No Sleep for Me!

[Phoebe's Mom]

Phoebe has decided to be a night owl--a barking, whining one, that is. Last night, she barked for an hour and forty-five minutes straight. Despite the lack of sleep, I could not adore her anymore than I do. My youngest has bonded with her in the most amazing way and she seems to have a wonderfully balanced temperament--loves to play but she is soothed quite easily. In time, I am hoping that sleeping through the night will become the norm. She is still so young--just 8 weeks. I also hope that she realizes how much her Mom would love for her not to poop on her inlaid hardwood floors!!! She has added such happiness to our home in a mere day and a half--she was so worth the wait.

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

One thing that worked like a charm was something our vet recommended. If your pup is in a crate, drape a sheet over the crate at night when it's bedtime (you can leave a little opening out the front, but don't have to). It gives more of the "den" feel, which makes the pup feel safer. Also there are less distractions outside the crate. I couldn't believe how well it worked - solved the whole problem! Good luck with Phoebe!

[Phoebe's Mom]

Stella, I am following your advice. I know I did it all wrong with my children--I went into them at the first peep they made!--so I am trying harder with my Phoebe. She did well last night and I tried to tire her out--with some help from my oldest--tonight. I am hoping for the best tonight! Now we need to make some strides with the housebreaking and we will be all set.

[2SCdoodles]

The first few nights when we brought our doodles home, my daughter placed the kennel by the bed. For one doodle she actually had to put her foot on top of the kennel to get him to calm down. Once they both became acclimated they can sleep anytime or anywhere. Phoebe is gorgeous!

[Stella]

If you don't want the dog in your bedroom (both of ours sleep downstairs), the best thing to do is put them to bed in the crate with a kong with some food in it and some kind of comfort toy - you can buy ones that heat up in the microwave, so they think they are sleeping with another puppy, or a heartbeat toy. Then, plug your ears and ignore everything you hear, it will be the hardest thing you ever do, but it is worth it in the end. Out first dog cried non-stop for the first three nights that we had him, it was awful. But, he got over it and now sleeps quite happily in his chosen spot at the bottom of the stairs. Our new puppy cried all night for the first night, and now stops as soon as we turn off the upstairs light. If you go down to the dog while it is crying/ barking, you are reinforcing that behaviour and the dog learns that by making noise it gets attention - very bad!!

[Sandy]

I was wondering where her crate is, because Toby did the same thing, but then we moved his crate to our room, and not a sound after that. He just needed to be closer to us.

[Kyoko]

Good luck with Phoebe! The time will soon pass and you will be able to sleep through the night soon!!

[Kelli, Fenway, & Dustin Pedroia]

I'm so glad she finally got there! How long but wonderful those first few days are! She's a cutie.

[Phoebe's Mom]

I am outside a lot (I am frozen to the core). The problem is she seems to be saving it up for when we come in and for where she is warm. She is driving my older son crazy as everytime she stops to sniff inside, my youngest tells him to take her out. We should have a revolving door!!!

[Yvonne, Riley, Murphy and Luca]

If she eats, take her outside. If she plays a lot and runs around, take her outside. If she drinks water, take her outside. If she wakes up from a nap, take her outside.... Basically, you have to take her outside ALOT. I think I spent weeks 8,9,and 10 OUTSIDE in the cold and snow. So I can relate.

It will get easier, as you will be able to tell when she needs to go. Start looking for signs such as sniffing, and circling are very common signs.

As for her sleeping in the crate, if you don't have it in your bedroom. I would suggest putting it there. I know some people don't like doing it but puppies want to be close to people and this way she will be able to know you are close by.

Good luck, tonight.

[Phoebe's Mom]

Just back from the vet check! Phoebe slept through it all--sure, she is not sleeping at night! The vet and her staff were so impressed by how pretty she was with her green eyes. The vet told me to try the heartbeat toy and she also said that the doggie door the breeder used may make it a little harder for Phoebe to rely on my schedule to take her out. She also thought that the change in temp here in MN might be adding to the problem. Persitence and consistency are the key so I have my work cut out for me. The funny thing is that when Phoebe sees her leash, she freezes and lays down. When outside, she digs in her paws to head back into the house. I think I may have gotten a warm weather loving doodle! HA