does she do anything else besides walk by when she walks by? is the door typically open or closed?

 

Door is typically open because the dogs like to lay in there during the day. If she just cruises right by, he doesn't do anything in response, but if she makes any motion like she wants to go into the room, that's when he'll jump up off the bed and tell her she isn't allowed. Normally she just stands there for a bit, and walks away.

 

has he ever had to tell her twice?

if not...id wouldnt worry too much..id definately keep an eye on it.

if yes..id do two things...first id talk to the kid about it. yes she's young but if you keep it very simple "that's how rocky says no. You should listen to rocky when he says no." and act really proud of her and clap and smile when she does.

id also try to catch it happening and call his attention and reward his attention. head it off at the pass so to speak.

 

He's never had to tell her twice, 9 times out of 10, there is someone there to grab her and tell Rocky it's ok. When noone does grab her right away, she has always made the right decision and moved along though.

You don't think that Rocky's behavior is what we should focus on, but rather teaching Lena (the baby) an appropriate response? I'm fine with that, considering he is helping us enforce a rule that is in place for her anyway. The growl that he gives is definitely not one that means he's mad. I've seen that plenty of times and know it to a tee. It's very much a "you don't belong here" growl with soft body posture.