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- The protective instinct of dogs
- belonging to a herd
- Strengthening a good bond between puppy and baby
We often say that the dog is man's best friend and the truth is that a well-trained and well-loved dog creates a very strong bond with all members of the family, including children and babies.
Some puppies take this bond to the point of developing a protective instinct in relation to their family, which makes them take care of them at any time, even having aggressive attitudes towards those they consider a possible threat. if you want to know why do dogs take care of babies, continue reading this article by PeritoAnimal.
The protective instinct of dogs
Although the dog has been with man for centuries, what is certain is that he still has not managed to lose all his wild instincts. still keeps the behavior typical of its species, especially with regard to the survival and care of the herd.
In families where there are small children and babies, the dog feels the need to protect them from approaching strangers and also from other dogs. This allows the dog to interact with children, considering them part of the family.
All puppies are capable of displaying this protective instinct towards children and babies, although this is usually stronger in breeds that have been trained for defense, such as the German Shepherd, Rottweiler or Doberman.
belonging to a herd
Some researchers claim that the dog recognizes the family as its herd, while others assert that, rather than seeing humans as equals, the dog identifies them as the social group to which you belong.
From the social group, the dog receives affection, food and care, so any possible threat makes it feel the need to protect its members, both to return all the love received and to ensure its own survival.
This protection tends to reach the extreme when we talk about the smallest members of the family, such as the children and babies. The dog understands that they are more beings harmless and dependent of the group, needing the help of others (including the dog itself) to be well. Also, don't forget that dogs are able to notice hormonal changes in humans, noticing if someone wants to hurt or is nervous or anxious, for example.
So it's not strange that when you take your baby to the park with your dog, he stays alert to what's going on around you, adopting a protective attitude if anyone walks by. This can even happen in your own home, when visitors arrive that the animal does not know. There are multiple cases of people, big or small, who were rescued from dangerous situations by their dogs, such as drowning or intruders at home, for example.
When it comes to babies, many puppies do their best to sleep close to the little one, whether under the crib or in the bedroom door. This will happen when they are presented properly.
Strengthening a good bond between puppy and baby
Building and strengthening a good relationship between the dog and the children of the house, including babies, is essential both to stimulate this protective instinct and to get a good relationship among all members of the family.
Whether you already have the dog at home before the baby arrives or if you decide to adopt one after birth, it is essential from the beginning to encourage a good relationship between the two, rewarding positive behaviors and letting them play and get to know each other, always under adult supervision. It is not necessary to use dog treats, a "very good" or a simple caress can help to understand that the baby is something very good and that being calm around him is an appropriate attitude.
As the child starts crawling and walking, he will want to spend more time with the dog and do things like pull the ears and tail his. At this tender stage, it is essential to try to avoid possible incidents that the dog might misinterpret. Later, yes, you can teach your child to have the right relationship with the dog, but when it comes to babies, the guardians must be the ones to protect the dog from uncomfortable situations.
Don't forget that it is very important never to scold your dog in front of the baby or after doing something with him, since the dog can associate the child's presence with punishment or negative attitudes towards himself, what will he do resent the child.
Over the years, the baby grows and can help take care of the dog, which will also convey the value of responsibility. The dog and he can become great friends, since the love that dogs give to children is unconditional.
