Scared at night

Question
My 7 yo shelter Corgi who does have a history of abuse has a new habit that's causing me worry.  He wakes at night and refuses to stop clawing at the edge of the bed and acting fearful. He won't go outside with or without me during these periods and I just don't know what is upsetting him?  He is terrified of cell phone beeps but we have checked them all.  What could be causing the "I need you awake" behavior?  Thanks Carrie

Answer
It's possible your dog is responding to something you don't hear or smell (little critters in the house or even outdoors).  I don't know what your environment is (country, suburban, city).  Please answer the following questions and use the followup feature:

1.  Can you remember the first night he began this behavior? If so
2.  Was anything occurring in the environment (backfire, etc.) either indoors or out that you might identify as the original trigger
3.  What do YOU DO when he claws at the edge of the bed
4.  If you have attempted to ignore his behavior, does he stop?  If so, how long does it take for him to stop?
5.  Has anything changed that you can clearly identify: new neighbors for instance, or even in your home (a family member has left or returned)

The terror of cell phone beeps is most likely associated with an electronic collar he once wore (in former home), since they "beep" as the dog approaches the perimeter of the yard (electric fence); it might also be a sound device used by a former owner (a/k/a: idiot) to "correct" one of his behaviors.  Remove cell phones from the bedroom.  

It appears from the body of your question that you have attempted to intervene during his fearful clawing ("He won't go outside with or without me during these periods...")  This intervention is construed as reward by the dog or validation of his fear.  If you are attempting to calm or console him, stop.  Please answer the above questions and give careful consideration to your response, as this will assist me in offering a response that can help extinguish the problem.