maggie Wrote:
Our 4 month old puppy is still waking up in the middle of the night. We have had for over a month now. I have heard that puppies can go through the night at 3 months old. We let her out at about 3:30am-4:00am. She is crate trained but barks at that time and then again around 5:30, 6:30. I don't let her out until 7:00am. But we are getting very tired!!! Does anyone have any suggestions? Please help. Signed Tired and frustrated

Phoebe Wrote:
IIRC: The idea behind crate training is that puppies instinctively don't like to soil the place they sleep. So if they sleep in their crate, they will hold it in until you let them out to do their thing outside. So if your puppy is making noise, it might be the signal to go outside. But you probably knew that... The key thing is consistency. You can't change the routine to make things less annoying. Try to enjoy the experience because puppies aren't puppies for very long. If you're going crazy, try looking for a dog trainer by doing a search at Smalltown.

Phoebe attached these links:
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA

maggie Wrote:
I think you should ask a trainer.

Phoebe Wrote:
I can't resist asking why you are answering your own question in this discussion. Wassup?

maggie Wrote:
In response to Pheobe. My daughter did it. She thought it was funny and likes the whole idea of the discussion. Curious kids.

Beverly Wrote:
I have a 3 month old Irish Wolfhound pup. He's sleeping well, but I cut off the water at 7pm and take him out for one last potty before bed. During the 12 days we've had him he only wakes when we stir in the room at night. Is someone at your house snoring real loud? Just kidding... Really, they have things at the pet store to help a pup sleep alone, and would be worth looking into. Could be he's cold, lonely or one of a number of things, but by accomodating him beyond taking him out for a potty stop and not cuddling or petting him (which is probably giving him just what he wants, attention), you actually are encouraging a bad behavior. You need to make sure that you are meeting his needs but not playing with him, or the reverse and yelling at him which makes them scared and acting out is a bad result. My best suggestion is to keep any contact with him during the night very minimal. Tell him that you're taking him potty, or whatever term you use for it, lead him out, don't carry him, minimize eye contact, don't yell or use cuddly talk, let him do his job, take him back to the crate, and go back to bed yourself. It will probably take a couple nights (hopefully not more), but once he gets it through his head that you're not good company at night he should relent. Good luck!

swindogs Wrote:
Are you picking up the water a few hours before bed? Is he getting enough exercise? Do you *take* him out so you can see that he has urinated/defecated? Teaching them to go on leash on command is very helpful. Do you have him enrolled in a good puppy class that can help you with common issues? Pets In Need Canine College starts up June 7 & June 9 in Redwood City. 8 weeks for $120. Basic obedience plus behavior problems. Certified trainers with years of experience with a huge variety of breeds. www.petsinneed.org or http://home.earthlink.net/~swindogs/modardogtraining2