night barking

Question
I have a 6 month old miniature Dachshund who will not stop barking when the lights go out for the night. This just recently started when he turned 6 months. Before then, we'd put his bed down and he'd go lay down in it and not start barking until about 7 AM. My husband insists that he go sit with the dog in the middle of the night, but I think that would be rewarding him for bad behavior. What should we do to get the dog to sleep at night again?

Answer
Hi Becky,

I understand why your husband wants to go sit with the dog, but you are correct that he is reinforcing this behavior.  The dog seems to want attention, and he is getting it.  

Several things you might try:  (not necessarily all at once)
1) take a very long walk or have a long play session right before bed so your dog is extra tired.
2) put a night light up so it isn't completely dark (one out of reach so he can't chew it)
3) get a nice sterilized bone for him to chew on (if the chewing doesn't disturb you).  
4) you may have to try completly ignoring the barking so the dog learns that he won't always get attention for doing it.  You will probably have a few sleepless nights, but it should help.
5) You could also try having the dog sleep in a separate room.