GSD - Nighttime Nightmare....

[Jazzik]

Hi,

I am at my wits end. I dont know what to do, so much conflicting information.

I have a GSD "Rio" hes 6 weeks old, ( I know a little early to have left his mum, but hes better off with me )


I dont know what to do at nights with him, if i put him in his crate away from me, he just screams the place down.. currently been doing that for going on 2 hours and I'm just getting more and more tired and stressed.

The first night I did this with him, he threw a fit. Poo'd himself, knocked his water over and he ended up coming into my room and spending the night there. However, last night he went to bed without too much drama, so Ifigured he'd just knocked his water over the night before and it had scared him.

Tonight, we are going through a repeat performance, only without any water or pooing.... Should I start him off in my room and move him gradually?

My vet says I should just let him shout it out for a week-10 days and he'll stop it, but I feel really guilty.

Please help me, hes such a lovely well behaved pup during the day, but at night time I wonder whether he was a good idea

Kris

[Jazzik]

Poo'd in his bed again at 4am, at which point I gave up and he slept soundly on a blanket next to the bed.

I cant have this though, he needs to sleep in his room. I dont know if hes whinging cos he needs to go out, or just whinging for attention. I ignored him last night and he ended up pooing the bed.

What should I do? Should I do what the vet said and just ignore him?

[andybrown]

its ment to be important for the puppy to be left all night in his crate, even if he is making a lot of noise, if he gets used to sleeping with you it will become harder to break this habbit. as harsh as it seems leaving him is best for him in the long run. 99% of the time the vets are right :P

[Dog_Fanatic]

Hi,

What size crate are you using for him? It may be that he's got to much space in the crate, that's why he's ending up pooing in there. If you can try to divide the crate, so your pup only has enough room to sleep, stand up, and turn around.
You are best to try and ignore the whining, if ignored for long enough it will stop. I wouldn't bring him into your room again now, and if needs be, buy some ear-muffs so you can get a decent nights sleep
It will get better

[Prairiewd]

First of all, I love the name Rio. It sounds like you are having normal puppy problems. Not much you can do about the noise at night, except wait it out.

As for the pooing, think about what time you feed him last thing. It needs to be no later than 6.30 or so, to give him time to eliminate. Make sure you take him out last thing about 11pm, and go out with him (each time) to make sure he has done everything he needs to. Part of the problem may be that he is uncomfortable.
If you think he might poo in the night for whatever reason, then you may have to take him out during the night at some point. You don't want him to think it is okay to soil his bed.
If you are sure the whining is only because he misses you, then you will need to give him some time in his crate during the day to get him used to it. Put some treats in each time so he associates it with something good.

If he is clean during the day, then that is great. Be sure and praise him when he does go outside. I'm sure he is a very smart dog and will learn.

We have an 11 week old border collie. Been great in his crate at night, but has a bad habit of nipping and biting us when excited. We are going to puppy classes tonight for the first time, so wish us luck!

All the best,
Prairie