The Family Pet Can Teach Kids Social Skills
LA Youth Program Shows How Dogs Can Help Child Behavior
Oct 18, 2009
In a program called "Teaching Love and Compassion" in Los Angeles, the local Humane Society partners with schools in the area and pairs at-risk youth between 11-13 with shelter dogs that also have behavior problems.
The youth typically come from disadvantaged homes and have shown a tendency toward violent behavior. Some of them are already involved with gangs. Others are extremely shy, many are severely withdrawn or angry, and still others have either been bully victims, or have been bullies themselves.
Dog Therapy Benefits At-Risk Youth and Unwanted Animals
The kids involved in the TLC program groom the dogs, give them attention and companionship, and teach them basic obedience; as a result, the dogs become more appealing and adoptable, and their chances of finding permanent homes are increased. It's an opportunity for success and a deep connection with another living being that some of the kids have never before experienced.
At the same time, the troubled teens develop social skills such as:
- Communication skills and friendliness
- Compassion and kindness
- Empathy
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Patience
- Conflict resolution
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Cooperation
Pet-Therapy Program Improves Chances of Healthy Relationships
The TLC program reports that, as a result of the four-week experience, the youth involved with the shelter animals are empowered and feel a sense of success for having had a positive influence on the life of another living creature, even if it's just an unwanted shelter dog. Perhaps more importantly, the at-risk youth have learned valuable social skills that will help them to interact with others without aggression or violence.
The love that these at-risk youth develop for the dogs has far-reaching effects on the kids' lives; the TLC program reports that their reading scores go up, their detention rates go down, and they are more likely to grow into caring adults who can tune into others' feelings and have healthy relationships.
Family Pets Can Teach Kids Similar Lessons
Pets have tremendous value in teaching kids empathy, which is the ability to notice the feelings of others and care enough to change one's own behavior if it's making someone feel sad or uncomfortable. Empathy is an essential skill for developing and maintaining healthy relationships throughout life, beginning with childhood relationships.
"Studies demonstrate that children who interact with animals have higher levels of self esteem, greater empathy, and better social skills," reports Elizabeth Omerod, a veterinary surgeon who writes on the human-animal bond and is a and member of the Pet Health Council in London, England. "I often witness positive attitudinal changes in young people following the introduction of animals to their lives," she said.
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