You may even notice that some dogs tend to treat human babies like their own puppies. While humans haven't quite figured out how dogs know that babies are more fragile than adults, it is good for most dog owners that dogs seem to know these things naturally.
Why are dogs so protective towards babies even though they know it's not their own baby? Babies from all species give off a scent when they are young which differs from adults. Animals can tell from this smell that the child is not a threat, and is a vulnerable child. This leads to a protective instinct by the animal.
Dog's pick up on our body language and demeanor; if we maintain a calm and composed posture around babies, they understand the situation's sensitivity. The key to making your dog act cautious around babies includes early socialization with infants as a part of their training program.
Generally, dogs will want to sniff the baby and may nudge the baby with their nose or even lick the baby. For the most part, unless the baby was born with a particularly weak immune system or other health concern, these actions are perfectly fine and are a normal investigation process for your dog.
Dogs are extremely loyal members of the family and just like humans they can experience a variety of different emotions - including jealousy. This can especially be the case when someone new becomes a member of the family, such as a newborn baby and seems to get all the attention and affection.
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.
While your dog may not care much about adults, you might notice that your dog seems especially interested in babies. There is no evidence on why this is, but experts believe that it could be because they smell a difference between adults and babies.
For dogs, their natural instinct when a newborn baby is introduced into its pack is to think of it as a more vulnerable member of their family. Thus, needing protecting.
Well, a recent study published in “Animal Cognition” last month, found that dogs actually respond well to baby talk. Researchers at the University of York in the United Kingdom tested two different types of speech on dogs.
Even before the human baby arrives, your dog will sense change is coming. From the physical changes in mom to changes around the house. New furniture and strange new baby paraphernalia appear. Your pup may even sense the excitement and nervousness you may be feeling!
Possible reasons for the dog's response:
The dog howls because they have learned that this gets the baby to quiet down. 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!”)
Tips Once You and Your New Baby Are Home
After your pet becomes accustomed to the baby's smells and sounds, it's okay to let him sniff the baby. Leash your dog during early encounters; you can gradually allow him to sniff off-leash while supervised. A few more pointers: Never leave your pet and baby unsupervised.
Dogs who show aggression toward a new baby in the home often do so because they have not been well socialized to children and find them foreign and frightening. Some dogs don't fear babies, but they become aggressive when guarding their food, toys or chew bones.
The unusual sounds and unpredictable movements of babies and small children can trigger arousal in any dog and can lead to bites. Even the smallest nip to a baby can be traumatic. Never leave a baby on the floor with a dog, even if you are there next to them. A nervous dog can move very quickly.
Canines are smitten with babies and can form strong connections because of the amount of time spent together. Both a baby and a dog, especially a young pup, have a common desire for a playmate and someone who will give them attention.
Dogs and kids are a match made in heaven, but it can take some time for the bond to form. Don't set expectations that the magic will happen immediately. Teach or review basic commands before the baby arrives. Introduce your dog to new gear, new routines, and new smells before the baby comes home.
The Root of the Behavior
Animal behaviorists often refer to this as “caching” and it is a common behavior among predators. In the wild, a dog's ancestor may have ended up with more food than it could eat at that time so it would bury it to prevent other scavengers from stealing it.
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.
This very nature will surface even in a setting where the dog is surrounded by its human family and nose-nudging is used by the herding canine to guide its people especially kids. Australian Shepherd, Welsh Corgis, Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Smooth Collie are some shepherd dog breeds that are kept as pets.
Dealing with Dogs Feeling Babies Move
They don't understand that a baby, both in utero and after birth, is extremely fragile. Dogs can, however, feel and see the baby move, and they can hear it make noise in the womb. All of these little things help your dog bond with the baby before it is even born.
It is completely possible that your dog can hear an unborn baby's heartbeat in the womb. They may also be able to hear your baby cry in the womb, which can start at about 28 weeks. No matter what they are hearing, it is unavoidable that dogs know that there is something going on in the body of a pregnant woman.
Yes, puppies smell different, they have a hormone that tells adults they are babies so to be gentle and kind.
Don't worry, your dog won't forget you
She probably doesn't have fond memories of puppyhood. But she might remember watching you leave the house this morning, and her strong positive association with you mean she'll celebrate when you get home tonight.