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 tend to be more protective of babies and small children as well, but that doesn't mean that dogs really understand what babies are or what we call them. Dogs can tell a difference, but they probably don't know just what a baby is.
A newborn brings a whole range of new smells and sounds into your home, and perhaps the most worrying is crying. Remember, your dog picks up on energy, and the energy that your baby is giving off while crying is anything but calm and assertive. Your dog may become distressed, too, whimpering, whining, and barking.
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.
Again, there's no definitive answer that your dog can sense signs of labor. But as you get closer and closer to delivery, your body will go through some 11th-hour changes that your dog might notice. And as a result, they may become extra protective and clingy, following you around the home to make sure you're OK.
A dog responds to his humans' verbal cues and body language with an infant. Thus, when owners display a calm, protective demeanor, the dog can learn to be sensitive and cautious.
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.
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.
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.
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!”)
Dogs Are Aware Of Their Size
They are often more gentle, curious, and protective of infants. While dogs likely don't know a baby is a baby they are aware that babies are small, fragile, vulnerable and helpless. In fact, many dogs will be found mothering babies in the same way dogs would mother puppies.
Many dogs experience anxiety when their lifestyles are drastically altered. Although things will change with the arrival of your new baby, you can minimize your dog's stress by gradually getting her used to these changes in advance.
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.
"Dogs sniff babies because they cast off a variety of smells that can attract dogs, from the scent of the baby itself to the scent of what's in the babies' diapers or even the scent of spit-up. Things that we normally find disgusting are very alluring to dogs," Basset says.
It is perfectly normal for your dog to assert some protectiveness over the newborn, however, if he or she is overly protective, it might be time to look into how you can encourage more appropriate behavior in your dog.
Dogs lick because they are nervous, to show dominance, or just because something, or someone, tastes good. None of these are reasons to encourage or condone your dog licking your baby. In addition, there are health hazards associated with your dog's baby-licking behavior.
A dog may bite simply because he is startled and feels defensive. Babies and young children are also smaller than a lot of breeds. Dogs are pack animals and may see themselves as superior to the baby. Nipping the baby may be your pooch's way of telling the baby who is boss.
Toxic to both cats and dogs are Tulips, Azalea, Bird of Paradise, Aloe, Begonias, Baby's Breath, and Amaryllis.
Introduce Them Gradually
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.
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.
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.
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.