Adjusting dogs sleep cycle

Question
I have a very healthy dog (looks like a miniature Golden Retriever, 34 lbs.) who
is fed twice a day at 8 A.M. and 4 P.M.  She is fully house trained and is 20 months
old. The problem is, she is an early riser (6:00 A.M.) which is tough on me and
my wife.  We are both 75 years old. I am wondering if there is a way to "reset"
her sleep clock by changing the timing of her feedings or if there are any other
suggestions you might have. The dog gets walked 4 or 5 times a day and at least
one walk is on a 25 foot leash to let her run and tire herself out.

Thanks,

David


Answer
Hi David,

If I had to guess, I'd say it's not that your dog is needing to releive herself at 6am, but rather it's become her habit to get up at that time. Your feeding and walk shedules sound fine, I don't think they need adjustment.

You can go about this one of two ways. You could let her wait a little longer every day, until she's used to being taken out at the new time of your choosing. By doing this you are starting to break up the routine. The other method is you can ignore your dog, and get up when you choose to, more of a "cold turkey" approach. Both methods may require the use of ear plugs.

You didn't say how your dog awakens you each morning. If your dog is crate trained, crating her in a room other than your bedroom, would be a good way of ensuring she can't jump into bed to wake you. Again, ear plugs may well be needed.

Your dog believes that 6am is wake up time and that she must wake you, as this is what always happens. You must make her un-learn this. This will be a battle of wills, I am afraid. If you stick to your guns, your dog will have her internal clock adjusted. It will take some time, a few weeks perhaps, but it can definetly be done. Giving in only reinforces the lesson she's already learned: keep bugging you as it eventually works, and you get up.

I hope that this will help you and your dog, stick at it and you will work it out.

Good luck and all the best,

Patti