Dog and Baby - Relationship Support
6 year old cockapoo and 10 month old now very mobile baby.
Have realised we need to make some serious changes after a few growls and snaps & by generally looking at our dog's behaviour.
So far have decided
-We will do our best to keep them separate at all times.
- Going to buy a room divider so dog can have her own area with food water and bed in there.
- Won't approach or pet the dog whilst the baby is watching so she doesn't try the same (is this sensible?)
Need help with the fact that when I use an excited voice with the baby when playing with her the dog comes running with a toy to play too. Also some days when I'm home alone with them both the dog is desperate to sit on my lap, resists being told to get off etc but then growls when baby inevitably approaches and then I feel so bad having to push her off (to avoid a confrontation between them). When I then try and invite her onto my lap when the baby is asleep in another room she's not interested and sometimes doesn't even come downstairs to near me.
What does this behaviour indicate and how can I meet those needs? And is there anything else I should do to manage the dynamic? Any insight welcome. Please be supportive and kind - I'm also managing sleep deprivation...