Dogs can have a wide range of reactions to babies and young children. Much depends on the dog’s past experiences, training, personality, and the behavior of the child. With proper introductions and supervision, most dogs will get along fine with kids. However, some may never feel completely comfortable around babies and toddlers.
Do dogs like babies?
Many dogs are very tolerant, patient, and affectionate with babies and children. They seem to understand that kids, especially babies, are fragile beings that need to be treated gently. However, dogs don’t inherently love or dislike babies just because they are babies. Their feelings will be based more on their experiences.
Dogs that are well-socialized and properly trained often do great with children. They are able to remain calm when a baby cries or moves erratically. Some dogs seem very protective of human babies and want to stay close to keep an eye on them.
On the other hand, dogs that haven’t been around young children much may feel apprehensive or even fearful. The noises and quick, uncoordinated movements babies make can startle some dogs. An insecure dog may become anxious or reactive around “confusing” little humans.
Causes for concern
While many family dogs are fantastic with kids, there are some potential risks. Very young babies don’t understand how to appropriately interact with dogs. They may hit, pull fur, or poke at a dog’s eyes and nose. This can provoke aggressive behavior in dogs not accustomed to these antics.
Some dogs also have predatory instincts triggered by children’s high-pitched voices, cries, swift movements, and tendency to run. It’s critical to never leave infants or young toddlers alone with an unfamiliar dog.
Additionally, dogs may view a new baby as a strange “intruder” invading their space and disrupting their routine. They may act out due to feelings of jealousy and reduced attention from their owners after the baby arrives.
Bonding before baby
If you already have a dog and are expecting a baby, take steps to get them used to infants ahead of time. Socialize your dog to accept handling from a variety of people. Invite friends with babies over or ask to interact with a friend’s baby while your dog is on leash. Give your dog baby items like blankets and toys to sniff. Calmly reward desired behaviors and correct unwanted behaviors.
Make the introduction positive by giving your dog a treat when meeting the baby for the first time. Keep initial interactions brief and don’t force closeness. Respect your dog’s boundaries as they adjust to the new family member.
Tips for dogs meeting babies
Here are some tips to help dogs and babies interact safely and successfully:
- Let dogs sniff baby items like blankets and toys before meeting the actual baby so they get used to the new smells.
- Bring your dog to the hospital to meet the baby before bringing baby home if possible.
- Allow initial meetings with the new baby to be brief and supervised.
- Pet and praise your dog when they are calm and relaxed around the baby to reinforce the behavior.
- Never force a dog to get close or allow a baby to pull on them or hit them.
- Reassure your dog and give them attention too when interacting with the baby.
- Provide your dog with a safe, quiet space away from the baby when needed.
- Let your dog approach the baby on their own terms and back off if they seem uncomfortable.
- Use gates, crates, tethers or leashes to manage the dog around infants who can’t move away on their own.
- Work on obedience cues like “leave it” so you can easily interrupt inappropriate behavior.
Supervising babies and dogs
It’s critical that parents/caregivers closely supervise all interactions between their dogs and babies. Dogs should never be left alone with babies or young children. Accidents can happen in an instant, even with normally trustworthy dogs.
Pay attention to your dog’s body language. Look for signs of discomfort like lip licking, yawning, tail tucking, or trying to move away from the baby. These are signals your dog may need a break. Respect their signals and don’t force interactions.
While supervised interactions are great for safely getting dogs used to babies, your dog still needs their own space. Provide a quiet area like a crate or corner of a room where your dog can go to relax away from the baby.
Modifying the environment
Here are some tips for adjusting your home environment when adding a baby to a home with dogs:
- Set up baby gates to allow your dog to move freely but block access to baby areas like the nursery.
- Crate train your dog so they have a safe den for nap time and quiet time.
- Feed your dog in a separate area from the baby’s feeding time.
- Ensure your dog gets adequate exercise and enrichment since they may get less attention.
- Ask friends or family to take your dog on walks or play dates.
- Keep dog toys picked up so the baby doesn’t choke on them.
- Don’t allow the baby access to the dog’s food, toys or bed.
Training considerations
Work on basic obedience training with your dog before baby arrives. Reinforce commands like “leave it”, “place”, “sit” and “down.” Teach them to walk nicely on a leash without pulling. Don’t allow jumping on people.
Set clear rules for your dog when interacting with your baby. They need to know expectations like being gentle and not getting too close to the baby’s face. Practice with baby dolls first.
Praise and reward desirable behaviors from your dog like remaining calm around the baby or lying down on their own bed. Avoid scolding them or showing irritation, as this can increase anxiety.
Be patient – the adjustment period takes several weeks or months for many dogs. Provide reassurance and support without forcing closeness before your dog is ready.
Signs of stress in dogs
Look for these common signs of anxiety, fear or stress in your dog when interacting with the baby:
- Lip licking or yawning
- Turning or walking away
- Low tail or tucked under body
- Crouching down or shaking
- Barking or growling
- Pacing
- Hiding
If you notice these signs, give your dog some space and don’t force interactions. Try to minimize stressors and make sure your dog gets adequate exercise, play, and attention daily.
When to get help
Consult an accredited dog trainer or behaviorist if your dog continues exhibiting concerning behaviors like:
- Biting, snapping, or lunging at baby
- Knocking over baby when excited
- Constant barking when baby cries
- Seeming depressed, shut down or withdrawn
- Marked loss of appetite
- Biting or scratching you when you’re holding baby
While some initial clumsiness, stepping on baby, or accidental knocking over is normal, aggression should always be addressed. Baby safety comes first. An expert can assess your dog’s behavior and help you manage it.
Benefits of dogs and babies
Despite some initial hurdles while adjusting, there are many wonderful benefits to babies and children growing up with dogs. These include:
- Developing early immunity by being exposed to “dog” germs
- Learning empathy, responsibility, patience, and respect for animals
- Having a playmate, exercise buddy, and loving companion
- Practicing socialization and communication skills with the dog
- Feeling comforted by cuddling a warm, soft dog
- Gaining confidence around animals
- Being more active outdoors with family dog walks
With proper introductions, training and supervision, the friendship between dogs and kids can provide immeasurable lifelong benefits.
Conclusion
Introducing a new baby to a dog takes patience, understanding and precautions. But many family dogs can adapt to babies and often become very attached to “their” little humans. Monitoring interactions, providing dogs with their own space, and keeping up training are key.
While some dogs will never do well with babies, most can learn to comfortably coexist with children in their families. Getting dogs used to babies from the start and reinforcing desirable behaviors helps create safe relationships built on trust and companionship.