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Toddler Raised Alongside Five German Shepherds “Thinks She’s a Dog”

River with their German Shepherd dogs

source: The dodo – youtube

For River, a toddler, her everyday life is an adventure. Her 5 German Shepherd dogs have become her playmates, guardians, and best buddies, making sure she’s safe and happy as they explore the world together.

A Not-so-typical Toddler Life with Five German Shepherd

@von.jakoba Not really 😜 #dogsoftiktok #toddler #germanshepherd #guarddog #lgd #farmlife #bodyguards #dogsandkids ♬ BILLIE EILISH. – Armani White

Ashley, River’s mom, has been filming all of River’s pawsome adventures with the dogs and posting them on her TikTok account.

The dogs are making River’s childhood extra special  – they play with her, snuggle up close during nap time, and, most of all, keep her safe no matter what.

“Wherever my baby goes, our dogs always follow her,” Ashley says, sharing how the dogs keep a watchful eye on her child during outdoor play. 

The comments are flooding in, and everyone’s just loving this special bond. Folks are commenting stuff like, “River must be the most protected kid around!” 

She became one of them

The German Shepherd dogs smelling baby River

source: The dodo – youtube

“My baby was raised with five dogs, and sometimes I think she thinks she’s a dog,” Ashley says.

She displays dog-like antics, like crawling, carrying a stuffed toy using her mouth, dipping her face in a puddle, walking on all fours, bathing with dogs, digging a hole, or going through a doggie door.

But don’t get it twisted, it’s not messing with her growing up human (like some folks might worry).

Kids are just natural explorers, playful and curious to the core.

River just loves hanging out with her sweet, furry pals.

When “aww” turns to “erm, is this okay?” 

German Shepherd dog lying on River

source: The dodo – youtube

On the flip side of every toddler-pet interaction is the concern for safety and health risks. 

Some folks are nervous about germs or the scary thought of a dog getting too rough.

But no worries, River is fine and as healthy as a horse. Ashley says in a hilarious way that she does not leave her child unattended.

She remains cautious, attentive, and mindful of health concerns, taking steps to minimize risks without compromising the special bond River has with her dogs.

How did River earn her honorary paws? 

@von.jakoba Her favorite chore 😜 #dogsoftiktok #estrelamountaindog #germanshepherd #toddlersoftiktok #countrylife #farmlife ♬ Countryside – Andrew Joy

It’s all about the basics: Respect, kindness, and a whole lot of gentle pats. 

If you watch their videos, it’s clear Ashley’s teaching River just the right ways to hang out with her four-legged siblings – like how to pet the dogs softly, recognize the signs of a dog wanting space, and never disturb them while they’re eating or sleeping.

The trick is to make the dogs feel safe and comfortable around the River so they will do the same.

This way, there’s no chance the dogs ever feel like they have to snap or growl to get their point across.

On the deeper level

Witnessing River and the dogs’ moments shatters preconceived notions about dogs and babies coexisting.

Ashley’s videos are adorable and powerful as they shows the importance of mutual respect and care between dogs and humans.

Check out River and her German Shepherds’ story in the video below