Dear Lola,
My husband and I recently had our first baby and are thrilled with every aspect of being parents. The best part is that our beloved dog also loves the new baby. Hugo stays right near the baby, no matter which room he is in. However, I do not allow Hugo to stay in the nursery when I put the baby to sleep in his crib. I have no fears that Hugo will do anything to the baby, but I do not want him to be trapped in the room and I hate leaving the door open and risking waking the baby. Now, Hugo ends up scratching and whining at the nursery door which results in the baby being woken up anyways. He has recently escalated to howling at the door and that's when I knew I needed your help. Do you have any solutions to this problem?
Sincerely,
Hugo's Human
Dear Hugo's Human,
Congratulations on the new addition to the family! It seems you were able to avoid the dreaded 'settling in' period when a new human enters a canine household. This phase is characterized by chaos. Canines are vocal, humans are exhausted, and no one is particularly happy with the changed circumstances.
There are also a plethora of new smells that wreak havoc on the noses of all who reside in the home.
Instead, you moved right into the 'protective' period where canines usually settle. This protective streak is innate in most members of my species and it's not something that can be easily corrected. Nor should it be. Just think how useful it would be if an intruder was entering the home.
Hugo would definitely take a bite out of that bad guy's arm!
However, just because the protective instinct is beneficial, doesn't mean it comes without its own challenges. Thankfully for you, I have a few simple solutions that require almost no effort on your part. Canines are great lovers of distraction techniques. Toys that require our concentration, treats that make our tummies giggle, and even a long walk will work to keep us entertained. While your Miniature Human naps, think about instituting one of these techniques. Be sure to change it up if the first idea doesn't work out - canines have many personalities and I provided ideas that are not suitable for all.
I myself would become positively homicidal if forced to walk down the street each day.
If none of these ideas work, I recommend you try the book in the backyard option. It's rather simple really. You get a book. You head out to your backyard or garden, any enclosed area where your canine enjoys taking his potty breaks. Then you sit on a chair and enjoy your book as the canine plays and the Miniature Human naps. Remember to take some snacks for the both of you!
If that doesn't work, I recommend you and Hugo head to your bed and have a nap of your own.
Lola
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