night barking

Question
QUESTION: We have a 9-month old shih tzu.  I usually take her out around midnight for her last release.  Lately she has been barking around 3-4a.  Get up take her out, but nothing.  Does she just want the company?  Last night she did it twice.  She did release one of the two times.  What's up?"

ANSWER: Hi there..first of all that is way too late for a dog to go potty. You should pick up her food by 7pm so she is done pottying by ten,. Next, a dog is like a child. If you keep paying attention when she cries or barks, she learns that you will and will do it more...take her out for potty at night and then ignore her..in a few days she will stop. Where do you leave her at night?> in your room?

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

QUESTION: Thanks for prompt response.  Will take up her food.  She stays in the laundry room at the other end of the house.

Answer
Hello there...it would be better if you put the dog in a crate in your bedroom..she probably is barking because she knows you are in the house and she wants to be near you..that is the response i thought i would get from you...i hope you sleep better soon
nancy