Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a mini austrialian shepherd and border collie mix I got him 2 weeks ago and he will not sleep in, he does really good at night but starts in at about 4am or so I have him in the bathroom so he has a lot of room and have tryed everything I can think of he has food,a kong with a rope, a pop bottle and a bone with peanut in it..I even put a blanket at the door so I won't hear him but nothing works. What do you think I should do. Help my son and I need to sleep

Obviously the pup is used to daylight hrs. Is there any way to darken the bathroom wher he is? Or maybe a crate with a blanket over the top & sides to make it darker. Dogs like their crates as tey represent a den-like atmosphere which is very comforting. Mu 3 dogs have all learned that they do not cause any commotion till the shades go up in the bedroom. We are night people and keep different hrs. from most (having worked 3-11PM shifts for 25-35 yrs.) and the dogs have learned that that is the signal. Even if 1 of us gets up before the other, they don't bother the one till in bed till the shades go up. Remember- your pup is still VERY young and needs your help in this! Putting hm in the rm. with you or your son may also help cuz he is also missing his humans when in another rm. Again, a crate is the best way to do this unless you don't mind the pup climbing in bed with you - we share our bed with the dogs, too. But it works!
Nancy

Hes been in a crate for a week and still going strong but as for light he goes to bed and starts crying before the suns up or even out... And no way can he run free in mine or any other rooms at anytime hes only 8 weeks and not potty trained.

If he is only 8 weeks old and you have had him for a week, he may have been taken from his mother and littermates too soon. Seven weeks seems too early, but it's too late to worry about that now. Remember that he is just a baby and your son probably cried during the night and kept you awake when he was a new baby in your home. Patience and consistency are the most important things right now. You might try covering his crate with a blanket while you are sleeping. Puppies hear quite well and he will still be able to hear you in the room and know you are there, but sometimes that helps quiet them. Make sure there is still enough ventilation for the crate. Also, you might try setting your alarm at least once during the night for a planned potty break. If your puppy learns that you will be getting up during the night anyway, he may settle down faster. If you live in a cold climate, bundle up and stay out with him until he piddles and/or poops. If you live in a warm climate, you have the luxury of just going outside in your jammies. After he does his duty, praise him enthusiastically. Go back inside, let him in his crate, give him a small treat and praise him again. With time, he will respond, but remember that he is just a baby. Puppies are a lot of work, but your patience and consistency now will pay off. Keep us posted. This dog comes from two smart breeds and he should learn faster than most dogs. These breeds are also very eager to please, so praise is very important.