Ask Teddy

Have a problem, a quandary or a gloomy Tuesday? Write to Teddy. He promises to answer with his whole heart. Send questions to teddy@walthamtimes.org.

Q. My momma just had a baby, so all of a sudden I have a little brother! I’m not sure how I feel about this. I love the baby so much, but my mom won’t let me lick him, and then I wonder if I did something bad. I find myself wanting to wrap my paws around everyone I meet and give them big wet kisses, which no one seems to like. And then when they hold the baby, I just want to bite their leg. What’s wrong with me? 

A: Your question really hits home right now. I’m writing from “camp NJ” at my mom’s business partner’s house because I just became an uncle. Also, I do get a little jealous when visitors talk to each other and not to me. I used to be a big jumper – it DOES get attention – but in anticipation of my nephew’s impending arrival, we’ve been playing lots of games where I get more attention plus TREATS when I practice self-control. Hide-and-seek. Middle (where I go plant myself safely in my human’s legs). Sit and wait patiently to be invited to say hello calmly. It makes my humans so proud. Me too. (It is confusing, though, when visitors tell my humans they don’t mind — or even encourage me to jump up. Please don’t do that.) I can’t wait to meet baby Lenny and show off my good-boy skills! Click here to get a helpful new baby/dog interaction tip from MSPCA/Angell.