Dogs have long been described as “man’s best friend,” and many people believe they enhance well-being. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a surge of “pandemic puppies” were purchased for emotional support. However, evidence of the mental health benefits of dog companionship remains inconsistent, and most research focuses only on a puppy’s main caregiver. This study looked at the wider impact of living with a puppy by including perspectives from both adults and children.

Researchers surveyed U.K. families with children aged eight to 17 who acquired a puppy from a private seller either before the COVID-19 pandemic (2019) or during it (2020–2021). Adults were asked about their relationship with the dog and their own mental health, as well as how they believed their child was affected. Children reflected on their own well-being and their bond with the dog. The survey was conducted in 2023 and asked participants to reflect on two time points: when the puppy was under six months old and at the time of the survey. In total, 382 adults and 216 children took part.

The study also originally aimed to make comparisons between families who acquired puppies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the pre-pandemic sample was too small to allow meaningful analysis. Thus, results were reported for both groups as a whole.

Mental Health Expectations Versus Reality

Mental health outcomes were mixed. Despite many families hoping for emotional support, acquiring a puppy wasn’t consistently linked to enhanced adult or child well-being.

Caregivers didn’t report meaningful changes in their own mental health, nor did they perceive clear improvements in their children’s mental health. Children’s own reports echoed this pattern, suggesting that while puppies can bring joy and companionship, they don’t necessarily provide the mental health boost families may expect.

Even so, many families still described emotional positives such as companionship, comfort, and a stronger sense of routine. These experiences were especially valued by some families during the pandemic, even if they didn’t translate into measurable improvements in mental health.

When Affection Becomes Risky For Dogs

Most children described feelings of happiness, comfort, and companionship from living with a dog. Many showed affection to the puppy through close physical contact, such as hugging, kissing, or snuggling. However, some of these behaviors can be stressful for dogs, such as when children approach them while they’re eating or resting. This can increase the risk of bites.

The study found that many caregivers and children were unaware that these interactions could cause stress. Some caregivers also reported difficulty stopping their children from interacting closely with the dog, even when the dog displayed clear signs of discomfort such as growling.

Family Roles And Care Responsibilities

Beyond safety concerns, families also reported practical challenges of living with a puppy, particularly if this was their first dog. Training was often more difficult than expected, with many families reporting frustration around jumping up, nipping, and biting.

Caregivers also tended to underestimate how much their children would help with dog care. Around one in five adults felt their children had taken less responsibility than expected, which sometimes left them feeling frustrated and stressed. Over 20% also said their children played with the dog less than expected.

At the same time, caregivers sometimes underestimated the difficulties their children faced, such as feeling annoyed or overwhelmed by the puppy’s attention-seeking behaviors. These mismatched experiences highlight the importance of discussing roles and responsibilities before bringing a puppy home.

Study Limitations

As with any survey-based study, there are a few important caveats to keep in mind. Families were asked to recall events from when their puppies were under six months old, which in some cases was several years earlier. Therefore, the findings may be influenced by imperfect memories.

The results also reflect only those who still had their dogs at the time of the survey, so experiences from families who may have faced more serious challenges and rehomed their puppies aren’t captured here.

It’s also worth noting that some of the puppies in this study were raised during the COVID-19 pandemic, when reduced socialization and limited access to in-person training could’ve shaped both behavior and family experiences.

Key Takeaways For Advocates

This study shows that while puppies can bring joy to families, they may also introduce unexpected challenges, particularly around children’s behavior, training demands, and unmet expectations about mental health benefits.

For advocates, these findings can inform education, outreach, and public messaging to help families make informed decisions and reduce risks to both dogs and children.

• Promote realistic expectations: Families may overestimate the mental health benefits of getting a puppy and the level of care children will provide.
• Highlight child-dog safety: Many children engage in risky interactions without recognizing stress cues. Clear, accessible resources could reduce bite risk and support dog welfare.
• Support first-time dog guardians: This group reported more difficulties with training and behavior, suggesting a need for targeted guidance and early support.
• Encourage whole-family planning: A puppy affects everyone in the household. Advocates can help families discuss roles and responsibilities before acquiring a dog.