children (aged 8–17) were surveyed. PLOSTopics covered included expectations versus reality in puppy ownership, the involvement of children in dog care, the mental health of children and adults, and living with a dog in a family context. PLOS


Positive aspects


· Many families described the dog as an ‘unconditional friend’, with children in particular

reporting that their dog brought them comfort, companionship and joy.

· Exercise, walks together and genuine family moments were

more frequently cited as positive effects – e.g. as a means of getting children out of the house

or stimulating conversation. PLOS

· For some children, the dog was an important emotional support during lockdown

: > ‘My dog was always there when I was bored ...’ (11-year-old girl)


Challenging aspects


· Over a third of adult respondents (37.3%) said that at least one

aspect of puppy ownership was more difficult than expected. PLOS

· First-time dog owners reported significantly more

problems, e.g. with the puppy and the child, than experienced owners. PLOS

· Many children were less involved in caring for the dog than their

parents had expected – for example, when it came to feeding, walking or playing with the dog. PLOS

· In 6.1% of households, consideration was given to giving the dog away (relinquishment).

Main reasons: underestimation of the time required or behavioural problems with the dog. PLOS


Family and household dynamics


· The study clearly shows that the relationship between dogs and children cannot be viewed as an isolated

pair (dog-owner). Rather, a dog influences the entire

family system: relationships between the dog and each child, between parents

and the dog, and responsibilities in the household. PLOS

· Many of the primary caregivers surveyed (about 95%) were women, which

suggests that dog ownership is often associated with female care and nurturing work

and can therefore increase the ‘maternal mental load’. PLOS


Significance for dog owners

This study provides some important guidelines that we as dog owners should consider:


· Question your motivation for getting a dog: If getting a puppy

is primarily seen as a means of improving mental health or as a substitute for

other areas of life, there is a risk that expectations and

reality will diverge.


· Have realistic expectations: A puppy does not only bring joy – training, time,

responsibility and potential problems are all part of the package. First-time dog owners

should be aware of this.


· Actively shape the child-dog relationship: Children should be involved in

caring for the dog in an age-appropriate manner – clear roles, responsibilities

and safe interactions are important.


· Create a safety framework: According to the study, many children were allowed to interact with thedog in ways that carry an increased risk (e.g. during feeding, with

physical contact) – parents should be aware of safe boundaries. PLOS


·Consider the whole family system: Dog ownership does not only affect the owner

– siblings, partners, household and everyday life are also involved.


Communication about roles, responsibilities and expectations is therefore essential.

The study makes it clear that multi-person households with children and dogs have a special dynamic – and that previous research has focused too much on the individual dog-owner dyad. In future, interventions and information services for new dog owners should not only focus on the dog owner, but on all family members. PLOS


Practices, dog training schools and animal welfare organisations could offer special introductory workshops, e.g. for families with children, covering topics such as • safe child-dog interaction • realistic puppy acquisition • expectations & everyday life • the role of each family member.


Dr Dominique Tordy, veterinarian and animal health expert and founder of Pet Royalz in Cologne
Dr Dominique Tordy, veterinarian and animal health expert and founder of Pet Royalz in Cologne

Dr Dominique Tordy, veterinarian from Cologne emphasises how closely emotional attachment and medical care are intertwined: "When you buy a puppy, you are often told that, in addition to fun activities and cuddly moments, you can also expect restrictions in everyday life and costs. But no one can prepare you for how much you will grow to love your dog and how strong your desire will be to stay with them for as long as possible. Good, peaceful veterinary medicine is an important building block for a long, happy dog life. That's why I've made this my mission."


To dispel the fear of visiting the vet, we can make it a fun experience. This is possible at Dr Dominique Tordy's Royalz combined facility in Cologne: at the Medical Fun training area of Pet Royalz, dogs and their owners can learn about veterinary medicine with professional guidance and try out examination procedures at their leisure. At the adjoining Tordy's Royalz veterinary practice, they can find help in a relaxed atmosphere if their four-legged friend does fall ill.

Getting a puppy can be a wonderful step – full of joy, closeness and family bonding. But it also brings with it responsibilities, time commitments and dynamics that are often underestimated. The study by Belshaw et al. shows that dogs can enrich family life – but only if all those involved (adults, children, dogs) are taken into consideration. Expectations, safe interactions and our willingness to reflect are key. Those who take these aspects into account can start the adventure of puppy ownership better prepared and fully enjoy the positive aspects.


 
 
 

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