Phoebe Woes

[Phoebe's Mom]

It has been quite a while since I have posted but I really could use some help right now.  My almost 5 year old Phoebe, who has been crated since being a puppy and has always loved her crate, has started crying in her crate in the middle of the night.  The first time it happened, I did not go downstairs because I was concerned that I might complicate what may have been the start of a behavioral issue.  Instead, I listened to see if she was moving in her crate which she was not so I figured it was a fluke.  WheI went down early the next morning, she was totally fine, eager to see me and happy to eat per usual.  She has had absolutely no issues during the day with eating, playing or potty.  She has been crying each night, all at different times, however, last night she would not stop.  We went down to check on her and my hisband took her out of the crate and took her outside.  She pooped and then went right back into the crate for me.  Two minutes later, she started crying again.  Argh  She eventually calmed down. 

Keeping her uncrated at night is not preferential for a variety of reasons, but more importantly, I want to understand the change in behavior more than anything.  i spoke to our vet tech who said I might just have to wait it out since everything else seems to be fine--she said that there is no reason to bring her in without any other symptoms.  The behaviorist called me as well and suggested the same thing for a similar reason.  I am nervous to go to sleep now.  Any suggestions?  Thank you in advance.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

If it is preferential for you to have Phoebe in a crate at night and this is how she has been sleeping for almost five years, I would try to let her "cry it out".  I only say this because everything seems fine and there are no health issues....like a UTI which could make her have to potty during the night.  Also be sure she does go out right before going into the crate...which I'm sure you're already doing.  Who really knows why they do some things.  My trainer was telling me a story that one of his clients had trained their dog to always be in a "down stay" in the foyer when there was food out on the "coffee table or end tables".  So one evening they had company and had snacks out so the dog went into the other room and was put in a down stay.  Well the dog who was four or five decided to chew the bannister while he was there.  He had not chewed anything in years.  When the couple noticed it and while they were checking out the damage, the dog ran into the living room and started eating the snacks.  The question is....was the dog really capable of thinking this through and planning the behavior to get to the snacks...who knows.  I know this has absolutely nothing to do with your question, but your post reminded me of this story and how difficult it can be to figure them out.

[Phoebe's Mom]

Wow, that is quite a story. Thank you so much for your advice and for sharing that story with me because it does things might not always be explicable.  I am so black and white and such a type A+ person that I am always looking for the reason behind something.  Maybe this,too, shall pass as quickly as it came.  I hope so because I am exhausted!  Thanks again and enjoy your weekend.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Maybe she hears something outdoors or even indoors that you are not hearing. 

Maybe you could crate her in your room for comfort and security.

[Phoebe's Mom]

Thank you for your suggestion. I appreciate it.

[Moe]

My dog recently turned 2. She was sleeping downstairs since she was 8 weeks old with no problems. Recently she started crying at night for no reason. She didn't have to go out and nothing else was wrong. I was waiting it out and hoping it would pass. After 2-3 days the crying stopped. I thought everything had just worked itself out...  until I found out that my kids were secretly sneaking downstairs and letting the dog up to sleep in their room. They couldn't stand to hear her cry. I would rather the dog sleep on the main floor but I was overthrown by the child/dog coup. It's been a few months and I have to say everything worked out. Kids and dog are happier and I'm over it.

I am more lenient with that dog than I ever was with my kids. I used the Ferber method on them. At this point I'm just letting go and owning my flaws.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

What a great story Moe!  Love it:)

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

This is so cute! Kids and their dog! (Love)

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

That's a funny one, Moe.  She stopped crying! 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Sounds like a good plan. Glad you could let it go. ;o)

[Kyoko]

I have no insight, but was glad to see your post! It always bring a joy to see someone who had gotton a puppy around the same time as I did Charlie, and went through Puppy Madness time together....

[Deborah Brown]

I highly value my sleep so I'm not going to get up in the night until one of my dogs is full out barking.  I can ignore a little whining.

My older dogs slept in their crates for many years but now have freedom at night.  Sometimes they are still in crates, sometimes on my bed, on my floor, in the guest room.  Sometimes I shut my door so they have to fend for themselves.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin is 4 and 1/2 and we still crate him, mostly because he really loves it and even when we leave him out he goes and sleeps in it. I like that we crate him because I don't want to share my bedroom with him, he's a loud breather. LOL

My first thought would be to carefully check if anything has changed. Could it be cooler than normal, warmer than normal? Could there be a pest downstairs or an animal outside? Could there be something in her crate that is making her uncomfortable... etc?