None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
There is emerging evidence that dog ownership is associated with increased levels of physical activity in children, thus it is plausible that dog ownership may provide other health and development benefits for children. Dog-facilitated play and activity increases the amount of time children spend interacting and bonding with their dog and may be an important mechanism for facilitating developmental benefits such as improved self-esteem, self-regulation, empathy, autonomy, reduced stress levels and increased attachment to their dog. A key evidence gap exists around the effect of increased interaction with companion animals via pet-facilitated play and activity and its impact on both health and developmental outcomes in young children. This study aims to pilot test companion animal-based interventions for improving children’s health and developmental outcomes. We hypothesize that strategies to increase children’s active play and walking with the family dog will improve children’s health and development.
Interventions
All participants: Upon registering their interest to participate, parents will be sent a Participant Information Sheet for Parents and a consent form. Once parents have consented to participate, they will be provided with a study information pack which is sent via post. The pack includes the Participant Information Sheet for Parents, covering letters specific for each intervention group describing the intervention in detail, and any other study material pertinent to the intervention group (descr
All participants: Upon registering their interest to participate, parents will be sent a Participant Information Sheet for Parents and a consent form. Once parents have consented to participate, they will be provided with a study information pack which is sent via post. The pack includes the Participant Information Sheet for Parents, covering letters specific for each intervention group describing the intervention in detail, and any other study material pertinent to the intervention group (described below). Intervention Group 1 (“SMS group”): 50 families will receive personalised mobile phone text messages 3 times a week over 4 weeks to encourage more active play and interaction between the child and the family dog and family dog walking. Prior to the start of the intervention, an intervention information pack on (1) tips and advice on how children should safely interact and play with their dog, (2) indoor and outdoor games the child can play with their dog, and (3) dog-friendly walking trails around Perth, Western Australia, will be posted out to parents. Intervention Group 2 (“Dog pedometer and SMS group”): 50 families will receive the same text messaging intervention and intervention information pack as Group 1. They will also be provided with a dog pedometer to record the number of dog steps during play or walking, and a personalized dog steps diary for the child to complete. Data collection will occur at three time points: baseline, 1-month post intervention and 3-months post intervention.
Sponsors
Associate Professor Hayley Christian
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
5 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Child aged between 5 to 8 years 2. Child should not have a significant condition that would affect participation in physical activity or interacting with the family dog. 3. The family dog is well socialised with the child and other people 4. A parent / guardian should be able to supervise the child to ensure safe dog play and dog walking practices (information is provided). 5. A parent / guardian need to be able to read and understand the study participant information sheet and explain it to the child.
Exclusion criteria
1. Child not within age group 2. Do not have a dog 3. Family dog has health and/or behavioural issues which may affect playing or walking activities with the child
Outcome results
None listed