02/14/2024
Let's normalize the fact that dogs and babies don't always get along.
In fact, I'd say the majority of dogs are uncomfortable around small children.
People think it's cute when their dog licks their child's face in a frantic matter. Most of the time, this is actually the dog begging for space. Understand the subtle cues. Does the dog want your attention or the child's? Is the dogs body stiff? Do they have a "whale eye" as the child comes near them? Are their ears pinned? Lip licking? Tail up high like a raised flag? These are all signs that the dog is uncomfortable.
Maybe you just brought home your newborn. Your dog has adjusted well and seems to like the baby. That's great! But realize that once your baby starts to crawl, stand and walk - the dynamics could change. Your once comfortable dog may start to show signs of discomfort.
Many dogs are in shelters because they did not adjust to their owners having human children. "NO SMALL CHILDREN" their bio says.
Grabbing, smacking, stepping on, running up to them, hugging them unexpectedly… none of that is okay in our house. If we don't advocate for our dogs, they will take matters into their own hands and advocate for their space in the only way they know how - through growling, nipping and biting. In extreme cases, even just the sound of a baby crying can heighten the arousal in a dog and kick them into drive. The dogs who are uncomfortable but never escalate to biting have a high bite inhibition, which is great - but it doesn't change how they feel and it doesn't mean that their bite inhibition will always be there.
Management is the only safe way to have both dogs and young children together.
Sure, certain breeds and individual dogs do great with young children and never cause an issue. If that's you, I'm sincerely happy for you and honestly envious.
Our dogs don't coexist with our child. Did I have a hard time with that? Of course. I wanted to have the picture-perfect integration of my dogs and daughter. But, I always knew that it might not be that way and it was more important to me that my dogs are comfortable and my child is safe. So, we make it work. They are separated by a gate or door 98% of the time. In that 2%, they are heavily managed. I advocate strongly for their space and teach our child how to appropriately interact. And thankfully, I work from home most days and can spend alone time with the dogs.
If you are expecting, recently had a baby, or you're realizing that your dog is having a hard time, please message me. I'm happy to help those who are struggling. This isn't a sales pitch or a marketing funnel. I'll provide as much free advice as I can. I train dogs in my free time because I genuinely care and want to help families. Anything to keep dogs out of shelters and keep young kids from being bit.
