Is it advisable to get a dog when children are around the age of 3? How do pets help to enhance a child's growth?

There are a lot of articles and research which supports the idea that children and pets can co-exist. This is because domesticated pets based on research, have a lot of positive benefits to children (of all ages). These articles I've read support the idea that it is safe to have pets at home when you have kids, in fact, even infants: http://ph.theasianparent.com/babies_and_pets_can_they_co_exist/ http://ph.theasianparent.com/puppies-help-babies-lower-risk-asthma-later-life/ The general idea is that pet's hair is theoretically not an allergen as long as you keep your pet clean all the time. There are also studies that kids who are exposed to pets have lesser chance to develop allergies. I believe that having a pet can help a child (even as early as the age of 3) be responsible in small ways. It can also improve him/her emotional growth.