A new study suggests that teenagers with high levels of social anxiety may benefit from caring for a dog.The research, published in the Journal of Adolescence, looked at more than 500 teens and found that those who cared for a dog showed better coping skills, including emotional regulation, problem -solving and positive thinking.Researchers say the bond matters more than simply owning a dog. Teens who had a positive relationship with their dog showed the most benefits.Those who viewed their pets as a substitute for human relationships often showed less effective coping strategies.Numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that more than a fifth of teens report struggling with anxiety and stress. Similar research has shown that having a dog can help ease some of those symptoms.Pets can also provide a sense of purpose and shared responsibility, both of which researchers say are important during developmental years.Permalink| Comments ...read more read less