For example, the dog may nudge the baby to get it to roll over, mouth the baby's arm to do the same, or pull down the covers if the baby is overheated. It may lick the baby's face, pacifier, and other toys to get food off it or check the child's health, such as its temperature.
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 that are bred to herd animals often use nudging to tell those animals where to go. When dogs with this instinct are put in a domestic situation, they will sometimes “herd” people (usually children) with some nose-nudging.
Research has shown that dogs perceive and respond to newborns in a different way than they do to adults. They have an innate ability to sense when a newborn is vulnerable, which triggers their protective instincts.
It can be said that dogs often act differently around babies, and they seem to treat them with extra care to make sure that they don't get hurt. 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.
'” 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.
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.
Most "normal" (non-rescue, non-abused) gently introduced dogs can and do sense that babies are harmless. They may be jealous, so introduce them gently, preferably on neither the dog nor the baby's home territory. That does not mean that the dog will leave the baby alone.
They instinctively want to protect the youngest family member. For years, dogs have been pack animals, which is one of their wired responses to hierarchy. A dog releases dopamine in the presence of a child, so you know that even their biology makes it enjoyable to play with babies.
No matter how small of a change has taken place, your dog can smell it. Your dog has ultrasound-level hearing, too, so it's likely they can hear crying in the womb, which can happen as soon as the 28th week of pregnancy. You might not be able to hear it, but your dog surely can.
They Play Together. Over time, and as your pet realizes the baby isn't going anywhere, you might notice them sharing toys or playing together.
Dogs who are licking their lips are usually sending the message that they are worried. Dogs lick their lips to appease and soothe a person or animal they see as a threat in order to ward off aggression.
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.
Growling at the Kids -Never punish your dog for growling. 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.
New parents quite suddenly – to the dog anyway – shift their attention from dog to baby. This often stresses out and confuses their dog. He may then try to get that attention back by barking, jumping up, or stealing and chewing baby items, especially ones that have an odor (pacifiers, used diapers, etc).
Some breeds, especially those in the Herding Group, possess an instinctual drive to move animals around. Herding behavior can become a problem if your dog begins herding your kids or nipping your ankles.
While our dogs may look a little bit different than human children, this study shows that their feelings towards us are similar. Just like human children, our dogs look to their “parents” to provide them with feelings of security and reassurance when exploring their environment.
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.
Just like an older sibling might experience jealousy with the arrival of a new baby in the house - dogs can experience that same emotion of envy as well, especially if they feel like they have to compete for your attention.
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."
The stronger dogs protect the weaker dogs. With that being said, your dog may get overprotective because he views the baby as the weaker dog that he has to protect from harm. New people or animals in the house may set off his or her protective mode and your dog may try to guard the baby against intruders.
Many dog owners talk to their dogs in a cute or gentle manner when they are kissing them. The dog then learns to associate the kisses with a warmer tone, meaning they might respond accordingly. So while dogs do not understand what kisses really mean, they can eventually learn to realize they are positive messages.
Generally speaking, it's all right to allow your pet near your new baby, as long as the pet is well behaved and you are there to supervise.