Does My Dog Think My Baby Is Hers (What You Should Do)

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Today, we want to explore a common question among dog owners: does my dog think my baby is hers? Taking care of both a baby and a pup can be tricky, so we want to dive into the specifics of this dynamic and find out how you can ensure both your baby and your pup get the love they deserve.

You’ve just brought your new bundle of joy home, and your dog keeps staring and can’t seem to get enough of him or her. You may be wondering, does my dog think my baby is hers? The answer is yes; dogs can and do often consider babies as part of their pack.

So what does this mean for you and your pup? Below we’ll outline some tips on how to deal with this new development. Remember that dogs are different, so you must adjust these tips accordingly.

Why Does My Dog Think My Baby Is Hers?

One thing that new parents quickly learn is that their dog thinks their baby is theirs. And while this might be a cute gesture on the dog’s part, it can sometimes lead to behavioral issues that must be addressed.

There are a few reasons why your dog might think your baby is hers. One is that she may feel left out now that all the attention is focused on the baby.

Another possibility is that she perceives the baby as another pack member and sees herself as the child’s protector. Or, it could simply be that she’s overexcited and doesn’t know how to behave around a baby properly.

No matter what the reason, it’s essential to address it head-on. If you don’t, your dog may become aggressive or protective toward the baby, which could be potentially dangerous. Try obedience training to help your dog understand her place in the family hierarchy, and make sure you continue to give her plenty of attention and love.

adorable newborn and purebred dog lying on bed — Photo by Sarah Chai

Dogs And Babies Bonds

We get asked often whether it’s a good idea for dogs to be around babies, and the answer is yes! You need to consider a few things when introducing your pup to your little one, though.

First, don’t rush the introduction. Allowing your dog to become accustomed to the baby gradually is key. Try setting up a small baby area in a different room, for example, and let your pup explore in her own time. This will help her get used to the new presence in the house without feeling overwhelmed or scared.

Second, try getting your dog accustomed to the smells and sounds of babies by playing recordings of those baby sounds and letting him sniff things that belong to the baby, like blankets or toys. This is also important for teaching your dog how to interact with baby items respectfully.

And finally, remember that you’ll need to supervise all interactions between dogs and babies. And if you notice any signs of over-excitement from your pup, separate them immediately so they can’t cause harm or distress to the child.

How To First Introduce Your Dog To Your Baby

So your dog seems to think your baby is her own. What does that mean, and what should you do about it?

When a dog starts to act like a baby is theirs, it can be a confusing and even scary experience for new parents. But don’t worry; there’s usually a logical explanation for this behavior, and there are things you can do to help your dog adjust.

Introducing your dog to your baby in a calm and controlled setting is the most important thing. Try not to let them interact too much just yet—a little sniffing is ok, but don’t let them start playing together until both parties are comfortable.

You’ll also want to make sure that you’re properly rewarding your dog for good behavior around the baby. Positive reinforcement will help ensure your dog continues seeing your child as part of the family pack.

ALSO READ: Why Does My Dog Wait For Other Dogs To Eat?

What Should I Do If My Dog Thinks My Baby Is Hers

As you get to know your pup and baby better, it’s essential to establish a positive bond between the two. You’ll also want to ensure your pup understands that your baby is part of the family, not her own. Here are some tips on what you should do:

Spend one-on-one time separately with each of them. This will help create a strong connection (while also giving you some well-deserved breathing room).
Involve your pup in the everyday care of your baby. Allow your pup to be around when you’re feeding, changing, and holding your baby, as this will create a positive association between the two.
Engage in bonding activities, such as playing together or taking long walks as a trio. This will not only help strengthen their relationship but will also give them both plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

Allowing these two to share in each other’s company is natural and can benefit both in the long run. Life is all about family!

Why Is My Dog Overprotective Of My Baby?

It’s not uncommon for dogs to appear overprotective of babies. Dogs can sense when something is new or different and may become protective of the baby if they feel insecure.

A few signs to look out for indicate the dog is overprotective: growling, barking, snapping, or blocking you from getting close to the baby. If your dog exhibits any of these behaviors, staying calm and not punishing them is important, as this will only worsen their insecurity.

Instead, try to distract them with a treat and focus on positive reinforcement when they are behaving correctly so they understand that it’s ok and they don’t have to be overprotective. Keeping your dog on a leash or in another room when you’re playing with the baby can also be helpful to monitor their behavior better.

ALSO READ: What Does It Mean When A Stray Dog Follows You?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog watch my baby?

This might mean your pup thinks the baby is part of their pack. Dogs are pack animals and fiercely loyal to their family. They also love routine, so when a new addition like a baby enters the family, it’s normal for your dog to become protective of them.

It’s also possible that your dog is trying to communicate something. Dogs communicate their feelings through body language and facial expressions.

Does my dog know my Baby is mine?

The answer is a resounding yes! Dogs are incredibly intelligent animals who are experts at reading body language and sensing emotions.

Your pup will likely be able to tell that this tiny little life belongs to you and not her, even if she doesn’t understand it the way you do. The bond between a parent and baby is special; your dog can feel that, even if she doesn’t understand why.

Why do dogs love babies?

It’s not uncommon for dogs to show a special bond with babies. Dogs have a natural instinct to protect and nurture, which can also be transferred to babies. It can be especially strong if the pup has grown up with the baby since childhood. Dogs may also look at babies as part of their pack or family.

Conclusion

The answer to this question is not as simple as a yes or no. Dogs can develop a strong protective instinct towards babies and sometimes may even think the baby is their own.

There are a few things that you can do to help reinforce the bond between your dog and your baby, and to help ensure that your dog feels like they are an essential part of the family.

First, ensure you always reward your dog for good behavior around the baby. Secondly, spend time with your dog one-on-one, and ensure they always have access to their favorite toys or treats.

Finally, be sure to socialize your dog with other babies and children, so that they can learn to interact with them appropriately.