My dog has all the sudden taken an extreme interest in my baby! Any advice?!?

Question

My 3 1/2 yr old male Australian Shepherd has all of the sudden taken an extreme interest in my 8 month old! He licks him non-stop, follows him everywhere, and watches him constantly. When the baby is crawling he walks along side of him, and won't leave his side. When he's crawling he pushes the baby's bottom with his nose...(which I at first thought was just part of his shepherding instincts..) and acts very anxious around the baby. He has never been like this and just started this about two days ago, he used to just ignore him, or give him an occasional lick if he had something on him! I can't take my eyes off of the dog and the baby now, although he has not done anything aggressive it's still just too close for my comfort! He is a great dog, and is wonderful with all our children! I am not understanding his behavior or sudden interest in the baby! He acts as if the baby is his! Anyone had similar expereince or any advice on why he's doing this, or just started it out of the blue?

Answer 1

Let's see now... the breed standard says:

www.australianshepherds.org

Answer 2

Normal behavior. Shepherds are herding dogs so he's trying to get the baby to go where he wants him to. Shepherds are very good babysitters. lol As the baby gets older you'll notice it more often, especially outside. The behavior has probably suddenly started because he is getting old enough that the dog feels more comfortable around him. Shepherds are very gentle animals which is why he hasn't bothered him much until now. If it worries you, just tell the dog no or separate them while the baby is down. Good luck!

Answer 3

The baby is more active now and the dog is protecting and guarding him so nothing bad happens to him. Just observe them and I think they will be OK. I had a dog once when my grand daughter was learning to walk that would knock her down (it was a Peke). She was supposed to CRAWL lol. She never attempted to hurt her though. If you think about it, she probably did the same thing with your other children ( if you have more than the baby). What she is doing sounds normal for a herding dog to do.

Answer 4

Sounds like he's treating the baby like a pup. In a pack, the Alphas mate, the other's pretty much baby sit. That's what it sounds like here.

As always though, and sounds like you're already on top of this, never leave a dog and child unattended. Sorry, it's just my mantra when any of my foster charges leave to go to fams. with kids.

Answer 5

Sounds to me that hes welcoming your baby to the pack. He sounds like hes trying to get attention from the baby , I wouldnt worry at all as long as his actions are positive, but also I would never leave the baby unattended.

Answer 6

I had an Australian Shepherd as a young child, she never left my side.
Maggie was very protective of me, would never allow a stranger to get near me.
That bread of dog seems to be inclined to attach themselves to one person.
Hope this helps.

Answer 7

i have 3 dogs and i know lots about them. sometimes they want to get to know things better. I would let the dog get to know your baby, if you haven't showed it to him before. Or maybe the dog just has a natural bond with the baby.

Answer 8

I don't have much experience with herding dogs, but I still don't think there's any way to guarantee that your dog would never harm your baby. Please crate him if you're worried about his behavior around your child, and think of other, alternate behaviors that you can teach him ("go to your mat" and so on). It sounds like what's currently happening in your house will soon become frustrating for you!
Good luck

Answer 9

Keep a close eye on him when he is around the baby!

Answer 10

that's what they do, it is protecting your baby, just like it would your herd if you have one, great dog!