Exhausted! Boxer not letting us sleep!

[MudgeOtis]

gmacleod,

I know that you're right and he's just a baby. I'm finding he seems to be on a similar schedule as a baby. Sleeps during the day (despite trying to keep him awake to play), wakes up to play when kids go down for a nap and at night time and early in the morning. How do I get him on our schedule?

The first few days I got up with him and tried to lay on the floor or couch with him. But, he didn't just want to cuddle he wanted to play. I'm so just not ready to play at 5:30.

I've gotten some great ideas from everyone and I think I'll just start trying those and will probably end up waiting a few days (hopefully) or weeks before he really responds.

But, any more thoughts or advice are truly appreciated!
thanks!

 

[gmacleod]

I know that you're right and he's just a baby. I'm finding he seems to be on a similar schedule as a baby. Sleeps during the day (despite trying to keep him awake to play), wakes up to play when kids go down for a nap and at night time and early in the morning. How do I get him on our schedule?

Gradually, I expect. But that's something a crate can help you with a bit. Bearing in mind that he'll nap more often than the rest of you (due to being a baby) and sleep shorter periods overnight (for which there is little cure except growing older ), trying to keep him up and entertained in the 2-3 hours prior to when you want him to nap can help. Then it's a case of popping the tired-out pup down for his nap just before your kids go off for theirs. Incidentally, just like many human babies, he'll likely settle down for his nap more quickly if the placement of the crate is not isolated - keeping it near the centre of activity might sound counterproductive, but actually isn't.

 

[MudgeOtis]

Thank you again for your suggestions. I will try to start focusing on keeping him awake 2-3 hours before nap or bedtime. I'll be sending dh out tonight, if at all possible, to get a crate. I didn't know the crate should be kept out with all of us. Good to know!

I'm looking forward to trying all these wonderful tips out!

 

[catcrazy56]

We crated and keep our pups in our bedroom after a morning potty break dh used to put pup in bed with me and he would sleep untill I woke up. I know thats a bad habit but it worked for us.

 

[Chstnts Paw]

We actually use two crates! (thanfully both donated from friends/family no longer using them $$$$) One for her during the day if she needs a "chill out" break, or if we go out, and one in our bedroom for nighttime. Everything previously mentioned should help, but it will mostly come over time. And don't worry about 8 weeks being too young to learn anything. You can enroll him in Puppy Training at 10 weeks - and they do quite well even that early. You could probably already have him nearly housebroken and teach him "Sit" and maybe "Down". They're pretty intelligent, they get it.

 

[MudgeOtis]

I think Mudge is getting things. He was nearly potty trained until it got really cold out and he stopped wanting to go outside. But, I know he can do it. He's also responded really well to "No Bite!", when he nips at me or the kids. So, I know he's a smart guy. We're planning on puppy classes at 10 weeks, so we're almost there.

I think the sleep problems have been our own fault. We never went into the sleeping thing with a plan. You all have really helped give me ideas on how to form a plan and naptime/bedtime routine. I already feel a lot more hopeful just having discussed it with y'all!

Thanks!!

 

[Chstnts Paw]

If he understands "No Bite" already, he's doing great and the sleeping thing will work out fine real soon. Chestnut still thinks since day one that "No Bite" means "Hit and Run" with a little "Bark at Dad" mixed in. Little snot.

 

[MudgeOtis]

Chestnut sounds like a fiesty little guy just like Mudge! I'll bet he's awfully cute!

I know the scratching hurts, but I just think the "boxing" they do is so goofy to watch! It's one of those things I'd read about before we got Mudge, but was just fascinated with once we had him.

Anyway, thanks for the encouragement! Mudge is a smarty pants. Hopefully, in a week or so I'll be back posting a really good (well rested) update!