Introduction
When you have a newborn, bringing him/her home is the most beautiful and challenging thing for any family. It’s an age of wonder, which can also be confusing, especially if there is already a dog in the house. Here it is: Your dog, who is always up for a play session, tries to “fetch” a new addition to the family as though they were a beloved toy. This may seem cute or funny at first but there are some serious implications for dog behavior and infant safety here. In the context of Dog Trying to Fetch Newborn Baby, understanding these behaviors is essential.
Why do dogs do this and how do we stop them? In this long read, we’ll look into why your dog potentially wants to “fetch” or interact with your newborn in ways you don’t like; detail action items to address these behaviors; and guarantee a happy life to both your baby and your dog.
“Before diving deeper into this article, be sure to explore our helpful newborn tools designed to make parenting easier and more enjoyable.”
Why Would a Dog Want to Fetch an Infant?
Instincts at Play
The dogs, after all, are creatures of instinct, their behavior wired over centuries of domestication and breeding. Fetching is an instinctual activity due to their history as hunters and retrievers. Some breeds, such as retrievers, collies and shepherds, have stronger fetch or herding instincts. When a dog sees small, moving creature — say, a newborn squirming or stretching — that’s something to fetch or herd.
Curiosity and Exploration
A baby brings new smells, noises and sights that your pet is not already used to. The smell of the baby (sometimes of milk, or lotion or even her diaper) can be fascinating. Dogs explore the world with their mouths, so attempts to nudge, lick, or even “pick up” a baby can simply be a canine offering a friendly hand or giving baby a good lick, says Wailani Sung, a veterinary behaviorist and the chief veterinary officer at the telemedicine company Fuzzy Pet Health.
Misinterpretation of Toys
If your dog is used to fetching soft toys or plushies, then a baby wrapped in a blanket may offer the same impression. Unfortunately that can confuse younger or high-strung dogs. A dog left unsupervised and untrained can view the baby as another play toy.
Why Do Dogs Lick Your Baby’s Head and Face?
Protective Instincts
A lot of dogs are protective of their infants by just staying close to them, laying next to their cribs and even barking to help get parents attention of a noise that shouldn’t be occurring. This protectiveness can be helpful, but it can also create overprotectiveness when not harnessed appropriately.
Stress and Anxiety
But the appearance of a new born easily interferes with household rhythms. Dogs are highly receptive to such subtle shifts, they can sense them, and they can become anxious or stressed. This stress can rear its head in many forms including, obsessive licking, whining, pacing or even trying to interact with the baby in an inappropriate way.
Jealousy and Attention-Seeker
Dogs are pack animals and think of their as part of the pack. A sudden swing of the attention pendulum to the new baby can make your dog feel left out. This can manifest as behavior such as attempting to wedge themselves into the space between you and the baby or vying for your attention by doing undesirable things — fetching the baby, for instance.
Creating a Safe Space for Baby and Dog
Before You Have the Baby
Begin training your dog before the baby is born. Gradually introduce baby things like cribs, swings, and even baby sounds so the pooch learns. That takes away from the novelty when your baby does come home.
Controlled Introductions
When you initially introduce your dog to the baby, make sure that your dog is leashed, and is also calm. Allow the dog to smell the baby from a distance, and treat a calm response with treats and praise. Never rush the meeting, dogs need to acclimate slowly and on their own time.
Setting Boundaries
Designate baby-only areas to which the dog is not permitted, such as the baby’s room. baby gates or closed doors to keep those boundaries in place. Not only does it keep the baby safe, it provides the dog with clear boundaries about where it can and can’t go.
Supervising All Interactions
Never let your dog and baby be alone together, even for a second. All dogs, no matter how sweet or well-behaved, can get spooked or overstimulated. Their interactions should always be closely monitored.
Control of Fetching and Playing
Redirecting Fetch Behavior
If your dog attempts to retrieve baby, gently but firmly remove and refocus on a suitable toy. Instead, reward her for getting the toy. Key is to be consistent – redirect (bite at toy, paw at) and reward whenever he tries to play with the baby.
Training and Commands
One must have and is necessary training is basic obedience. “Leave it,” “stay” and “gentle” are commands that manage interactions. Do these commands frequently to reinforce positive behaviour.
Positive Reinforcement
Praise and treat down, calm, appropriate behavior around the baby. Steer clear of Punishment-Including Techniques Punishment based methods only add to a dog”s stress and make any existing behavioural issues worse.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Reading dog body language can help to avoid problems. Look out for:
- Lick or drool: Either can mean a dog is stressed or over stimulated.
- Yawning, panting, or averting their gaze: These are indications your dog feels uncomfortable.
- Growling or persistent stiff body: These are unequivocal signals to immediately separate dog and baby.
Any of these signs warrant offering your dog some space and seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist if necessary.
Managing Particular Behaviors
Jealousy
And if your dog becomes jealous – such as licking you while the baby is in your arms make sure to carve out some one on one time with your dog. Short, quality play sessions or walks can help to remind your dog of their role in the family.
Aggression
Behavior like snapping, biting, or growling may need to be corrected. Work with a qualified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist, and get a management plan in place.
Overprotectiveness
Protective instincts are natural, but it can be an issue if the dog protects the baby from others. Encourage positive social interactions with guests and family members in order to discourage over protectiveness.
Tips for Long-Term Success
- Routine Care: Throw a rug over your dog to keep him warm at night.
- Safe Areas: Be sure to offer your dog a ‘safe area’ where your dog can go to withdraw and calm down.
- Mental Workout: Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing puzzles can help keep your dog’s mind engaged, which can help reduce stress and boredom.
- Veterinary Care: Keep your dog current on vaccines and preventative medications to protect your dog and the baby.
Conclusion
A dog attempting to fetch a newborn may be amusing to recount afterward, but it illustrates the need to know your dog and protect your baby. By preparing your dog, supervising interactions and giving the dog appropriate ways to spend energy and follow instincts, you can promote a close relationship between dog and child. With patience, repetition and the use of positive reinforcement, dogs and babies can grow to be the best of friends, maturing in a safe, loving environment.
“Also read this article: Introducing Your Pet Dog to Your Newborn Baby for more insights.”
FAQs
Is it safe for a dog to lick a newborn baby?
Although dogs may lick as a sign of affection, it’s a behavior that’s best discouraged with infants. Dog saliva contains bacteria that could impact a baby’s developing immune system.
How do you know if your dog is jealous of a baby?
Jealousy is displayed by pawing at you when you are holding the baby, whining, or wanting extra attention. Giving the dog space and time of its own can help handle these emotions.
Why is my dog so mad at our new baby?
One could be fear, stress or territorial impulses that lead to aggression. Work with a certified professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist to safely reduce and eradicate aggressive behavior.
Why do dogs get so attached to newborn babies?
Newborns are solely the most vulnerable members of their pack in a dog’s eyes. The scent, movement and sound of the baby can also contribute to this bonding.
We have a new baby, and our dog is obsessed with her.
Dogs may pay too much attention to a newborn out of curiosity, protectiveness or anxiety. Limits and diversions can be effective tools in managing the behavior.
Would a dog know a baby is a baby?
Dogs know that babies are not the same as adults – they are smaller, make different sounds, and have a distinctive scent. They may not know what a baby is exactly, but they’re likely going to be acting like someone who knows what a baby is.