Multiple problems - 9 month boxer

Question
Hi, I have a 9 month boxer pup (Barry), i have had him since he was 11 weeks old, and he has learnt very quickly. However recently he has started to bark and whine in the early hours of the morning, every morning ! We have a very strict feeding and eliminating routine. He eats between 6-7am in the morning, and is taken out to eliminate immediately afterwards. He is then crated while i work until 12midday when i return, take him out to go toilet. I return to work then arrive home at 5pm, he is taken out again upon my return, then fed between 5-7pm. I do not give him any water after this meal. I take him out one last time to eliminate before bedtime, usually around 10pm. He settles quickly to sleep, but wakes every morning between 3-5am and barks like crazy until i come down and take him out. I have tried using ear plugs to block out the noise as i believed it to be for attention, and he didn't have any accidents. But lately his barking has gotten louder and he has even begun to wee in his crate on a morning. What can i do to teach him to sleep through the night ? and to stop eliminating in his crate ? Another problem is that sometimes when i arrive home from work he has managed to escape from his crate and has eliminated on the carpet. I know that when he is in the crate he can manage to hold until i come home, so why has he started to do this in the house if i am not there ?

Answer
First, Tilly, I have a problem with you crating him so much: during the day while you work (even though you come home and take him out to eliminate) and then, again at night to sleep. This is way too much crating. How would you like to spend 90% of your life and time crated- much like prison.

Secondly, I believe your strict feeding and watering schedule is not humane. Not all dogs, just like in people, are hungry by the clock setting. And, I might add, to feed him dinner and not allow him water is also inhumane. Even a child will drink his or her milk or tea when eating and finish with the drink after eating. So does a dog- or, any animal.

I do believe since he is 9 months old now, he should still be eating a puppy chow food, and should be on self-fed. Boxers are know to eat late at night. They might "graze" a little off and on during the day, but get hungry later at night. They get thirsty as well before they settle for sleeping. It is instinctive to eat and drink before settling in for the night in the animal kingdom.

Self-fed is having food in his bowl/dish at all times, allowing him to eat when he is hungry and wants too. Fresh water should be available to him 24/7 as well. No schedule, no restrictions.

Dogs get hot, play hard, etc., and need a drink to replenish and hydrate, cool off, etc. Just as people do. Being thirsty is not a choice, it is unpredictable and varies due to various circumstances; weather, health, etc.

Stop crating him at nighttime. Allow him to sleep on a comfortable dog bed in the area of your choice- preferably in your bedroom. Boxers want to be close to family and not isolated.

Keeping him crated during the day and at nighttime is isolation.

Once he is happy and contented, his nighttime and early morning barking will cease. Just because he whines and barks as you said, does not necessarily mean he wants to go outside, but might mean he is unhappy, etc. Of course he will pee when taken outside; all dogs take that opportunity, especially a crated dog as he knows he might not get another chance.

Dogs will eliminate randomly in protest and is their way of "telling" and "showing" their unhappiness and displeasure. That is common in the animal world; to show other pack members their disapproval. He is communicating to you that he is unhappy, not pleased, insecure; has a problem.

Treat him as you would your own child. No less will suffice.

(If you get "Dog Whisperer" in your area, watch it as often as possible. Cesar Milan is fantastic with dogs and you can learn how they behave, think, feel; everything about dog psychology.)

*Also, join boxerworld.com and boxerforums.com and learn all there is about Boxers and behavior, health, and problems - getting answers.