If you’re a dog owner welcoming a new baby, you may notice your furry friend acting more protective and affectionate toward the tiny human. This can lead you to wonder – does my dog think this baby is hers? Read on to find out.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: It’s not likely your dog thinks the baby is actually her puppy. However, dogs often do display watchdog behaviors toward human babies that stem from their pack mentality and guarding instincts.
Maternal Behaviors in Dogs
Mothering instinct
Dogs have a strong maternal instinct that kicks in after they give birth. When a female dog is pregnant and nearing delivery, her mothering instinct emerges and she starts looking for a safe place to deliver her puppies.
Once the puppies are born, the mother dog cleans and stimulates each puppy to breathe and nurse. She licks the puppies immediately after birth to clean them and stimulate blood circulation. The mother dog may growl or act aggressive to protect the puppies from danger.
She allows the puppies to nurse and makes sure they stay warm. This mothering instinct usually lasts until the puppies are weaned, around 3-4 weeks of age.
Licking and nuzzling
Mother dogs spend a lot of time licking and grooming their puppies. The licking stimulates the puppies’ circulation and bowel movements to help them pass waste. It also cleans the puppies and removes any placental fluid or waste stuck to their fur.
Puppies need to be kept very clean because they are highly vulnerable to infection in their first few weeks of life. Beyond cleaning them, licking also helps strengthen the mother-puppy bond. Gentle nuzzling and licking communicates love and comfort.
Some studies suggest puppies may even produce chemicals during nuzzling that help reinforce the mother-puppy bond.
Protective behaviors
Mother dogs are very protective of their puppies. They will alert and warn if they perceive any threat or danger nearby. Some signs of protectiveness include growling, placing herself between the puppies and the perceived threat, or even nipping or biting someone who approaches the puppies.
This protectiveness is strongest in the first few weeks of the puppies’ lives when they are most vulnerable. The protective behaviors start to decrease as the puppies mature and become more independent around weeks 5-8 of age.
But even as the puppies grow, mother dogs remain protective and want to know their puppies are safe.
Why Dogs Act This Way Toward Babies
Pack mentality
Dogs are pack animals and have an innate need to be part of a family unit. When a new baby arrives, the dog’s natural instinct is to embrace the baby as a new pack member. They exhibit gentle, protective behaviors to welcome the infant into the fold.
Some signs of this pack mentality include sleeping near the baby, following them around, and being attentive to their needs. This close-knit connection replicates the nurturing environment of a wolf pack.
Guarding instinct
Dogs also have a strong guarding instinct that kicks in when a new baby joins the family. They recognize that babies are vulnerable and need to be protected. Some guarding behaviors dogs display include placing themselves between the baby and potential dangers, barking to alert owners of unfamiliar noises or people approaching, and refusing to leave the baby’s side.
This protective instinct comes from dogs’ ancestral traits as effective guardians of their pack or human families.
Canine curiosity
As highly intelligent animals, dogs are naturally curious about new sights, sounds, and smells. Human babies fascinate dogs with their tiny size, unique cries, and unfamiliar baby scent. Gently investigating these novel experiences helps dogs gather information about the new family member.
They may sniff, lick, or paw at the baby to better understand them. This innocent curiosity and desire to get acquainted is part of your dog’s attempt to welcome a new pack member.
Setting Boundaries With Your Dog
Create safe spaces for baby
Creating a safe space for your newborn baby should be top priority when setting boundaries with your current dog. According to childsafetyexperts.com, one of the first things to do is set up a physical barrier in rooms your baby will frequent, like a hallway, play area or nursery. In the nursery, for example, put up a baby gate that your dog can’t hop over to keep them out when needed or when unsupervised.
Make sure you use gates that go flush to the wall to prevent accidents. Also be sure to designate a zone with blankets, dog beds, toys and water specifically for your pup to encourage them to stay in their separate area.
It’s also a good idea to avoid overlapping areas as much as possible during the initial acclimation period. For example, feed your dog in a separate room from where you will be feeding and changing your baby.
This will be especially important if you have a large dog who may get over excited seeing you prepare bottles and food. Be careful at meal times as your dog may try to access baby food or be possessive over old toys and blankets they think are theirs. Stay one step ahead by setting firm rules.
Redirect inappropriate behavior
One of the quickest ways to establish behavioral boundaries with your dog and new baby is to redirect inappropriate or potentially dangerous actions whenever they occur. If your dog continues to go into the nursery or get up on furniture where your baby sleeps, use squirt bottles or noise devices to startle them in the act and immediately move them.
