Every time I put the baby to sleep (including naps), we say goodnight to the pup. "Night-night pup. We love you pup. You sure are a real good pup."
She is, honestly. She's not super obedient, but she's generally good and she's very patient with a baby, especially as the baby's territory expands and there are fewer safe spaces.
The dog wants to be near the action, but also she's a beagle. If we're not eating, she'd like to be napping somewhere cozy until it is time to bark or eat. And the baby is getting better at reaching the cozy places.
"Gentle! Pat the pup! Gentle pats! Nice! No. Don't grab. Remember, gentle. Yes! Like that! Gentle pats! Good! No. Don't grab..." - me, eighteen times a day while scratching the dog's ears and trying to make it up to her.
So, happy National Dog Day to our pup. She's the best.