Can babies understand doggie communication? Woof, woof!

Over this past year, I have been amazed everyday watching my baby boy turn into a toddler. Around 10 months, we noticed that his communication skills really started to flourish. He began using sign language and becoming more verbal. Interestingly, he has also become more observant of the communication between our dogs.

Last night, he was playing in the living room when our two Golden Retrievers started to play rough with a little growling and baring of teeth. My son stopped playing, smiled and looked as if he was going to get in the middle, but then he babbled as if talking to the dogs and quietly walked around the dogs. After the dog play session was over, my son walked over to Rankine and gave him a big hug. They snuggled for a few minutes and then he was off to playing again.

As I watch him interact with our 4 dogs, it is clear to me that he has learned to read our dogs signs to know when he can hug them, play with them, pet them and most importantly when they want to be left alone.

babies, behavior, body language, communication, dog bite prevention, dogs, safety