But as well as being a steep learning curve for both mum and dad, it can also be a massive upheaval for the dog. Not only will they have the new arrival to get used to, they'll also have to adapt to sharing your attention with the baby. There's a chance that some dogs could feel left out.
In fact, dogs are pretty tuned into the changes that happen in a woman's body when she is pregnant, and even though they may not be able to determine what these changes mean, they do notice them. Dogs will be able to see and smell a number of different changes happening in the life of their pregnant owner.
Just like an older sibling might experience jealousy with the arrival of a new baby in the house - dogs can experience that same emotion of envy as well, especially if they feel like they have to compete for your attention.
When your dog seems sad or depressed after you bring home a baby, it's likely due to the fact that the household dynamic has changed. If they stop participating in things they once enjoyed, seem sluggish, or stop eating, drinking, or sleeping, they may be going through a bout of depression.
Dogs can easily tell that babies are babies. Not only their size they can sense that these babies need more care and attention. Many dogs will become very protective over new babies and claim them as their own.
For example, they can sense that a baby is vulnerable and harmless. You might see a dog sniff or lick a baby's face or rear end; don't let this behavior scare you as it's their way of checking the baby's health.
Fortunately, most dogs look upon a baby with curiosity and interest and will show no signs of aggression or other negative behavior. However, some dogs may perceive an infant as a strange mammal or even a potential item of prey. "Dogs that have never seen a baby may not view them as human beings."
Just as the cries of a new baby may make a new parent anxious, they often have the same effect on dogs. This can cause anxiety-related behaviors such as chewing, toileting accidents, and sometimes aggressive behavior. There are things you can do, however, to minimize the stress your dog feels when your baby cries.
They Show Disdain Via Hissing Or Barking
It's a warning, essentially, reminding you that they were here first so you should take that tiny human elsewhere... and ASAP. According to Petful, a dog is feeling threatened and might bite if they show their teeth and expel a low, rumbling growl.
A crying baby can also be very stressful for parents, and that can make the experience even more worrisome for your dog. While you can't fully role-play all the factors involved in a crying baby, you can get dogs used to the sound portion of the experience.
To help your dog and baby coexist, give him a treat when the baby cries, squeals or coos so he'll associate those baby sounds with something positive. And instead of making all things baby off-limits, let your furry companion take a whiff of your little one's feet, clothes and diapers as you hold each one to his nose.
A dog's mouth carries a lot of germs, which can easily be passed to people. This is especially problematic for babies and immune suppressed adults. Both are at an increased risk of contracting infections and parasites from dogs. So, even though it may look cute, a dog licking a baby's face should not be allowed.
If your dog growls at your child he is sending a clear warning that he is very uncomfortable with the actions or proximity of the child. Be grateful that your dog chose to warn with a growl rather than going straight to a bite.
When someone is pregnant, their body chemistry changes and that causes changes in odor. No matter how small of a change has taken place, your dog can smell it. Your dog has ultrasound-level hearing, too, so it's likely they can hear crying in the womb, which can happen as soon as the 28th week of pregnancy.
If she is doing things like growling, snarling or even snapping, she's giving signals. She's telling you that she isn't comfortable. You have to listen and never punish her for her behaviour.
Professor Ruffman states that this indicates the presence of empathy, meaning that the dogs subconsciously felt upset in response to the baby's distress. Canine behavior experts have also stated that dogs pick up on the energy around them and that the energy of a crying baby causes the dog to feel upset.
Keep the dog on a leash during their first meeting.
When you bring the baby inside, keep calm and relaxed, so your dog follows your cue. Let the dog observe and sniff the baby from a distance. Each day, allow the dog to come closer and closer, so the dog learns proper boundaries with the baby.
While your baby is tiny, you will generally be able to keep them and your pets apart for most of the time. Keep pets out of the room they sleep in, and never let a pet share a bed with your baby. Always introduce your pets gently to a new baby. Dogs may feel jealous of a new baby when you first bring them home.
Besides just the sound being an issue, your pup may be picking up on the discomfort that is causing the baby to cry. If this is the case then Fido could start whining and retreating to escape the stressful environment. Even us humans can be less than comfortable around crying babies.
There are many viral videos of dogs “ tucking a newborn in.” Based on the comments, most people assume the dog is trying to keep the baby warm or showing love—great big sister, caring big brother type of thing. Unfortunately, those seemingly “sweet” and “cute” behaviors are actually food caching behaviors.
Never leave the baby alone with the dog even for a second. Dogs can become agitated by the sounds and movements of a baby. Dogs have been know to try to move a baby by carrying the baby in their mouths the way a mother dog might do with her puppies.
Well, turns out, dogs love that! Studies show that dogs bond easily with humans who form high-pitched speech patterns. Just like babies, pups respond to easy and positive language interactions.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Either anxious or potential predatory behavior may be exhibited in the form of intense watching of the baby, startling or quick movements in response to the baby's cries or movements, barking at the baby, or engaging in more nipping or herding behavior toward other targets while the baby is around.
Do dogs like baby voice? It turns out dogs do like baby voice—at least for a while. A 2018 study out of the University of York found that dogs preferred the company of people who used PDS or DDS when discussing dog-related topics. The canines were less interested in humans using regular speech.