Unsettled dog at night

choogirl

Hello

I have a 9 month old puppy and up until last night he has been really good about being in his crate and sleeping through the night.

Last night though he barked at 2am, DH went down to see what the problem was and said the dog was trembling with fear, panting and in distress.
DH let him out into the garden and then tried to put him back in the crate, however pup decided he wasn't going back in so DH tied to coax him with a treat to no avail. In the end DH sat up with him until pup fell asleep and DH put him back in the crate and then left him and he slept until morning.

Today I've washed all his bedding, moved the crate and made sure there's nothing behind it to upset pup (there wasn't)

I'm dreading tonight, and would appreciate any thoughts on how to settle him if he starts again tonight.
Bed sharing with him is not an option!

Thank you!

ali-t

Can you put him in his crate when you go to bed but lave the crate door open and he will settle where he is happy. It could have been something daft like a moth flapping in the cage that freaked him out.

vacationgirl

He may have heard a noise outside that could have spooked him, or he could have been feeling a bit lonely. Some advise putting a ticking clock near to the bed or a small lukewarm hot water bottle under his bedding.

pawsies

Maybe something fell in the kitchen too close for comfort?

I would consider moving him and crate (if he's not too afraid of it) upstairs if he really won't settle. It'll at least let you sleep and I'm sure he'd be more comfortable being able to see you.

faded_flowers

The last time that happened to me it was because there was a wasp that had emerged from behind the curtains :mad:

One-off isn't really anything to worry about!

choogirl

Thank you for the replies.

Last night he went in the crate with no problems, settled down and not a peep was heard! In fact he's still in there no despite me opening the door, making a drink and sitting in the family room so he obviously isn't bothered by it.

He was really tired when he went in it last night, he'd had a good walk, played in the garden with DD and friend and missed his afternoon nap so something worked.

I just panic when he wakes up in the night, he's the first dog that DH and I have ever owned so its all new to us. He's very well looked after and a lovely pup but I still worry about doing something wrong!

Thank you x