night problems

Question
Our JRT is now almost 8 years old.  She has been a wonderful pet with no problems.  She has full reign of the house and yard except at bedtime when she sleeps in her crate or box in our garage which she has done since a puppy.  The last few nights she wakes us up pawing at the door wanting in.  One night she even torn the screen door to shreds before we could get to her.  Her bedding is the same and we even tried a night light thinking she may have become afraid of the dark.  She is left in the garage periodically during the day for 3-5 hours with no problem. Her disposition does not seem to have changed. What can we do to help her sleep during the night?  Bringing her into the house at night is not an option.

Answer
Hi Joyce,

Dogs change with age, it sounds like she is nervous now or lonely.
They are "pack" animals and are most happy, content and feel safe when they are with their pack (you). I don't know your circumstances but of course it would be  best for her to sleep inside now. Maybe you could bring the crate in?  Another idea is maybe try putting a radio out there at night to keep her company and maybe drown out the sounds of the night that might be scaring her now. Maybe it's too quiet.  If it gets VERY bad you can get a prescription medicine from your veterinarian that reduces anxiety and give it to her at night.
Best of luck