How to Help a Dog with Night Time Behavior Problems

If your dog exhibits behavioral problems in the middle of the night, you will need to address the situation immediately in order to spare yourself the unwanted effects of sleep deprivation and spare your home from potential destruction. Whether your dog barks, whines, chews up furniture, or just refuses to settle down and sleep, you can restore peace and quiet by helping him establish a healthy night time routine.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin obedience training your dog. This can dramatically reduce defiant and mischievous behavior, according to the Pet Place website. By training your pet, you present yourself as his pack leader, commanding a sense of discipline and submission. To begin, teach him to sit and stay.

    • 2

      Exercise with your dog before bed. This may include a brisk walk, a game of tug-of-war, or some other strenuous activity. You dog will productively burn off energy before going to sleep.

    • 3

      Allow your dog to relieve herself immediately before bedtime. Let her spend a few minutes outside if you cannot take her for a walk. This will reduce the likelihood that she'll become restless and unruly as a result of a full bladder.

    • 4

      Confine your dog to a specific area of your home: a yard, garage, laundry room or bathroom, or another closed-off portion of the house. Never allow a misbehaving dog unrestricted access to your entire home all night long.

    • 5

      Teach your dog to sleep in a crate. This will encourage him to sleep through the night without disruption. You can place the crate in your bedroom or in another room, but lock him inside only during the night, and never use it as a corrective tool or he'll develop an aversion to it rather than consider it a safe haven.

    • 6

      Ignore your dog's cries and whimpers. By responding to this behavior, you send the message that she can summon you at any time with a simple whine, which can make the behavior even worse.