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By Daniella Gray
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A golden retriever has melted hearts on the internet after his emotional first meeting with his owner's newborn.
In a heartwarming clip posted by Samantha Dugdale (@samanthakatedugdale), her one-year-old puppy sits attentively in front of her as she cradles her baby.
Newsweek reached out to @samanthakatedugdale for comment via direct message on TikTok.
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As the mom of three gently scratches his fur, her loyal companion is in awe, wagging his tail and inching closer, seemingly mesmerized by the tiny new addition to the family.
Research in animal behavior and neuroscience suggests that dogs experience a range of emotions similar to humans, such as joy, fear, anxiety and even love.
A 2015 study published in the journal Science found that mutual gazing between dogs and their owners increases oxytocin levels in both, reinforcing their bond.
The experts also reported that this response is akin to the bond observed between human mothers and their babies.
Dogs are often considered part of the family, and certain breeds are known for their gentle and loving nature.
Labrador retrievers, like the one in Samantha's video, are among the best family-friendly breeds due to their patience, intelligence and affectionate temperament.
Other breeds known for their child-friendly nature include golden retrievers, cavalier King Charles spaniels, and poodles.
To ensure a safe and positive experience, proper introductions between dogs and babies are crucial.
Experts at Dog's Trust recommend gradual introductions, letting the dog sniff a blanket or clothing item with the baby's scent before the first meeting.
According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), parents should remain calm and speak cheerfully when entering with the baby to avoid making the dog anxious.
Positive reinforcement can also go a long way. Reward calm and gentle behavior with praise and treats.
Samantha's clip has clocked up over 89,000 views and over 5,200 likes. Comments flooded in with love for the dog.
"What an amazing and loving moment you have on camera to treasure forever," one user wrote.
"The tiny tail wags," another cried.
A third user praised Samantha for the first meeting. "Exactly how it's supposed to look, calm and collected. Excellent owner, beautiful pup."
Another commenter added, "Sweet little soul."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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