He's a 10 week old Lab. He does very well in his crate. I take him out at midnight and again at 4AM. He'll sleep untill about 5AM when he just starts barking like mad. I think he's hungry, but I don't want him to expect me to feed him at 5AM every morning. I've tried feeding him later in the evening, but it doesn't seem to be working. Any suggestions?
2007-09-06 01:48:58 · 9 answers · asked by Seth T 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yeah, we tried putting him in the bed with us, but he's in the biting stage and he'll bite everything. Not just the chew toys we give him.
Look, I understand the responsibility of a puppy, I'm just looking for another hour or 2 of sleep so I can function like a normal person during the day.
2007-09-06 02:06:47 · update #1
Don't put him in a crate. Let him sleep normally in a dog bed near you. And it's time to realise that having a dog changes your life, like having a baby. Unless you are prepared to live with that responsibility, you shouldn't have a dog. He may need to go out to pee at 5 a.m., it's better to actually take him out for a walk, so that he learns to be potty trained. As he grows older he will need less frequent walks (but longer ones).
2007-09-06 01:55:10 · answer #1 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would put the dog in the bed with you only if you will not mind the fact that you will eventually be sleeping with a 50-70lb dog. If you do not want to reinforce that, I would definitely make a very soft and comfy bed next to you where the puppy can see you and put some nice soft toys in the bed with him.
We also started to take our dog for a long walk (30-40 minutes) around 8-9PM to get her tired out and she has since been sleeping through most of the night (may get up once to go pee). You have chosen a very energetic breed that will get bored without stimulation, so you may want to do a few walks (once right when you get home and then once later at night for a shorter duration) as well as some fun games (i.e. fetch, chase toys, etc.) to really get him tuckered out (this is also a great way to bond with your dog).
We also have our dog go to the bathroom right before we go to bed. Since you have a puppy, it will take a while for it's bladder to be strong enough to go through the whole night (just like a young child) but doing these things will help enforce good habits that you will want your dog to follow as a full grown dog.
Also, remember to reinforce the behaviors that you do want (i.e. being quiet at night, walking well on the leash, not biting, etc.) and try to ignore the barking as it is an unwanted behavior. A good tasty treat when the puppy is being quiet in the morning will make him realize that it is good thing. Good luck to you and hope this helps!
2007-09-06 03:10:30 · answer #2 · answered by Erin M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He's probably lonely. I would just wake up with him and spend some time with him.
Waking up at 5 a.m. isn't THAT bad ... my dog's last walk time is 9:00 and then we're up at 6:00 (he is 4 months old). We were getting up around 5.
You've got to understand that his bladder and tummy and needs are growing every day. You might just have to wait for those two extra hours of sleep until he gets a little older. It really is like having a child.
2007-09-06 02:42:21 · answer #3 · answered by cargirl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our pup wakes up around 6. We let her potty then sometimes put her in bed with us. As long as we cuddle, but don't talk to her, she (most times) will go back to sleep. She slept an extra 2 hours over the weekend. It was wonderful.Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Ya just have to roll with it.
2007-09-06 02:15:23 · answer #4 · answered by cinney 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like what the first answerer suggested about bringing him back in bed with you. Maybe after his 4am relief you could try tucking him in bed with you. He may just be lonely & want some cuddling. If not, try talking to your vet, the dr may have some better solution.
2007-09-06 01:58:30 · answer #5 · answered by curiousgeorge 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try putting him in another Bed..Like yours!
Plus its weird how poeple can grab food whenever they want to but they only feed pets when its basically bed time..Yea and what the first user said...U may nt be responsile..or ready to hae a dog
2007-09-06 02:01:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get up earlier. Just kidding. He has to learn that YOU are the boss. Let him bark until he gets used to YOUR schedule.
2007-09-06 03:07:17 · answer #7 · answered by Rudi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
feed him nicely before sleep
keep some water for him at night
2007-09-06 02:06:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
he's a pup, they all wake up early
2007-09-06 02:02:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