how can i get a puppy on my schedule?

Question

Just got my jack russel home and can't seem to get her on a schedule yet, she is eating and going to the bathroom well, but only sleeping like 1.5-2 hours at a time. I am trying the crate training but she cries so loudly she wakes up everyone in the house and my roomate has to work 1st shift.

I have tried the clock, stuffed animals, music, etc

What is the best type of treat for a new puppy doing right?

Answer 1

I would first start by not letting her sleep during the day but maybe a nap in the afternoon. Put a stuffed animal and a clock that ticks like a windup clock in her crate. This helps with separation anxiety. Also taking her for a long walk/run or an hour in the park before bed will help her sleep. If all else fails make her sleep in the car or garage at night until she's able to be quiet. I know it sounds cruel but you have to do something. Also dicipline her for making noise at night. Don't reward her with any attention for the misbehavior.

Answer 2

How old is she? How long have you had her home?

Puppies are usually going to cry when they are first taken away from their first home, which usually includes mama dog and possibly some littermates.

Often people make the crate too big and dogs actually feel more secure in a small, but comfortable space. Make her crate a little haven. Put a clock that runs or ticks next to the crate and see if she can safely have some padding or blankets in there. I say "safely" because if she begins to soil the blanket or chew it you will form a habit that can be difficult to break.

She shouldn't sleep more than what you said at this time. A few hours at a time. And she's a JRT! Welcome to JRT work! They are not lazy dogs and sleeping is usually last on their minds.....as puppies and adults!

After she has had at least 2 rounds of vaccinations I would enroll her in a beginner's agility class so you can learn basic obedience and the fun and rewarding sport of agility too. (A super way to release energy for any breed but really great for those active, hyper or easily-bored breeds!)

Make sure you are feeding her about 3 times a day until she's around 5 months then you can cut back to 2 times a day. Feed her so that when you set the bowl down she eats or the food disappears. This will teach her to eat then or miss her meal. You'll have a puppy that has no issue with eating as soon as you offer the food. This is the first step to a schedule for your pup.

Secondly, after feeding take the pup straight outdoors to reliever herself, reward her when she does and then go back in and see if you can get her interested in a ball or toy that is fun.

Make sure you do lots of playing and/or exercising before she goes to bed. This should ensure that she sleeps longer/better.

If she's brand new to you then you'll have to give her time. That's all you can do without having *her* train *you* to pick her up when she cries!

Answer 3

I know exactly what you mean. I just got a Shih Tzu 3 months ago and it is a constant struggle. My dog does crate training also and I have found that a teddy bear really does the trick. Try putting in something your dog can snuggle with a night when she/he is frightened. Also there is this great outlet plug-in called Comfort Zone with D.A.P for dogs of all ages. The Dog Appeasing Pheromone helps you dog smell the sent of it's mother and that tends to allow the puppy to relax and feel safe. Hopefully this advice works for you like it did for me!

Answer 4

What room does she sleep in. Puppies are like babys, if you keep going to her when she crys she will keep crying. Crate training in my opinion is the best way. You just have to leave her to get use to it. Don't be tempted to let her sleep with you, just stick with what you are doing, and it will be worth it in the end! Good luck!