New insights from researchers indicate that families with dogs tend to have children who are more physically active than those from pet-free homes. The findings come from a study conducted by scientists at the University of Western Australia and were published in a peer‑reviewed journal focused on behavioral nutrition and physical activity. The result adds to a growing body of evidence about how everyday relationships with pets can shape child health and daily movement patterns.
In the long-term evaluation, researchers tracked 600 Australian families over a three-year period to observe how children’s mobility levels shifted as dogs joined or left the household. The participating children were aged between two and seven years at the start of the study. To quantify movement, investigators used accelerometers, small devices attached to the body that precisely record time spent sitting, standing, walking, and engaging in energetic activities. These objective measurements provide a reliable picture of activity that goes beyond self‑reported diaries or recall-based methods.
During the research window, about half of the children did not have a dog at the outset. Over the three years, 204 families welcomed a dog, while 58 children gained canine companions during the study. Conversely, 31 children experienced the loss of a family dog. Such transitions offered a natural experiment to assess how the presence or absence of a dog influences daily activity levels across different life stages and family routines.
The analysis revealed a clear association: families with dogs saw a meaningful uptick in everyday physical activity among their children. This pattern was especially pronounced in girls, who increased their daily activity by nearly an hour, specifically around 52 minutes, when a dog joined the household. Boys and girls who acquired a dog also showed higher levels of unstructured activity, often characterized by spontaneous outdoor play and frequent trips to parks for walks or informal games. The presence of a dog appeared to stimulate regular movement rather than relying solely on organized sports or structured exercise.
In contrast, children within families that lost a dog generally displayed reduced movement over time. The shift suggests that the family dynamic around pet care and companionship can have a measurable influence on a child’s daily activity choices. While the changes were most evident in the children who gained a dog, the study underscores a broader pattern: pets may act as catalysts for routine physical activity, encouraging kids to choose active options over sedentary pastimes.
Experts highlighted several important implications for health and development. Regular physical activity is essential for cardiovascular health, weight management, and mental well‑being. For young children, consistent movement supports motor skills, balance, and confidence, while also reducing the risk of later health concerns such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The researchers emphasized that simply inviting a dog into the family can be a practical motivator for families to spend more time outdoors, walk together, and engage in play that gets everyone moving. The companionship, routine, and accountability a furry friend provides can translate into healthier daily habits for children.
Beyond the immediate findings, the study invites a broader discussion about how pet ownership intersects with family life, urban design, and community resources. Safe parks, sidewalks, and accessible dog‑friendly spaces can amplify the benefits by providing regular venues for outdoor activity. For families considering a new dog, these insights offer a practical glimpse into how a pet might influence not only household routines but also a child’s long-term health trajectory. Observers should note that while the results are compelling, individual circumstances such as family time constraints, neighborhood safety, and personal preferences will shape how pets influence activity levels in any given household. Researchers also encourage continued exploration into how different dog breeds, temperaments, and training approaches might modulate the activity outcomes observed in diverse populations.
Overall, the study reinforces a simple, tangible takeaway: bringing a dog into the home can be a meaningful driver of increased daily movement for young children, with the potential to contribute to healthier behaviors as they grow. The evidence highlights the value of pets as partners in promoting physical activity, rather than viewing them solely as companions for quiet moments at home. The research adds to the growing recognition that everyday environments and relationships play a crucial role in shaping children’s health outcomes.
Note: prior research has explored various aspects of dog ownership and family life, including trends in activity and sedentary behavior observed in children as they interact with their pets.