Developing social skills

Zheng said such animal companionship can profoundly impact the way children interact with other people, too.

For example, Zhan was selected as team leader during games at the kindergarten.

"He knows how to ease conflicts and protect girls from being bullied by boys," his mother said.

"The lessons children learn about how they should treat a companion animal will shape the way they respect people when they are growing."

In addition, children with pets are better communicators, she added.

However, Beijing city officials urged parents to offer guidance to children with dogs or cats.

Beijing Dog Management Office Director Deng Xiangyang advised parents to get their children vaccinated before getting pets.

Zhao also said children learn how they should treat both animals and other people by watching how their parents treat family pets.

"Tell them how to behave properly around dogs and cats, and how to ensure hygiene by washing their hands after cuddling dogs."

(China Daily October 10, 2008)