The impact of a dog-facilitated mobile physical activity intervention on children’s social–emotional development: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Dog ownership has been suggested to be positively associated with children’s physical, social, and emotional development. This study investigated the effect of a mobile health dog-facilitated physical activity intervention on young children’s social–emotional development and attachment to the family dog.

Methods: 150 five- to ten-year-olds with a family dog(s) participated in the PLAYCE (‘PLAY Spaces and Environments for Children’s Physical Activity’)—PAWS study, a three-armed randomized controlled trial. Children were randomized into either the SMS-only, SMS + pedometer, or control group for four-weeks. Parents reported children’s social–emotional development (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), empathy (Young Children’s Empathy Measure), self-regulation (Fast Track Project Child Behavior Questionnaire), and attachment to the dog (Dogs and Physical Activity Tool). Linear mixed effects models examined intervention effects at one- and three-month follow-up.

Results: There were no significant differences observed between intervention and control groups at one- or three-month follow-up for social–emotional development, empathy, self-regulation, or attachment to the dog (all P-values > 0.05).

Conclusions: Larger interventions encouraging children to be physically active with their dog are required to confirm these findings and the impact of dog-facilitated physical activity interventions on child and family health and development outcomes. Longer intervention and follow-up periods are also needed.

DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaf142