[Madra123]

Hi all
We have a 5 year old Maltese who slept on our bed for the past few years. He would wake during the night and wake me up. It was a habit in the end. We now have a dog play pen that his day bed goes into and he sleeps in kitchen in that at night. Plenty of space but does not like going in at night. It's 2am and he has only settled. Any advice ? How long will this last ?we have been trying this for weeks. Could it be separation anxiety.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Buster]

It could take him several weeks to get used to the new set up, just remember to be strong. Every time you give in to his whining you are reinforcing the behavior and teaching him that he can get what he wants by whining.

It might be easier for him to adjust to the change if he is still in your room though. Dogs like to sleep in the same area as the rest of their family, it makes them feel more secure. Is there anyway you could move his playpen into your room?

If not just give it time, and be firm. It's likely not separation anxiety as that presents itself any time you are away, not just at night.