Then give praise and treats for listening and staying in their own space. Consistency is key when redirecting behaviors, as is constant supervision when they are in the same vicinity.
Some dogs may become distressed by the new cries and smells of an infant and start inappropriate behaviors like jumping, barking, chewing or scratching out of stress. Rather than scolding anxious behaviors, redirect them to an approved toy or designated area where you have treats and praise waiting, so they learn what is expected instead.
Redirection is a positive, non-punitive way to set boundaries with pups. The Animal Humane Society also recommends using calming scents like lavender or CBD oil in your dog’s separate hang out zone to ease the transition.
Reinforce training
Currently estimated 89.7 million dogs are kept as pets in the United States according to American Veterinary Medical Association. The vast majority at some point live in homes with babies or young toddlers, so having a game plan to reinforce training is wise for safety and harmony.
Choose a time before baby arrives or before bringing your newborn home to brush up on basic cues like sit, stay, down, leave it, quiet and come that you can practice daily.
Use lots of positive reinforcement with praise, petting and special treats so your dog relearns listening is rewarding. Do short but frequent sessions daily. When baby arrives, up the rewards with high value treats only brought out for major wins like staying calmly on a dog bed while you tend to baby.
Consistently not allowing access to off-limit areas and providing ample physical activity will also help reinforce the new house rules surrounding your precious little one.
Benefits of Dogs and Babies
Companionship
Having a dog can provide companionship and comfort for both babies and parents. Dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend” for good reason. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs provide unconditional love, emotional support, and entertainment for families.
Babies often find comfort in gently petting a dog’s soft fur. This interaction can have calming and stress-relieving effects for infants. For parents, having a loyal companion by their side as they navigate parenthood can make challenging days more bearable.
Socialization for Baby
Interacting with a family dog teaches valuable emotional skills in babies and young children. According to child development research from Raising Children, associating with pets enhances a child’s social competence, empathy, and self-esteem.
The playful, affectionate nature of dogs helps children learn relationship-building skills like compromise, responsibility, and respect.
Age | Socialization Benefits |
---|---|
0-12 months | Stimulates senses, teaches gentleness |
1-3 years | Encourages companionship, sharing |
3+ years | Develops nurturing skills, cooperation |
As this table shows, different developmental stages reap varied social advantages from dog and baby bonding.
Stress Relief for Mom
Caring for a newborn can be physically and emotionally exhausting for mothers. Having a trained, well-behaved dog lends much-needed joy and laughter to stressful days with a baby. According to a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, interaction with dogs causes the human brain to release “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin, prolactin, phenylacetic acid, and dopamine.
These powerful neurochemicals can brighten moods, ease anxiety, and strengthen nurturing instincts in mothers.
When to Be Concerned
Aggression
Aggression from your dog towards your new baby is a serious issue that should not be ignored. If your dog growls, snaps, or bites at your baby, it’s time to take action. Some signs of concerning aggressive behavior include growling when the baby cries, snapping when the baby gets near your dog’s toys or food, and tense body language like a stiff tail and staring when the baby is around.
According to the ASPCA, aggression towards babies is often fear-based. Your dog may see your new baby as an intruder or competition for resources. Working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist as soon as possible is crucial to curtail aggressive tendencies and keep your baby safe.
Avoid physically punishing your dog, as this can make aggression worse.
Excessive Licking
It’s common for dogs to show interest in a new baby and even lick hands or feet occasionally. However, excessive licking of the baby’s face or body can be problematic. Your dog’s saliva contains bacteria that could make your baby sick.
Some parasites like giardia and roundworms can also be passed from dogs to humans through licking.
Keep your dog from licking your baby’s face and discourage excessive licking of hands and feet. Gently redirect your dog when they try to lick. Supervise all interactions between your dog and baby. According to the CDC, do not allow dogs to lick open wounds or areas where the skin is irritated.
Use baby gates to keep your dog separate from your baby if needed.
Jumping/Stepping on Baby
Dogs often jump up on adults and children when excited. However, even a small dog can injure an infant by landing on them or stepping on them. Even a minor injury like a scratch can be dangerous for a newborn.
Train your dog not to jump on you using positive reinforcement techniques. Never allow your dog loose in a room with your baby on the floor or couch. Supervise closely and teach your dog the “off” command using treats to redirect them.
Use baby gates or crates to manage your dog when you cannot fully supervise.
Conclusion
While it’s unlikely your dog actually believes your baby is her own pup to care for, her behavior changes after you bring home baby may make it seem that way! With proper training and boundaries, you can help your furry friend adjust to the new family member while keeping baby safe and secure.