Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training
Published on: July 27, 2022
Pet dogs and child physical activity: the role of child-dog attachment
A M Gadomski1, M B Scribani1, N Krupa1
1Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, NY, USA.
Insights
Stronger bonds between children and pet dogs are linked to more physical activity. This connection may help combat childhood obesity by encouraging active play with canine companions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Animal-Human Interaction
- Obesity Prevention
Background:
- Dog ownership is linked to increased physical activity in children.
- This heightened activity may serve as a factor in mitigating childhood obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between child-dog attachment and physical activity levels.
- To examine the relationship between child-dog attachment and screen time.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 370 children (ages 4-10) with pet dogs.
- Utilized DartScreen web-based screener and Companion Animal Bonding Scale (CABS).
- Measured child body mass index (BMI), physical activity, screen time, and dog attachment.
Main Results:
- A strong association was found between the Companion Animal Bonding Scale (CABS) and time spent being active with the dog.
- No significant association was observed between CABS and BMI z-score or screen time.
Conclusions:
- Higher levels of child attachment to pet dogs correlate with increased child physical activity.
- This suggests a potential role for the human-animal bond in promoting active lifestyles in children.
Background:
Dog ownership has been associated with increased physical activity in children which in turn may mitigate childhood obesity.
Objective:
To measure the association between child-dog attachment and child physical activity and screen time.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study including 370 children (ages 4-10) who had pet dogs in the home. Parents completed the DartScreen, a web-based screener, before a well-child visit. Screener domains included child body mass index (BMI), physical activity, screen time and dog-related questions. The Companion Animal Bonding Scale (CABS) was used to measure child attachment to the dog. Clinic nurses weighed and measured the children. Associations between CABS, BMI z-score, screen time and physical activity were estimated.
Results:
CABS was strongly associated with time spent being active with the dog (F = 22.81, p < 0.0001), but not with BMI z-score or screen time.
Conclusions:
A higher level of child attachment to a pet dog is associated with increased child physical activity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
03:40Dimensional Analysis
Conversion Factors and Dimensional Analysis
The unit...
01:28Behaviorism
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...