Re: my dog charlie - he seems bored 4/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: Re: My dog Charlie - he seems bored 4/22/2009

Charlie has completed dog training classes! He has slowly become a more disciplined dog. No longer jumping on myself or husband when we are seated.  We admit Charlie is a little spoiled so he still goes on frequent walks throughout the day.  Our new challenge: Trying to work with sleep time issues - Charlie goes to bed at 10 pm and wakes up at 5 am -- he wants to play!  We are still sleeping!  How much sleep does a dog need/  Can I expect him to sleep at least til 7 am.  

Anyway, I appreciate all your advice. Thanks

ANSWER: Good for you for taking him to classes!  But "frequent walks" aren't spoiling him.  He needs a good hour of exercise daily.  A tired dog is a good dog :)

Now..I have to assume Charlie sleeps with you?  You can't expect him to sleep more than he needs but you CAN expect him to be quiet.

Here's the "but"..:)..I have one boy who sleeps on our bed and is quiet as a lamb until he sees I'm awake.  My other boy sleeps in his bed in the kitchen because he'd be on top of my head as soon as he woke up at some ungodly early hour.  However, in the kitchen he just waits with no fuss.

I'd need to know exactly what Charlie does when he wakes up.  Don't forget he's had 7 hours sleep - and naps during the day - so it may be time to start teaching him to be "quiet and alone" for short periods in his crate or in the kitchen by himself.

Is he ever confined and alone? If you can tell me a little more I can offer some suggestions.
Delores



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Charlie sleeps in crate at night in his own room. He is quiet all night but when he wakes up. He barks a few times to let us know that he is up/ I wake up very easily ... so when he barks I'm up but my husband says let him rest quietly ... Charlie typically will not bark again unless he has to go outside.  Charlie is not in the room with us. Also .. Charlie rarely takes naps during the day ... he is too busy playing.  Since it is hotter outside .. he probably has taken more naps than his normal routine.

Answer
Can you put Charlie's crate somewhere that's a little more soundproof?
Your husband is right - you're teaching him that if he woofs - you come !

The only other solution that "might" work is to put Charlie's crate in your room.  Yes, he'll give a bark or two but you can correct him with a firm NO.  Or..he may not bark at all.

He doesn't know he's doing anything wrong so correction is necessary.
But once you correct - do NOT get up. Make him wait.

It's quite possible the reason he barks is to get out of his crate
so you could also try letting him sleep on your bed and see what happens.
Delores