I have noticed that Dutchess has been starting to bark alot in the night. She did really good when we came home which was almost 3 months ago. I have kept her on a regular schedule for her bedtime but now she is waking us up almost every 2 hours!! We are not able to get sleep and that makes it hard for us the next day at work!!! Does anyone have this kind of problem or have any suggestions??? My husband is talking about getting her a muzzle to shut her up so we can sleep! I would appreciate any and all thoughts on this!
Thanks all for you help and support!!!!
Dutchess's Mom.......Char
Well I am going to name just a few things:
1- if she has peed or pooped in her crate at any time,she is not going to rest well,because her beding is not clean.When these pups were crated at night,thier bedding got washed every other day,more so if needed.
2-Are you absolutely sure nothing medical is going on with her?
3-Has she peed & pooped for last call for the night? Like did you actually see her do her stuff?
4-Is there something either in the home,or outside that is waking her? (motion detection lights,noisey neighbors,early work folks)
5-Try covering her crate for more security,and maybe move her crate to another part of the house.(your bedroom,if you think she is wanting to know you are close by...or in another room secluded.)
6-Food changes,treat changes.To many treats late at night.
7-With Mia...we at one time upped her food just a tad,as we felt she needed more for her supper.It cured the early wake up calls.It used to be 3-3:30...now she goes 4:30-5:30am.And sleeps thru the night.
8-I always say a tired puppy is a happy puppy.Has she or does she get enough running & excersising during the day. How about some mind games before retiring for bed.Something to really work her mind.Try new commands,tricks,Nina Ottoson toys. There is a book i know folks have read here called Crate Games.Don't know if there is something useful there.
Try scattering her supper meal,so she has to work for it.It keeps them occupied,and works them for thier food.
9-Putting a muzzle on her is going to accomplish not one iota of relief.She is a puppy,she's testing you...."yep if bark long enough,mom is coming...(this is what she wants..attention~)
If most or all of the above and other suggestions are not the answer,I suggest a vet check to rule out anything medical.
10-if that has been done...ignore her.It might set you up for a few hours of needless whining,barking,ignore it.She will learn soon enough..gee I guess it's bedtime,and I need to be quiet~
Tell hubby...to just chill,after all Duchess is going into teenage phase,she is testing both of you for attention.She will get past it.We all know to well,that they can,and do get us wrapped around those little paws of thier.Sometimes its hard to ignore,especially if you know there is really nothing wrong.
