If she is doing things like growling, snarling or even snapping, she's giving signals. She's telling you that she isn't comfortable. You have to listen and never punish her for her behaviour.
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.
They Show Disdain Via Hissing Or Barking
It's a warning, essentially, reminding you that they were here first so you should take that tiny human elsewhere... and ASAP. According to Petful, a dog is feeling threatened and might bite if they show their teeth and expel a low, rumbling growl.
Either anxious or potential predatory behavior may be exhibited in the form of intense watching of the baby, startling or quick movements in response to the baby's cries or movements, barking at the baby, or engaging in more nipping or herding behavior toward other targets while the baby is around.
Use praise and treats to help the dog associate the baby with good things. Don't reward attention-seeking behaviour like barking, jumping and begging. Include the dog in walks and playtime with baby. Let the dog get used to the baby gradually and at her own pace.
Try to give your dog lots of attention when the baby is present. Teach her that when he's around, she gets treats, petting, playing—and anything else she likes. When you feed the baby, you can feed your dog, too. When you walk your dog, do your best to take the baby along.
Most dogs adjust to the infant within a few days, while others may take several weeks.
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.
For example, they can sense that a baby is vulnerable and harmless. You might see a dog sniff or lick a baby's face or rear end; don't let this behavior scare you as it's their way of checking the baby's health.
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.
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.
"Studies have confirmed this exposure, and it can lead to mouth and gum infections, or even systemic infections," he says. But, germs aside, it's also extremely important, for safety's sake, to help your dog understand that he is not the baby's master or pack playmate.
Dogs can easily tell that babies are babies. Not only their size they can sense that these babies need more care and attention. Many dogs will become very protective over new babies and claim them as their own.
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.
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.
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.
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!”)
Introduce your dog to new gear, new routines, and new smells before the baby comes home. Encourage calm, positive associations with all these new things. When introducing baby and pup, maintain boundaries and let your dog (respectfully) sniff. Always supervise your dog and baby when they're together.
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.
Professor Ruffman states that this indicates the presence of empathy, meaning that the dogs subconsciously felt upset in response to the baby's distress. 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.
Use physical boundaries to help manage interactions between your dog and baby. Crates, baby gates and play yards can be helpful if you need to separate your dog and baby. Set them up early so your dog has time to get used to them before the baby arrives. Think of your dog like a swimming pool.
Remember, NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY AND DOG TOGETHER UNSUPERVISED, even if you trust your dog. As your child grows up you will have to continue to supervise interactions with your dog since many attacks occur against children that do not realise that they are irritating or threatening animals.
Veterinarians say that licking can be a submissive gesture, but that when domestic dogs lick humans, it usually is just what we like to think it is: a sign of affection. If you don't like it, you've got to train your dog not to lick you or your children.