BARKING AT NIGHT
My dear springer Sam constently barks at night
I'm up every 2hrs, just don't know what to do about it can you help ? I'm getting very tired
Barbara
RE BARKING AT NIGHT
Hello Barbara,
You didn't say how old Sam is ? if he is still a puppy I would say its best to ignore him , maybe go down the first time and let him out but no talking or petting just take him out and back in again, if he continues a sharp rap on the door to where he sleeps with a firm NO command and walk away .it will take time and its natural to want to go and see whats wrong but if you give in to him he will never learn and it will be hard but he will learn and when he does give him lots and lots of praise in the mornings
If Sam is an adult dog try to find out what starts the barking, if it is because he thinks you are leaving him (separation anxiety) try putting him in his bed during the day and leaving him for 5 minutes gradually extending the time as he realises that you will come back to him, he should become less stressed, maybe you could move his bed closer to your bedroom so he knows where you are with a baby gate on your door and over time move him back to his own place (put somthing of yours ,an old jumper maybe in his bed with him )
hope these ideas help and you ( and your neighbours) can get some sleep ,your dog must learn that barking for your attention doesn't work.
Paul