John Legend thinks having dogs is good preparation for having a baby.

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen

The 'Ordinary People' singer and wife Chrissy Teigen are expecting their first child together and the 36-year-old singer believes caring for their beloved canines Puddy, Pippa and Penny means they know what to expect when the tot arrives.

He told People magazine: "Dogs are great for a couple. It helps you raise something before you have to raise kids."

Though the baby hasn't arrived yet, John already knows what he wants to teach the youngster as he or she grows older.

He told 'Entertainment Tonight': "Part of it is just by example. Showing that you love your neighbour, and not just your neighbour next door, but your neighbour across town, and across the world.

"Teaching them what it means to love one another. I think if you start your kids with that, love, and kindness, and being inquisitive, and caring about visiting other places, I think all that helps develop empathy. Hopefully if all kids have empathy, then we're in good shape."

The 'All of Me' hitmaker has found his wife has been craving more sweets than usual since she got pregnant, but doesn't think her eating habits have changed too much.

He said: "It's not that different. I think she likes sweets a little more than she used to but other than that... She likes to eat, and we have a little baby to eat for too."