Dog trying to lick newborn

[LittleCactus]

Our baby is 5 days old and our dog is obsessed with her. Especially when she's awake and crying or being changed etc, the dog is very interested in what she's doing. She stares, sniffs and tries to lick.
Why might the dog be showing these behaviours?
What is the best way to go about stopping them? Will they stop naturally?

It's making me so upset because I love my dog so much but when she gets in the way trying to lick while I'm trying to change a screaming baby I can't help but get frustrated at her. It's all a massive change for her and I'm trying to fuss her and show her that I still love her but she needs to learn that she can't constantly lick baby's face!

She’s trying to comfort the baby too, and your baby will grow up with a great immune system.

It's a dog... licking is kind of what they do

I let mine sniff but say no if they go to lick, or gently push their head away. They have pretty much lost interest after a few weeks and will probably pick interest back up when sensing starts.

When weaning starts!

Dogs lick, and whilst they do so they are making oxytocin. An essential for emotional connection. If you don't want that to happen simply change baby away from or higher than dog

You should be encouraging that connection in a way agreeable for all. If you decide to turn what dog is doing into a negative, by reacting with anger or frustration, then you risk dog associating that negativity with baby.

Congrats on new baby. Please don't forget you are still that dogs entire world. Try and include her happily into your new life. 🙂

Get a gated area for when they need to be separate.

Completely get where you’re coming from.
How I reacted definitely stopped my dog and baby bonding. I regret it big time. Read somewhere to allow or encourage the dog to lick places easily cleaned like feet or back or the head. I know this is easier said than done.
My Dd has started crawling and is obsessed with the dog. The dog isn’t sure, almost looks at me waiting to be told off. I need to be well on top them of course but I’m trying to actively encourage the dog to interact, a bit too late. I feel terrible about it.

my boy was the "brother' of 3 generations he slept on the bumps then wrapped himself around sleeping baby
like a puppy the scent of the babies was his world
he always knew they were coming before i did
when the first baby got big and had her own him stayed with her till she went to deliver
all had baths fromhim and if the diaper/nappy was dirty and not changed quick enough he removed the dirt and burried it he could get it out of the house

My ddog removed socks and licked their feet, it's what dogs do

Our lab was OBSESSED with our daughter when we brought her home. There is only 6 months between them so he was still a puppy himself. Our daughter is nearly 2 and they are honestly the best of friends. I was very wary of him licking her/smelling her when she was so young but I'm glad we did. She has a cracking immune system and I'm sure that's mainly down to her furry brother She's never had a stomach or sickness bug, chooses dog treats over her own biscuits and finds it hilarious when he gives her a bath!