Things You'll Need
- Dog
- Dog bed or crate
- Leash
- Collar
- Toys
- Long leash (10 feet long), often called a tracking lead
- Food ball stuffed with treats
Instructions
Move your dog's bed or crate to your bedroom next to the bed. Dogs are pack animals and require being with their pack--you--when they sleep. Leaving a dog alone at night in the basement or outside is pretty scary and lonely for the dog. Sleeping near you gives the dog a feeling of security.
Exercise and play with your dog before bedtime. Take your dog for a walk and play fetch for a while with a toy until your dog is tired. A tired dog is more likely to sleep at night.
Bring your dog outside one last time to relieve himself before bedtime.
When it is time to go to bed, put your dog in the crate or have him lie down in his bed. Give him a food ball or his favorite toy.
If your dog doesn't lie still in a bed, you can attach a long leash to the dog's collar and tie the other end of the leash to your bedpost. When your dog tries to get up, tell your dog to lie down and put your pet back in his bed. Do this as many times as necessary.
If your dog is whining in his crate, gently tap on the crate and tell your dog, "Quiet."
If your dog fusses in the middle of the night, he may have to relieve himself. Take your dog outside to relieve himself, allow a short drink of water and then give him a fresh food ball or toy and go to bed.