Early Morning Barking!

Question
D-Lee,
Thank you for all your advice in the past.  Everything has been extremely helpful.
I have a 5 month old male un nuetered Lab who is great except for two things!  One is jumping, which is getting a lot better and the other is he barks and cries and whines every morning until we go and get him.  He sleeps in his crate in the kitchen on the first floor and our bedroom is on the second floor.  I assume he just wants us to know that he is awake and that he wants to be around us, but it is getting earlier and earlier.  He is fine going in his crate at night and when we leave the house, but once he notices that we are home, he cries and barks.  He also does the same whenever we are out of his sight! I assume it is some form of separation anxiety, but I am not sure!

Thanks,
Pete

Answer
Hello Pete and thanks for emailing,

Do you let him out after he is crated a few hours to go pee? a 5 month old will need to pee through the night or will be uncomftrable through the early morning. Also pick up the water bowl a few hours before bed time provided it isnt overly hot where you are...you dont want to dehydrate him. Also make his evening meal several hours before bed time as well. I can say to leave a small light on for him...a night light would be fine the ones that plug into teh wall sevreal chew toys a comfy blanket and a radio on low for him...or placing his crate in the hallway upstairs or in your room would be ok as well. Also be sure to crate him just as your going to bed never before and be sure he goes outside before being crated as well.