Jealous or Aggressive

Question
My son moved into an apt. and we took in his 3 year old Rottweiler.  We already had a husky mix and 2 small dachshunds.  They all get along.  My problem is that when I babysit for my 3 year old niece, the Rott takes on a whole new personality.  It's a constant bark and nothing I do helps.  He doesn't try to bite her or anything he just wants to be right with her. I've resulted into putting him in the garage in his crate when she is over and he still continuously barks. I can't figure out if he's jealous or if I should be concerned about aggression.  When she's not here he is the best behaved of all 4. I don't know what to do because we're expecting our first grandchild anytime and I need to get him used to having kids around.

Answer
Hi Karen,

I'm not sure I'm understanding your question. I can understand how annoying the constant barking is, but if the dog never tries to hurt your niece or your other dogs, then the problem isn't aggression. I'm not even sure it's jealousy.

Is there a reason you can't let the dog be near your niece? Does he quiet down if he's able to be near your niece?

Confining the dog to a place where he will cause the least disturbance, such as your garage is good, but teaching him the "Quiet" command is better. You can read about training your dog to be quiet here:

http://placervillevet.com/training_your_dog_to_stop_barking.htm
http://petcaretips.net/teach-dog-stay-quiet.html

When your niece visits, have you tried occupying the dog with something irresistible, such as a large fresh leg bone from the butcher? Something that delicious is best enjoyed in solitude, in the garage, but I'll bet it will keep your dog quiet.

If you do not trust the dog while your niece is visiting, then he should wear a basket style muzzle. Basket muzzles are very humane. The dog can pant and drink water while wearing the muzzle. It won't stop him from barking, but it may make you feel more at ease.

If you feel the dog has aggression issues, then enrolling in an obedience class now, before the arrival of your grandchild, would be a good idea.

Best of luck,
Patti