Dogs may "cry" (whine, whimper, or exhibit distress) when they see a baby because they are picking up on the baby's distress and displaying empathy.
Here's a breakdown of the reasons:
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Empathy: Professor Ruffman suggests that a dog's "crying" response to a baby signifies empathy. This means the dog is subconsciously reacting to the baby's perceived distress and feeling upset themselves.
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Energy Sensitivity: Canine behavior experts often point out that dogs are highly attuned to the emotional energy around them. A crying baby emits an energy of distress, which can trigger a similar feeling in the dog, leading to whining, whimpering, or other distress vocalizations.
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Association with Unpleasant Experiences: While less likely in every case, a dog might have previously associated a baby's cries with negative experiences (e.g., loud noises, disruptions to their routine, lack of attention). This can cause them anxiety and lead to crying.
It's important to note that not all dogs will react the same way to a baby. Some might be curious, indifferent, or even protective. The specific reasons for a dog's reaction can depend on its individual personality, past experiences, and the specific situation.
