A little more surprising is that the dogs liked hearing their favorite words and the baby talk voice together best of all. Especially puppies! So the next time you feel a little silly talking to your favorite four-legged family member like they're a baby, be proud instead. It's science.
Researchers looked at 37 pet dogs from volunteers to see how they reacted to baby speak, or 'dog-directed speech' (DDS). They discovered that, compared to a regular voice, DDS grabbed the dogs' attention and held it longer. It's also believed this type of speech can strengthen the bond between pooches and their owners.
According to some psychologists, “baby talk” is a way of maintaining proximity and remaining “in touch,” delivering warnings, encouragement, affection, and reassurance even without direct physical contact.
Firm(low volume and low pitch) Commands or corrections given with a firm tone get a dog's attention. Even though you are still your dog's best friend, he respects this tone of voice and realizes that he'd better listen now! If you say, “Stay”, he should do just that.
Yelling or raising your voice
Dogs are very sensitive to human tone of voice; it doesn't take a lot to effectively communicate that you are unhappy with their actions. This means that yelling or even raising your voice at your dog is not only unnecessary, but it can have unintended negative outcomes.
3. Soft and reassuring (low volume, high pitch) – A soothing tone of voice expresses affection and caring and is often used when bonding with your dog. Think of how you sound when trying to comfort a baby. Saying “Sweet pup” when petting your dog tells him that you really love him.
The very same high-pitched, melodic, and emotionally engaging voice that humans instinctively use with babies will catch and hold the attention of your dog—especially if you're using their favorite words (walkies, anyone?)
During a series of tests, dogs were spoken to in a high-pitched voice and again in a normal adult voice. Researchers then monitored which speaker the dogs responded to and wanted to interact with. PhD student Alex Benjamin said it seemed dogs were more likely to favour the speaker who used a high pitch.
If your dog is sensitive to strange noises, she might become agitated or frightened when she hears the baby cry. To help her get used to the sound in advance, purchase a recording of realistic baby noises and play it frequently.
Dogs are good at reading us, and they usually know when we are being affectionate, such as when we kiss them. Because they love affection from us, most dogs do like being kissed. However, they don't like the act of being kissed but rather that we give them attention and show affection.
When you are petting your dog, and he puts his paw on your arm or leg, it is kind of like petting you back. While most dogs can't do an actual stroking action, laying their paw on you is a sign of affection, closeness and trust This is his way of creating a special bond with you.
Calling a pet a child, or yourself its parent, ultimately reflects a misunderstanding of what animals are and what parenting is. We can call pets “pets” without loving them any less. We need not conflate animals and people in order to love either.
'” When a dog has a strong pack drive and is tightly bonded with his family, it's only natural that he becomes protective of a new baby when he or she arrives. Canines are smitten with babies and can form strong connections because of the amount of time spent together.
Dogs may lick a baby's face for a variety of reasons. It may be trying to play with the baby, or, it could be trying to assert its dominance over the child. Either way, this behavior should not be allowed for health and safety reasons. A dog's mouth carries a lot of germs, which can easily be passed to people.
Dogs are gentle with children, and they can form strong bonds with them due to the time they spend together. If you think about it deeply, both a puppy and a baby share the common interest of playing and exploring their surroundings. If your dog and your child have grown up together, their bond is inseparable.
Dogs like women's softer voices and smaller figures. They may be intimidated by a man's larger frame, deeper voice, and facial hair. Most veterinarians and primary caregivers are female, meaning dogs are more frequently exposed to women throughout their lives.
It's possible that puppies are born with a preference for high-pitched sounds, but they could also have a learned association with baby talk, seeing that it's often used in positive situations, like when attention and treats are given.
Experts in dog behavior believe that, in general, dogs do not like being embraced. However, every dog has a unique personality. Some may dislike hugs more strongly than others, and some may actually adore them. The closest thing our furry family members do to a hug is something referred to as 'standing over'.
Whining is one of many forms of canine vocal communication. Dogs most commonly whine when they're seeking attention, when they're excited, when they're anxious or when they're trying to appease you.
Possible reasons for the dog's response:
The dog howls because they don't like being near the baby. The dog howls because they're trying to get a human's attention and say: (“Pick up the baby and make it stop!”)
Dogs spend much of their day snoozing, but in the hours they're awake, they probably spend time thinking about some of the same things that a 2- or 3-year-old child would: “Solving problems, what's for dinner, what's that over there?” Hare says.
Reed says, “When a dog respects you, they will respect your space, listen and respond when you ask them to do something.” This also means they aren't constantly pestering you for attention. Respectful behaviors include: Coming when called (and not jumping up on you) Relaxing when you are otherwise occupied.
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!
Experts don't seem to know either. Dogs can hear, smell, and see babies, but they don't really know what a baby is, so it is shocking when dogs treat babies differently than adults. While your dog may not care much about adults, you might notice that your dog seems especially interested in babies.