Witnessing the bond between a toddler and a dog is nothing short of heartwarming. If you’ve ever watched viral videos of toddlers and dogs sharing moments of pure joy, you know the magic of that connection. Nicole Cosgrove shares her own beautiful experience, highlighting the relationship between her daughter and her two rescue dogs, Mac and Rosa, and how their lives have been enriched by one another.
From Cats to Dogs
Nicole’s journey began with a cat family, but a few years later, Rosa, their first dog, joined the fold. Rosa had to learn how to respect the family cat, and this practice in gentle behavior set the stage for welcoming a child into their home. A year after discovering she was pregnant, Nicole adopted Mac, a friendly, gentle giant to complement their family.
Although both dogs noticed Nicole’s growing belly, they weren’t overly focused on it. As Mac and Rosa adjusted to the changes in their environment, Nicole experienced moments of doubt—wondering if she’d have enough love to go around—but as soon as the dogs met their daughter, it became clear that they were one big, happy family.
Pro Tip for Introducing Dogs to Babies
Nicole offers a helpful tip: introducing the dogs to the baby first, rather than vice versa, helps establish the hierarchy. Saying, “Rosa, this is [baby’s name],” instead of introducing the baby to the dog, sets the right tone for the family dynamic.
Safety First: Supervision is Key
The importance of supervision cannot be overstated when it comes to interactions between toddlers and dogs. Infants and toddlers don’t intuitively grasp a dog’s boundaries, which is why it’s crucial to be present at all times. Nicole shares an anecdote of her daughter crawling over Mac, accidentally kicking him, causing him to yelp and run away. Thanks to Nicole’s supervision, Mac was able to avoid any negative reaction.
Teaching a toddler about gentle touches and respecting a dog’s space is an ongoing process. Nicole emphasizes the importance of teaching toddlers to avoid the dog’s face and tail and to give the dog space when eating, sleeping, or retreating to its safe place.
Benefits for Toddlers: Learning Empathy
Growing up with a dog offers toddlers a unique opportunity to develop empathy, responsibility, and emotional regulation. By caring for another living being, like feeding the dogs, toddlers learn about the needs of others. In Nicole’s home, her daughter helps feed the dogs, establishing a sense of responsibility while also teaching the dogs to respect her as someone with the power to care for them.
Benefits for Dogs: Nurturing and Protective Roles
Many dogs thrive in a household with a toddler, becoming protective and nurturing companions. They may follow the toddler from room to room or offer comfort after a tantrum. For dogs like Mac, who thrive on structure, having a toddler in the home gives them a sense of purpose and fulfillment. While some dogs are more playful with toddlers, others, like Rosa, play a protective and calming role, offering a quiet sense of security.
Building a Lasting Friendship
Three years into this shared journey, Nicole reflects on the many beautiful memories her daughter, Mac, and Rosa have built together. From beach trips to cozy naps, the friendship between them is a testament to the deep connection that can form between children and dogs.
Nicole also notes that her daughter has learned to treat all animals with kindness, and in turn, their dogs welcome all humans, no matter their size.
Do you have a heartwarming story of a dog and toddler friendship in your home? Share it with us in the comments below!
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