Getting no sleep :(

JoyKM · 01-02-2013, 03:29 AM

I need some advice. My hav is almost 7 months old. We really never used a crate (I know this is a touchy subject) because we had a baby play pen, and Sam seemed to love it. We never really had any problems with potty training, and he generally slept well at night. After he became completely potty trained at about 4 1/2 months, we started letting him stay out at night. He doesn't like sleeping in the bed with my husband and I or with our daughter, but he was content to sleep in the floor in one of our rooms. Recently, he has started getting up in the middle of the night (thus my 4 a.m. post) and walking all over H and I. I take him out and he goes potty, give him a treat, go back to bed. Again, wants to play. Put him in the play pen, he barks. Close him in our daughter's room with her since she has a gate on the door, and he paws at the gate loudly. If I sit with him, he plays quietly with a toy. As soon as I try to go back to bed, he wants me up again. H is getting very frustrated and says it's because he is unneutered. I plan to start showing him soon, so I don't want to neuter and don't think this is the problem anyway. Please help!

krandall · 01-02-2013, 07:56 AM

I don't think this has anything to do with neutering, but I do think he's "training" you, and you have to get a handle on it. If he REALLY needs to go potty during the night, (doubtful at his age unless he has a UTI) take him out without saying a word, then when he has gone, bring him right back in, still no talking, and into his pen. He may bark, but don't give in. You may have a rough few of nights, but he HAS to learn that he can't disrupt the family's sleep, and that night is NOT the time for play. Eventually he will learn that he's not getting what he wants, and settle back down.

The only other thing is, make sure he has finished teething. 7 months is a bit late, but if his mouth is sore, that could be keeping him up. In that case, it's something that will pass on its own anyway, as long as you don't pay him too much attention.

atsilvers27 · 01-02-2013, 08:42 AM

Just want to second what Karen said. Since you have been playing with him and giving him all sorts of attention in the middle of the night, you have some work in front of you. Let him know by your behavior that night time is boring and nothing fun happens. You are tired and a zombie at night. Also work on this during the day by not responding to any barks whines or scratching. If you yell at him that is still giving him attention so you are still giving in. If you can teach him not to bark, whine or scratch for attention during the day, you will have an easier time settling him at night. Make sure there isn't anything medical going on with him and of course don't feed/water him close to when he goes down for the night. Make sure he's completely empty as well right before bed. Usually puppies should be old enough to sleep through the night but it sounds like now he is waking you up for attention.

atsilvers27 · 01-02-2013, 08:43 AM

At seven months old

Luciledodd · 01-02-2013, 12:08 PM

And no treat.

JoyKM · 01-02-2013, 02:42 PM

Thanks for your responses! H has warned me that I'm spoiling him way too much! I know that I am. It's just so hard - I love the little guy so much.

I'm just going to have to be firm. He does have one baby tooth that is hanging on that we are scheduled to have removed next week, but our vet said that it shouldn't be causing him any pain. I'll keep you posted about his progress!

Pipersmom · 01-02-2013, 02:53 PM

It's hard when they are so cute. Think about it from his point of view-when I get up in the middle of the night I get all of mommys attention and treats! Sounds like a good time

The first few nights will be rough but hold firm because this is not behavior you want to encourage. I well remember how hard it was to lie in bed and listen to Piper howling like a wolf.(It took about 4 days for the behavior to completely stop).

krandall · 01-02-2013, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoyKM

Thanks for your responses! H has warned me that I'm spoiling him way too much! I know that I am. It's just so hard - I love the little guy so much.

I'm just going to have to be firm. He does have one baby tooth that is hanging on that we are scheduled to have removed next week, but our vet said that it shouldn't be causing him any pain. I'll keep you posted about his progress!

Remember, just as with human children, REALLY loving them means doing what's best for them, whether it is popular or not.

In the long run, he will be a much happier dog if he knows the rules and boundaries of his new household!

Tuss · 01-02-2013, 06:07 PM

Agree with all the above. Also, at this age they go thru their adolescents and start to push the limits a bit and test their independence. It can be a tough time for sure. He needs to learn that he can't have a "playtime" anytime he wants.