Having a dog can be one of the greatest joys in a person's life. One of the possible downsides, however, is being awakened by pawing, barking, or licking. If you have a new dog, it may take some time and training to adjust to your sleeping times. If, on the other hand, you have had your dog for some time and it has only recently begun to disturb while you sleep, a vet visit is advisable to rule out potential underlying health problems.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Addressing the underlying problem
Step 1. Consult a veterinarian regarding this behavioral change
If suddenly your dog has started making you wake up more often, he may have a health problem that makes it difficult for him to sleep or increases his stress levels. A visit to the vet is a fundamental first step to rule out this possibility or to have a timely diagnosis. Even if your dog isn't sick, your vet can help you pinpoint the cause of his behavior.
Any major change in behavior or sleep cycles can be indicative of a health problem. It is possible that your dog has gastric problems and that keeping him awake is having difficulty eating or evacuating. If, on the other hand, he wakes you up at night from foraging for food, he may be hungrier than normal due to diabetes or another metabolic disorder
Step 2. Make a commitment to sleep at regular times
A regular sleep cycle makes it easier for your dog to adjust to it. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same times every day.
The sleep cycles of dogs are different from those of humans: they sleep up to 20 hours a day, for shorter stretches. Despite this, over time your dog will get used to your schedule
Step 3. Address the dog's urinary problems
If your dog wakes you up because he wants to go out to pee, he may have a problem such as a urinary tract infection or Cushing's syndrome. A vet can diagnose and prescribe the right medications. If the vet rules out this type of problem it is possible that, due to age, the dog simply has a weak bladder. In this case, you can make life easier for yourself and your dog by providing him with a dog litter box or toilet.
Another possible solution is a tilting door to allow the animal to go out, if you have a closed garden and you do not think there are any dangers for the dog
Step 4. Spend more time letting the dog play
A great way to make your dog more unlikely to wake you up is to get him tired before bed. To this end, the amount of time spent exercising with the dog increases. Can that sleeps does not disturb!
- Take the dog for a walk near the house.
- Have him play Frisbee or bring back the objects you throw.
- Allow him to run around the garden or park.
Step 5. Change the times you feed the dog
Another possible method is to adjust the dog's meal times. In fact, it is possible that you wake up because you are still hungry, or because having eaten late you are still full of energy.
- If you think your dog is likely to wake you up during the night because he is hungry, postpone his dinner for 1-2 hours so he will have a fuller belly for longer.
- If, on the other hand, you believe that your dog is bothering you because he is still too active, bring the time you feed him for the last time a little earlier, for example by moving him from 8pm to 6pm.
Step 6. Reduce the stimuli your dog is exposed to
Another possible reason your dog wakes you up is that he has a surplus of energy and stimulation. You can remedy this in a number of ways:
- Don't play with your dog in the two hours before you go to bed.
- Do not leave toys in the sleeping area.
- Turn off the television and music before bedtime.
Method 2 of 3: Train the Dog
Step 1. Order the dog to sleep
Sometimes the only reason he wakes you up is that he is bored and wants to play. In this case, you should order the dog to go back to sleep.
- Use a command like "Down" or "Stay Down". Doing so will make it stop giving you paws and licking your face.
- Say the command you have chosen with a firm voice.
- It may be helpful to point to the floor as you give the order.
- It can take weeks to train your dog to obey the commands you give it. Don't lose your patience, sooner or later he will learn.
Step 2. Avoid encouraging him or giving him a win
If every time your dog wakes you you fill him with attention, all you do is push him to repeat the unwanted behavior. The only reaction to be granted is the command "Down". Even reproaches that last too long can be perceived as a reward. When you wake up it is best not to feed the dog immediately: first dedicate a few minutes to your activities.
Remember, however, that the dog may really need to relieve himself. Don't make him suffer just because you want to get some more sleep
Step 3. Adjust your schedules to suit your health problems
Depending on your dog's health condition, you may need to make some lifestyle, habits and schedule changes. By adapting to your dog's needs you will make it less likely that you will wake up at night. Consult your vet if your sleep schedule does not coincide with the time you need to give your dog medication or food.
Method 3 of 3: Changing the Environment Where the Dog Sleeps
Step 1. Move the dog to another room
If you have really tried them all without solving the problem, let the dog sleep in another room. This way you can finally rest, and the dog will have no distractions.
- Provide your dog with a comfortable bed in his new room.
- Be careful though! Moving the dog to another room can lead to moans, howls or, worse still, feelings of sadness, especially if he is used to sleeping with you.
Step 2. Have the dog sleep in a cage
For some dogs it is really impossible to avoid waking their owner, especially when they have infinite reserves of energy. A suitable solution to this case is to put the dog in a cage for the night. By doing this you will make him understand that the night is for sleep and at the same time you will make sure that he cannot disturb you and wake you up.
- By letting your dog sleep in a cage it will be impossible for him to jump on you in the morning and wake up by licking your face.
- Make sure the cage is large enough. Small cages are fine for dogs up to 7 kg in weight, from 7 to 16 kg choose a medium cage, from 16 to 30 kg opt for a large cage, while dogs weighing more than 30 kg need extra-large cages.
Step 3. If the dog previously slept in another room, try letting him sleep with you
Some dogs bark incessantly at night because they feel lonely, or because they want to get your attention. One possible solution is to have the dog sleep in the same room as you, thus eliminating the reason why it barks and wakes you up.
- Provide the dog with a place to sleep in your room.
- Set limits right away. This means defining a space where the dog is allowed to stay and then training him to sleep until you wake up.
