Pet cam captures how dogs react to doll as family prepares for baby

A soon-to-be grandfather was caught on a home security camera preparing two dogs for the arrival of the couple's grandchild in May.

Bobby and Danni Keane have been training their two American Bully littermates— Annabelle and Norman—to interact with their grandchild since they found out their daughter was three months along. The Keanes emphasized that the training is not because Annabelle and Norman are aggressive or fear of possibly hurting the baby. Instead, it's because they are large dogs that weigh 60 and 80 pounds.

"Keeping our grandchild safe, and making sure our daughter feels comfortable bringing him over, is our number one priority," the couple told Newsweek via email.

In an April 12 TikTok video posted to the account @annabelle_and_norman, Bobby is seen walking around the living room with a baby doll in tow. The dogs were seated on the couch and when they calmly reacted, he rewarded them with a treat. He even played crying baby sounds for the dogs to get used to the noise.

The video stated that Norman is a work in progress as he jumped up while the grandfather was holding the baby doll. The couple wrote in the comment section that Norman is too much of an empath and cannot control his emotions when kids cry.

"He gets more upset/worried than the parent does," the comment reads.

The couple started dog training with short sessions a few times a week that lasted about 15 minutes. As the dogs got the hang of it, they increased it to daily training sessions and now, they'll randomly pick up the baby doll and carry it around while doing their normal activities.

These dogs love when people come over and will greet them with jumps, but the couple wanted to avoid this reaction when their daughter and her baby come over in the future. They decided to teach them to go to a specific location when the doorbell rings, allowing people to walk in without getting toppled.

"We have also worked on muzzle training," the Keanes said. "Annabelle has been muzzle-trained since she was one year old, but we never fully trained Norman, so we have begun getting him used to wearing his muzzle as well."

The baby isn't expected until the end of May, but once the baby arrives, the couple said they will bring over the baby blanket first. This will help get their dogs used to the smell.

"We won't know for sure [if training works] until the baby is here, but we think it is going to help," the couple said. "We believe training of any kind makes for better-behaved dogs all around."

Dogs can become overwhelmed when a new baby comes into their home because of all the new smells, sounds, and sights. But, just as this couple has done, owners can prepare their dogs for the change.

In addition to what this couple has done, American Kennel Club Pet Insurance recommends owners establish obedience, whether it is new or a refresher for the dog. Owners should also update their routine as a schedule with a newborn is always changing, provide a safe space for everyone, and set your dog up for success with new and mentally stimulating toys.

'ALL the green flags!'

The precious TikTok video had over 3.3 million views, 355,200 likes, and 1,715 comments as of Tuesday. Viewers couldn't stop applauding this man's dedication to making the home safe and welcoming whenever the baby comes over.

"ALL the green flags! Responsible pet owner AND great dad/grandpa. Where are y'all finding these men?" commented a TikTok user.

A second person wrote: "This is one of the most wholesome things I've ever seen. Wow, your child is so blessed to have you. And your new grandbaby too."

"This is how it's done!!! Bravo!" added another.

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.