Yorkie-poo barking at night

Question
Hi -

I hope you can help me.

I have a 3 1/2 month old Yorkie-poo. He has been doing well with housetraining, and he was doing well in his crate at night, only barking to go out. Now, he has started barking at night, and he won't stop once he starts. We've had his crate in our bedroom, but that hadn't helped in the beginning, so we placed him in the living room. He did well for a while, but he started barking a lot, so we sectioned off the bathroom for him. That worked for a little bit, but now he's barking again. The only thing that calms him is if I sleep on the floor next to his crate! I've even tried letting him lay on the couch with me, but he can't settle down enough to go to sleep.

Do you have any suggestions? We live in an apartment, so we are trying to be considerate to our neighbors. As well, my husband and I need sleep, and so does the puppy!

Thank you!

Answer
Hello Rachel..the only way you are going to fix this is to NOT give into the dog. First of all, the crate should be put in your room at night with you.. If the dog starts barking, tell him NO in a stern voice and then when he stops to listen to you tell him good dog...only say "good dog" when he is quiet. only also do it once. It is just like having a baby..when the baby cries if you know they dont need anything you dont give them attention or they learn to keep doing it. It should only last a few days tops. The further you move the dog from your room, the worse the problem will get...Please DO NOT lie next to the dog..it is like letting your child sleep with you....let me know how it is going in a few days.
nancy