Have you ever noticed that dogs are particularly protective with the smallest of the house? We have already heard thousands of times that dogs are man’s best friend, and this is sometimes doubly true for children.
But why would dogs want to protect babies above all else? Despite having been pets for centuries, dogs are, after all, animals that act on instinct. Despite domestication, deep down they retain the behavior of their species.
In this way, dogs often regard the human family that took them in as the equivalent of their wild pack. The pack offers security, love and food in exchange for individual sacrifice, that is, the giving by members of the pack ensures that the natural order is maintained.
Seen this way, dogs recognize babies and young children as the most vulnerable members of the pack, those most in need of protection and security. This can make them jealous in your presence.
They can act in a hostile manner towards unknown people or animals, because they act instinctively and react aggressively to everything they don’t know. They can also sleep at the foot of the crib or at the door of their room, always vigilant.
This defensive attitude can be more severe in dog breeds that are trained to protect the homesuch as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dobermans.
The principle behind this way of acting by dogs is that external and unknown agents threaten the safety of their pack, and they, due to their loyal nature, must defend it.
- How to strengthen the bond?
To ensure that the bond between the dog and the baby remains healthy for both, it is important to maintain proper coexistence through the necessary limits.
It is important reward the dog for behaving appropriately around the baby. It is not necessary to give material prizes or food. It is enough to say “very good” with a positive voice or a touch when you are around the little one. This can only make him understand that the baby is a good thing and that it is important that you get along.
We should never scold the dog in front of the baby when he does something inappropriatebecause this can teach him that the baby is not a positive member of the pack, and he may start to reject it.
As the little one grows, you may want to tug on the dog’s ears or tail. These incidents must be avoided for the dog to establish a healthy relationship with the child.
Now that you know the explanation behind the protective attitude of dogs with the little ones in the house, it is important that you always pay close attention to their interactions to reward positive relationships and not encourage negative ones.
Do you have dogs and babies in your home? How they relate? Tell us about your experiences and share the information with your friends.
Font:
animal expert