Babies wanted for study

Calling all things cute and cuddly.

Researchers at the University of B.C. are looking for participants with babies to help with a study looking at whether having a dog in the home contributes to enhanced language development in infants.

Families with infants between two and six months of age are invited to participate. Both families with and without pet dogs are eligible. Researchers are hoping to find 100 participants: Fifty families with a dog and a baby, and 50 with a baby and no pet.

Participating infants will take part in two “fun tasks” over about an hour at the UBC Infant Studies Centre, and after the study, all babies will receive an honorary UBC degree certificate, as well as a little infant scientist T-shirt.

Parents interested in taking part can sign up online, or contact UBC by phone at 604-822-6408, or by email at infants@psych.ubc.ca.

The study is funded by a grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada, which supports research on animal welfare.