It's common to see dogs being more gentle, protective, show more interest, or bark/whine when you take the baby away. Reasons for such behavior according to experts is that dogs can tell there is a size difference between adults and babies as well the scent from babies being different from that of adults.
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.
'” 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.
Although there is no study (yet) showing that dogs can sense pregnancy in humans, it's really not that much of a stretch to assume that they might be able to sense when an owner has a baby on board.
Dogs are brilliant; they understand that babies are defenseless family members and not just a tiny human. They strongly feel the urge to protect and be gentle with babies for various reasons our experts have observed.
Settling into Life with Baby
Your time is without a doubt now divided between your fur-baby and its new “sibling.” Some dogs will naturally adapt to this change, but some may become destructive as a way to get attention, while others may become overly protective of their new human.
Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that regardless of breed or the size of your dog he can get jealous if you bring a new baby into the family. Your furry family member is even more likely to get jealous if he is male, and the chances also increase even more if your dog has not been neutered or spayed.
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.
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.
Protective Behavior
A dog protects a young child instinctively. The following ways show evidence of this: Standing guard over the baby and watching over it attentively. Being more alert and responsive to potential threats or dangers in the environment.
Dr. Barrack points out that changes at home will always have an effect on a dog. “Your dog is smart enough to pick up on these changes during pregnancy, both in a physical way — which is how your body will be changing, your stomach, your smell — and in an emotional way, such as your feelings and your mood,” she says.
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 like young children when told to leave something alone, dogs only become more curious. By allowing the dog to investigate, you reduce the new baby's likelihood becoming a “big deal” to the dog. Generally, dogs will want to sniff the baby and may nudge the baby with their nose or even lick the baby.
History of Dogs' Memories
Those that remain with their mother for the first 8 weeks tend to remember her (as well as their siblings) in later life. Similarly, females who are with their puppies for 8 weeks and beyond imprint a memory of them, and will show signs of recollection, even once they reach adulthood.
It's extremely common for many pet parents to talk "baby talk" to their fur babies on the regular, just like I do. According to ScienceDaily, a previous study revealed that dogs eagerly respond to infant-directed speech. Speaking to them in such a way can potentially strengthen the bond you have together.
Neither human nor dog responded much to the sound of a baby babbling or the radio static. But the sound of the baby crying caused a dramatic rise in cortisol levels in both species. It's a reaction that lead author Ted Ruffman to describe it as low-level empathy.
Your pet may not only be feeling displaced but also overwhelmed by all the new noises and smells in the house. 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.
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. Some of this upset may stem from the fact that your dog isn't used to hearing a baby cry, and he or she simply doesn't know what to make of it.
There's a reason dogs might seem more inseparable from their pregnant owners, as the parents-to-be get further along in their pregnancies. Not only do pups notice growing baby bumps, but some experts believe dogs can pick up on a change in scent from expectant mothers, according to the American Kennel Club.
Oftentimes, dogs lick babies, especially mobile babies, because they are asking for space or to be left alone. That type of licking has nothing to do with affection, these are not doggie kisses. How can you tell the difference? That means your dog is asking for space.
Dr. Thomas Kass, a veterinarian in Wall Township, New Jersey agrees that sloppy kisses need to be nipped in the bud for two big reasons: Germs, and the dog trying to establish dominance over the baby.
This may seem counter-intuitive and may even go against the advice of your dog trainer or dog trainers you have seen on TV. 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.
He can distinctly smell your scent on the clothes whether they are clean or dirty. Or in other words, what your dog discerns as the 'pack scent. ' You see, dogs have instincts that remind them of their ancestors in the wild. Their pack (or now your family) has a distinct smell.