pawing

Question
How can we keep our 8 month old cocker from pawing on her cage at 6 in the morning.  Or at other times.

Answer
Dogs are naturally early risers.  I never have to ask for a wake up call when we are traveling with the dog.  She is up, and eager to have you get up and get going.  You might try blocking the morning light or moving her to someplace where it doesn't come in.  If she is taking her clue from noises in the neighborhood, there may not be much you can do.  

As for other times of the day, try to crate her as little as possible.  Dogs need as much time as possible with others.  A good walk may quiet her down too.  When she must be left in the crate, try giving her a Kong filled with peanut butter or the Buster Cubes and other toys designed to hold a little kibble and dole it out as the dog plays with it.  

You may be able to give her more time loose if you block off some rooms with a closed door or a baby gate.  Tethering her near you with a short chain say while you are on the computer can prevent search and destroy missions when you are distracted.  

Not all problems have an easy solution.  If you are having problems with chewing or fouling the house, she may do better as she ages.  Even older dogs are still the early risers.