The bond between dogs and babies is almost mythical, enigmatic to adult humans lacking in the magic of children and animals. However, there are some practical reasons why dogs like babies that even we grown-ups can understand.
HighlightsDogs are protective of babies, reflecting their instinctual pack behavior.Breeds like Newfoundlands and Pit Bulls are naturally gentle with children.Preparations and supervision ensure safety between dogs and babies.Dogs can sense pregnancy and changes in family dynamics.Positive reinforcement helps build a bond between dogs and babies.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to ourdisclaimerfor more details..
Why are Dogs Gentle with Babies?
Image credits:Picsea.
Instinctual and Learned Gentleness
Dogs are known best for their loyal and protective nature. This is especially true when it comes to vulnerable family members, particularly children.
A dog’s instinctual protective nature stems from their pack animal origins. Protecting the young ensures the species’ survival.
However, a dog’s special interest in babies likely goes deeper than instinct.
When a dog sees the gentle way in which humans handle and care for children, they mirror the behavior, the same way they mimic so much of what we do. Your verbal cues and body language are crucial in guiding a dog’s behavior around babies.
Breed-specific Gentleness
Most family dogs tend to be gentle with babies. However, some breeds are more naturally inclined towards gentleness than others.
How do Dogs Show Interest in Babies?
Pre-birth Sensing
Dogs often act more protective of and gentle around a pregnant mother as the pregnancy progresses.
Precautions for Dog Owners
Ensuring safety is vital when it comes to interactions between dogs and babies. While most dogs are protective and trustworthy, constant supervision is demanded to be sure that dogs are gentle with babies.
Getting Started
Image credits:Minnie Zhou.
Initial interactions should be highly controlled. Start with one adult holding the child while another has the dog on a leash. This allows you to safely gauge how your dog will react and if they seem to understand the child’s vulnerability.
Shared Space Interactions
Neither should attempt to take food or toys from the other. Play must be kept under control, as overly amped kids and dogs often result in unintentional injuries.
Handling Aggression
Things to look for are stiffness, nervous signs like yawns and whale eye, and particularly growls or snaps. If you see ANY of these signs, separate the dog and child immediately.
Take this behavior seriously. Even if you think the bond between the two of you is ironclad, dogs have feelings and instincts they have never had before when they’re being protective of babies.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a dog trainer or a veterinarian. You need to understand the root of the aggression to learn how to manage it.
Building the Bond Between Dogs and Babies
Image credits:Zachary Kadolph.
As your child grows, involve them in as many dog-related activities as possible. Simple tasks like helping to feed the dog, playing with them, and going on walks make the dog see the child as a tiny human, but one who can meet their needs.
As soon as your child can talk, encourage them to practice basic obedience commands with your dog. This instills a sense of leadership in your child and a sense of respect for the child in your dog.
In Conclusion, Why Do Dogs Like Babies?
The relationship between dogs and babies is perhaps the clearest demonstration of the family dog’s gentle and protective nature.
FAQ
Why do dogs know to be gentle with babies?
Why do dogs trust us with their babies?
Dogs trust us with their puppies because they see us as human family members. It makes sense that they should trust us with their puppies, just as we trust them with our babies.
Do dogs like to be cradled?
The preference for being cradled can vary from dog to dog. Some dogs may find cradling comforting, while others may find it restrictive or anxiety-inducing. Let your dog choose to push closer to you rather than pulling it in.
2Kviews2Kviews
Pet Wellness
