By Lucy Notarantonio

Copyright newsweek

A heartwarming TikTok video has captured the gentle first steps of friendship between a St. Louis family’s cane corso and their newborn baby—long before the pair even met in person.The clip, posted by Brittany Hogan (@brittanyandjax), has racked up more than 3.3 million views and shows her husband carefully preparing their 145-pound, 5-year-old dog Jax to welcome their new daughter.While recovering in the hospital after giving birth, Hogan watched via video call as her husband introduced Jax to the baby in a thoughtful, scent-based ritual. The text over the video recorded last year explains the family’s initial concern: “He didn’t like kids at the time, we had no idea how he’d react.”The American Kennel Club (AKC) says that this breed isn’t the type to befriend every person or canine they encounter. They typically remain aloof toward outsiders, but show unwavering loyalty and a strong protective instinct toward their family.During the clip, the husband begins by holding out the newborn’s blanket for Jax to sniff. The dog’s nose twitches as he takes in the unfamiliar scent, clearly aware that something significant has changed. The man then places the blanket in the baby’s bassinet and leaves another one on Jax’s bed, even letting the animal sniff Hogan’s labor gown.For the next four days—while Hogan and the newborn remained in the hospital—Jax repeatedly returned to the bassinet to inhale the baby’s scent, lingering quietly as if standing guard for the infant’s homecoming.The video’s heartfelt caption reads: “I remember being so worried about how he would react. He is the most perfect boy. It’s incredible how they just KNOW.”Viewers around the world have been touched by the cane corso’s instinctive devotion, with many sharing their own experiences of introducing pets to newborns.In the comments, Hogan reassured a concerned user: “Jax doesn’t like people, dogs or other kids. It will be okay.”One popular reply with over 60,000 likes captured the sentiment perfectly: “Girl he just don’t like other ppl [people] kids, that’s his kid.”Another viewer added: “Corso’s are natural guardians and will guard their pack. They are great with children. I have no children and my Corso loves all kids and is so gentle with them.”How To Introduce Your Dog to Your New BabyThese AKC-recommended tips can make your baby’s first meeting with your beloved pet a calm, positive experience.
Stay calm and balanced: Dogs sense your body language and pheromones, so avoid projecting anxiety about their reaction to the baby.
Practice relaxed breathing: Work on breathing normally and not holding your breath when canine and child are together.
Plan interactions: Map out each dog/child encounter, starting simple and aiming for small, positive successes.
Support your dog’s emotional health: Speak with your vet about strategies to ease canine anxiety.
Maintain a safe space: Ensure the crate remains a private sanctuary for your dog, off-limits to children.
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