Here's why:
* Maternal Instincts: Dogs, like most mammals, have a strong maternal instinct to protect and care for their young. They are incredibly devoted to their puppies and would not intentionally harm them.
* Reasons for Abandonment: In rare cases, a mother dog might abandon her puppies, but this is usually due to:
* Stress and Fear: If the mother is stressed or frightened, she may feel overwhelmed and abandon her puppies.
* Lack of Resources: If the mother lacks food, water, or a safe place to nest, she may abandon her puppies to seek those resources.
* Health Issues: If the mother dog is sick or injured, she may be unable to care for her puppies.
The myth of humans causing dogs to eat their puppies likely stems from a misunderstanding of:
* Cannibalism in Wild Animals: Some wild animals, like wolves, may resort to cannibalism under extreme circumstances like food scarcity. This is a survival mechanism, not a reaction to human touch.
* Fear of Intervention: If a human interferes with a mother dog's nest or puppies without proper knowledge and care, the mother might become defensive and aggressive, which could be misconstrued as a threat to the puppies.
It's crucial to remember that dogs are not inherently aggressive towards their young. If you see a mother dog with her puppies, observe from a distance and avoid disturbing her. If you're concerned about the puppies' welfare, contact a professional animal rescue organization.