Puppies have a natural instinct inside that causes them to whimper and whine when they are alone. It's because dogs are social creatures, much like humans. When they're alone, they may feel nervous or frightened. Before dogs were made into "man's (or woman's) best friend," they ran the land in wild packs. They hunted, ate and slept together.
When you leave your puppy alone at night, especially during his first few weeks at his new home, he is getting used to the environment. He'll most likely whine or cry. It could last the whole nightlong. The best thing you can do is to soothe him, but not cuddle him to sleep. Remember, you're trying to establish your role as leader and caretaker. There is a different time to cuddle.
There is, however, a lot you can do to help put your new dog to sleep, to make him feel comfortable in his new environment. Don't throw in the towel too early! Instead, try throwing him one of your laundered t-shirts to sleep beside. In his puppy room or crate, he'll surely feel like you're near when he smells your shirt close. It will be as if there's someone beside him, as if his mother were with him in the wild outdoors.
If this fails, try moving his puppy crate to your bedroom for the night. If he continues to whine, try tapping the cage once forcefully. Then, in a low firm voice say, "No. Sleep," or "No. Quiet." This may sound harsh, but if you snuggle or cuddle him to sleep, you will actually be re-enforcing his whining behavior. He'll associate his whine with your loving attention. Try throwing in a chew toy for him to suckle.
If you aren't training with a crate, bring the puppy into your room with a leash. Attach it to the wall or to the bottom bedpost. Line the floor with newspapers around him. You can also give him a chew toy. Here, if the puppy whines or moves around a lot, repeat the above verbal commands. Tap the nightstand with your hand as you tell your puppy to be quiet (it's akin to tapping the cage with some force). With both situations, you can throw him a t-shirt for good measure. Or, you can even try a ticking clock or radio beside the puppy at night. This is also helpful if when you are away from your new puppy during the day. The constant noise is very soothing.
One thing will surely help: be sure your puppy eliminates and is played with vigorously before bedtime so he's not riled up.
Much of this can be applied to older dogs too. You may not have to take him out as often, but be sure to allow him to go to the bathroom and receive some attention before bedtime. In any case, you will have to teach your puppy or pooch that he will be soothed and loved, but that there are bedtime rules.
It will seem like a lot of work, and you may lose some sleep. But, take your time. And, before you know it, your puppy or dog will sleep soundly, which will allow you and your family to sleep the whole night through.
About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at dog gifts and toys for dog lovers.
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More
As a parent, you want to be able to give... Read More
What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More
My wife and I have been married for 32 years.... Read More
The most important things in dog training are consistency, keeping... Read More
If your dog could talk, these are some of most... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More
Are cats and children a good mix?So, you had a... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More
Can cats and dogs live together without constantly being at... Read More
Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is... Read More
Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More
Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When they... Read More
Many people feel that taking the time to train their... Read More
Have you ever wondered what a dog thinks, or if... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
I would like to write a few words about my... Read More
Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned... Read More
Man's Best Friend is a great companion around the home,... Read More
Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More
One of the reasons I strongly encourage horse owners to... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
Poor Dog. Subjected to my most ambitious experiments, she still... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More
A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly... Read More
Having a boxer dog as a pet, although low-maintenance, require... Read More
It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More
According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not cheap. On average you... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
Quieting a barking dog is a quick and easy process.... Read More
June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More
Parasites are organisms that survive by feeding off of other... Read More
The teaching and training of dog tricks while not a... Read More
There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
One of the most common causes of Feline Urinary Tract... Read More
How important is a dog name? Well let's think about... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
Yesterday we talked a little about the 6 Keys for... Read More
Many people want to make sure their family pet has... Read More
Pet |