Tears at How Mom Ensures Labrador Isn’t Left Out While She Breastfeeds Baby

Many owners treat their pets like babies, so it may not come as a surprise to see this Labrador want to be involved when his owner is breastfeeding.

Racking up 3.8 million views on TikTok, the video shows Renegade (@renegadethegooddog) approaching his owner with a book in his mouth.

“I think your sister likes that idea too,” the first-time mom says, before inviting her pet onto the chair and beginning the book. Then he rests his head on her and enjoys the story—melting many hearts online.

“It’s very normal to feel guilty for ‘leaving out’ your dog more when you become a new parent,” dog trainer Annie-Mae Levy told Newsweek.

However, Renegade’s owner has found a way to kill two birds with one stone by entertaining her dog while feeding her baby.

How To Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby

Levy, who works for the puppy and dog training app Woofz, told Newsweek: “The best way to ease them into this transition is to get them used to walking next to a pram and accustomed to baby noises before the baby arrives.

“By desensitizing them to these two elements, it will be easier for you to take both the baby and the dog outside together while also ensuring minimal disruption to their walking routine.”

This has been echoed by dog behaviorist Siddhika Bhat, based in Toronto, Canada, who encourages expecting parents to teach their canines how to “stroll, not sprint.”

“Getting your dog to match the speed of a stroller is a total game-changer. Babies and toddlers need fresh air, and let’s be honest, so does your dog (and probably you too).

“But a dog that yanks like a freight train makes those walks stressful and can actually make you dread the walk instead of looking forward to it.”

Bhat advises owners to drain their dog’s excess energy ahead of walks by supplying mental stimulation activities.

“Use positive reinforcement to reward calm walking. Before you know it, your dog will be prancing along like they were born to be a baby’s adventure buddy,” she added.

TikTok Reacts

So far, the video shared on Monday has over 777,000 likes and more than 2,600 comments.

“He’s actually listening. I’m bawling,” said one user.

Another pointed out: “Instead of being jealous and resentful she just like how about you include me.” And a third commenter wrote: “The dog seems stoked about the new tiny human activities.”

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.