03/01/2023
Quick Tip Tuesday!
Before you baby talk to a dog, here's a few things to keep in mind:
Many dogs can handle being talked to in that manner. However, millions cannot. Because of the type of dogs we help here at CRCCS, we speak on behalf of the millions of dogs that cannot.
FIRST, you can lose credibility. Baby talk in the dog world isn't natural. Fearful dogs may not follow or trust that energy. It doesn't communicate that you are in control and therefore, may not be trusted under pressure. Assertive dogs will take advantage of that energy.
SECOND, high pitch sounds affect many dogs in a negative way. Millions of dogs will become overstimulated and this will lead to unwanted behavior.
THIRD, it can be disrespectful. People tend to look directly at the dog, lean towards the dog, or make funny faces when they baby talk. From the animal's perspective, you are coming into their space with imbalanced energy which can lead to a slew of other problems.
Baby talk can actually trigger millions of dogs into reactivity, lunging, high flight, or other unwanted behavior. Some may start jumping, others can become mouthy, others may spin, while others can become reactive and/or intense. When intensity (energy) rises, dogs stop processing at a certain point. This is NO GOOD for teaching or for helping the animal learn good behavior.
CRCCS works to have dogs engage and process information / stimulus. This can only be done if the dog is in a lowered state of intensity.
Unless you know the depths of the behavior of the dog you are speaking to, stop the baby talk. The owner of the fearful, insecure, or assertive dog will greatly appreciate it!
We get it! Baby talk makes the human feel better. It makes you feel like you care. But believe it or not, dogs like to be treated like dogs. Baby talk isn't natural. It is an energy that they do not trust or follow.
The most respectful thing to do is to communicate to dogs in a way they trust and innately understand. Advocate for the underdog!
