[aprcarls]

:dog-frown: I got Tyson almost 2 weeks ago, and he is still not sleeping through the night. He tends to wake up anytime between 2 am and 530 am crying like a banshee. I cant really let him fuss it out too much due to him waking the kids up with school, and my fiancee cuz he has to go to work. See, when I got him, the lady told me he was over 6 weeks old, and I found out he was not even 4 weeks old. I was so frustrated, but well, it was too late by then. Anyway, he does sleep 3-4 hour stretches sometimes at night. I try and play with him right before bed, or have my bigger dog play and wear him out around 11 pm, and he is pooped, and he has a full belly. I just dont get it, and the wailing is really getting old. I play the radio low so he hears that, but still. He sleeps in a crate with a cuddly blanket, and even 2 little toys to keep him busy. Any suggestions?

 

[GeorgieGirl]

Man, I wish I could help ya here...I slept with my pups in my arms. This was when I had to take them out to potty at night I could just get up and get them to the door. I never had the crying part.
Knowing that he as was weaned at about four weeks, Im wondering if he's still going through some form of anxiety. Like he's fine but wakes up and his pack mates aren't there so he gets lonely. He also might be getting cold.
I wish I had an answer for you, but I don't. What I would do is probably so far from the right thing I'd get yelled at!! But I'll lend you support and give you a huge mocha-extra shot..and whipcream....with sprinkles....

 

[ChathamHillKennels]

Keep in mind he's still a "baby" dog, has little control over his bladder for the moment so unless he being trained to relieve himself in the crate, which is not the first instinct puppies have.....then he wants something......just like a baby....Thats to be fed and to be let out of the crate to his business. But, to your advantage dogs are creatures of habit and accustomed to repetitive behavior training. So you need to set yourself to wake up at lets say 3AM for a bit. Feed him, let him out and then put him back in the crate. And after about three days of that....set your wake up time to be about a half hour later and do it all over again for a few days. Then move the time back another half hour and do it all over again, sooner than you expect you'll see him remaining quite or sleeping until he is let out because he'll know that you always come to do it without him having to make a great deal of noise to alert you to do so. This will adjust his mental schedule and correct the behavior without resorting to yelling screaming or putting him outside and leaving him there or worse...hitting him, when you're tired and cranky even the gentlest soul will consider that last one. Even if after putting him back in the crate if he then starts up again then you may want to consider putting the crate next to your side of the bed and then hang your arm off the side of the bed to stick your finger through it until he calms down. Hearing you breathe or "God Forbid" snore actually has a soothing effect on the dog and should calm him down quickly. Other than that, I hope your sleep patterns aren't causing you to much stress, just keep in mind that it will only get better.

 

[aprcarls]

Not once have I ever considered hitting him, but I can see where you are coming from. He is in a large crate, and I have puppy pads in there for the reason of accidents late at night. Now it seems to just start fussing until I come in the room, and I tell him "sssshhhh" quietly, and he settles pretty well. He is a fast learner, but does also have that stubborn streak to see how far he can push me. lol typical little tyke, I know. Once he knows I am there, he seems to be ok. Thanks for the advice..I just have to be a little more patient, I guess. Any other advice is still welcomed. But thanks GG and Chatham.

 

[jackrusselllover]

I have never been more frustrated than when my puppies eyes and ears opened. It seemed like from that point on all they did was whine and cry. I finally got them a crate and that made it even worse. They are adjusting now but I can imagine what you are going through with it getting old. At first my puppies whine was cute and when they first barked I laughed and jumped up and down. Now two of them actually howl I guess it what you would call it and it was ADORABLE. Notice I said WAS cause it isn't anymore especially at three in the morning. The only thing I find cute as far as their noises go is when they are sleeping they make a little noise like they are dreaming.I wish you all of the luck in the world.

 

[aprcarls]

thank you jackrusselllover. he has been doing better now. the time is about 11 pm to 6 am, which is great. I also moved his crate to a less busy area. He seems to like it better, and he doesnt wake up to every sound. Now if I can just get him to stop barking when i walk away. LOL Always another hill to climb. hope you are doing better with your pups aso.

 

[jackrusselllover]

No problem, I am learning as I go and I fall in love with my pups all over again every morning. They give me something to look forward too!!! Though I get frustrated sometimes they are a blessing to me as I have a "schedule" to look forward too. I can't wait for it to get warm and for them to get old enough so we can have fun outside. Though I am not new to the Jack Russell breed I am new to dealing with 0-8 week old pups. Take care and God bless!