My 9 Month Old Copycats My Dog, Is This Normal

My 18 month old thinks it's hilarous to pretend he is a dog. He crawls around and even says "woof, woof!" He will play in the dog dishes, too (though he hasn't actually eaten dog food yet). He learned this behavior from his older sister, who also likes to pretend she is a dog. He is copying her more than he is copying the actual dog, but it's the same type of behavior. I think it just shows that they have imagination! I wouldn't worry about it.

Yeah, totally. It's normal for a 9 month old to imitate what he sees. He probably does it with you too, right? Actually, I'd be honored if my baby imitated my dog. He's the most lovely, loyal precious 14-yr old being around. And if it gets too much for your dog, he'll let your baby know. They are most likely communicating on some level and when you see it, you'll know it. These could be the most wonderful moments of your boy's life.

be well

My niece and nephew both did this!

It is so normal! My almost 3 year old still copies our dogs. If it makes you feel any better my niece used to go out in the backyard and lift her leg and pee to copy their dog. She did eventually grow out of the phase. So don't worry he is just having fun!

Totally normal! I have always tried to keep the dog food away from my children more because of the choking hazard issue. Just be sure to eat and drink with your baby so he can see how we humans eat and drink, too!

THIS IS NORMAL!! It will pass soon enough as your son learns new tricks, walking and so on. Don't worry about it. Just tell him the dog food is yucky, (my daughter ate quite a bit of cat food as a baby and is fine ). Just try and feed the dog seperately, you can do this by just setting the bowl out for a certain period of time and again when the baby is napping or sleeping so the dog can eat without the baby in the way. Just put him in a highchair with feeding, do not even give him the opportunity to eat off the floor. Just limit where he eats and where the dog eats, do not let him roam around with food in his hands either. Sitting him up at the highchair only for food. It will pass, soon enough.

This is normal. This is healthy. Every kid eats off the floor and imaginative play is very important to your child's growth. Encourage it but make it suitable and sanitary. Start with "What does a dog say?, What does a cow say, frog, cat, snake, this is a great way to introduce him to the world around him. He is also learning what is different from him or mom or dad. He is not alone in the world. He is discovering guide him in his journey.

Best Wishes

Its totally normal- part of a learning process they all go through!! Enjoy the comedy of it is my best advice!!!!!

It is so normal, my son acted like a cat and a dog, his first words were....woof, woof and meow, no joke! And he actually sounded like the cat and dog, my poor MIL was afraid we were going to have a modern day "wolf" boy on our hands!

My six year old daughter still does this with the cat and she started about the same age. I had to start feeding the cat twice a day and monitor her. I tried at times when she was sleeping or at dinner. The water is another story though. All I can do is try and keep it clean. I also keep a sippy cup full of something. Maybe when you son heads to the water bowl you could intercept him with a sippy cup.

Good Luck! kids are strange little creatures!!!!!!