advice how to stop my dog barking

[HarlotOTara]

Hi I have two Golden retrievers age 6 and almost 3. They are fine and very easy dogs who are allowed all over the house. In fact they are lying at my feet as I type this. The eldest dog doesn't really like being shut away as he prefers to be with us and usually this isn't a problem. However this weekend I have a toddler coming to stay. I have Dcs but they are in their teens so don't have to worry about them and the dogs. I do realise I will need to be extra vigilant with a toddler around and have thought of shutting the dogs in the kitchen if I need to if the toddler gets too excited - or dogs too. The eldest dog does have a tendency to bark when I do this (possibly as it doesn't happen too often?). Any advice on how I can stop this happening? My dogs are used to little children but not for such a long period of time.

Anyone? I know you are out there..........

Maybe you need to build up some good associations before the toddler arrives.
I suggest putting the dog basket in the kitchen ,and getting the dog familiar with it while you cook or work in a calm manner. When they are calm and settled reward them with a tidbit,then go back to what you are doing in the kitchen.
A bit later on putthe dog(s) in the kitchen iwhen they kick off ,wait and wait and wait . You want to open the door when they have stopped barking for 5/6 seconds. Then reward and ignore. Do this again and extend the time you wait. When you reunit ,do it on your own terms ,reward nicely then ignore. They will get used to your calm and react accordingly.
It sounds like you have lovely dogs, so you can introduce thenm but your right to give them good time out and dont let the toddler invade their space.