problems sleeping through the night?

[bmturner]

Our littlle girl has been so great so far, except when it comes to sleeping through the night. The first night she was in a kennel in the living room and she woke up about every hour. When I would go in there sometimes she needed out to relieve herself and other times she just wanted to know someone was there I think. The next couple of nights her kennel was drug into our bedroom with us and things were a little better, she seemed to only wake up every 2 hrs and she had to go outside. Thats great, no problems with that at all... however, last night she suddenly became scared of her kennel or something b/c she would not go in it with the door shut without howling. Even if she was tired she just wouldn't be content in the kennel. She is not yet housebroken so we can't afford to just let her roam the house, and the sound she makes in the bathroom is even worse! Any suggestions on how to convince her it is okay?

 

[Jill's boxer]

HOw old is she? Young puppies will need to go out every couple hours for the first month at least, so that is normal. also, she may have figured out that crying = out of crate. You do need to continue to take her out, of course, but when you put her back, if she cries you must let her cry it out as hard as it will be (it will be hard, trust me!) Keeping the crate near your bed where she can see/hear you helps. It is okay to speak to her to calm her or put your hand down so she can smell you but absolutely do not take her out while she crying to come out (unless she needs to go out of course and that is what she is whining about). Also, you can give her something with your scent on it or a stuffed animal to cuddle so she doesn't feel so alone. A warm water bottle helps, wrap it in towel for her to snuggle against, I have also put a ticking clock with it for added comfort (kinda mimics a heartbeat). She will settle down once she realizes that the crying won't get her out of the crate!
Another thing to do, during the day, keep the crate somewhere central where the action is (while you are home) and leave it open so she can go in/out of it on her own. Put treats in it so she will find them and offer them to her with praise when she goes in so she will associate the crate as a positive thing and realizes that going in doesn't always mean being locked in. when she falls asleep outside the crate, gently transfer her to the crate (leave it open) so when she wakes up she is in the crate, this helps her realize that the crate is her special little den and safe haven. most dogs will even seek out their crate for quiet time as they get a bit older. Good luck and be patient, it will get better soon!

 

[bmturner]

all good suggestions! She knows that if she wines and is coming out of the crate at night it will be to go outside and then back in (hopefully). The problem we are now having is that she wails at night in the crate, but will fall asleep on the couch. So the last couple of nights we have laid on the couch w/ her until she falls asleep and then put her in the kennel, which usually works for about an hour or two before she wakes up again. We live in an apt, so I'm concerned we can't just let her cry all night, I really don't want to get evicted either, .

 

[bmturner]

Last night was a good night, we put her in the kennel and just ignored her whinning, which I had a hard time w/ at first. But she seemed to get quiet and maybe even fall asleep in about 20 mins or so. She only wailed two other times durring the night. Once to go outside, the other b/c she was up and wanted to get everyone else up. After taking her outside and seeing she didn't need to go, then I just put her back in the kennel and she calmed down pretty quickly. So last night was very promising!

 

[ehayes21]

It will get better. Just be consistent and patient. Rowdy used to howl like he was being strangled. It broke my heart, but I had to ignore it. He is now 17 weeks old and has just finally gotten used to it. He is usually sitting in his crate before I even give the command AND he sleeps through the night!!! Just wanted to let you know that there is hope!

 

[Lucymom]

Lucy use to howl/bark too. I found if I just kept talking (not necessairly to her but just talking) or sometimes softly singing she'd calm down. I felt like she just wanted to hear my voice. It turned 20 minutes of howling into 5!!! Now, of course, she's weaseled her way onto the bed and is asleep before us!

Good luck.

 

[Jill's boxer]

I am glad to hear it is going better! Its hard sometimes, it breaks your heart to hear them cry (and it keeps you awake! LOL) but it sounds like she is figuring it out nicely!

 

[Touzy]

You are doing great.
I remember when Shae was a baby and my DH scolded me for sleeping on the floor in the kitchen nest to him in the crate. But whatever it takes.. we do such silly things for our babies. Jill was right on with her advice. The only thing I might add is that we have a radio in the kitchen and I would put it on a nice music station for Shae at night.. and then again during the day if I had errands to run. It seemed to help.
Shaemus also got used to his crate during the day.. If I was working in the kitchen I would hide two treats in there and he would find them and eventually take a little nap while I cooked. He has his stash of toys in there and it is definatley his little corner in our busy world. Give it time. You will all be fine.