I have 4 dogs, 1 Cocker Spaniel, a Bischon Frise and 2 Shih Tzus, all have been living together since puppies, all castrated males.They are now aged 7 years, but in the last few months one of the Shih Tzu's has started barking, normally about 2am every morning, which can go on for hours. The Bischon has always slept in our bedroom at night. This particular Shih Tzu is extremely closely bonded with the Cocker Spaniel (he sleeps on top of him in their bed and has done since they were pups). We had already noticed that if the Cocker has something (like a toy or is on a particular chair) that the Shih Tzu wants, he will bark and bark until the Cocker moves or gives up the toy. If this happens during the day, i can intervene. But when its happening at 2am the whole house is being disturbed. When this first started we thought he just wanted attention at night. My daughter (who is a nurse and often works early shifts) was the one who was getting up. Unfortunately her response to this was usually anger cos her sleep had been disturbed. As soon as she went back to bed he started barking again. She said when she comes down she can see no reason why Pepe is barking, tho he appears to be barking AT Scooby (the Cocker). We tried leaving a radio on at night, which worked for about 2 nights. I mentioned this to my vet, who has prescribed Valium for 2 weeks for Pepe and suggested we seek the help of a behavioural consultant, which we will do, but which is going to take time. I really do need a short term solution and wondered if any1 could help here., cos we are sleep-deprived! Im finding it difficult to understand why Pepe is doin this now, after 7 years. During the day he is a happy, loving little dog who rarely barks. All 4 of my dogs get on really well together and always have done. We have also tried NOT coming down to him, so that he learns that barking in the early hours does NOT get attention from us, but really it makes no difference. He barks if we come down, he barks if we dont :o((( Thank u so much in advance for any suggestions u might make.

I had a similar problem with a gsd puppy, I had to cage him at night in the end, which solved the problem for me.

Charm....thank u so much for yr quick reply. Im wonderin if it would be kind to restrict a dog who for 7 years has been free-ranging in a large area at night (roomy kitchen and breakfast room). Im inclined to think Pepe will start barking to come OUT of the cage to be near the other 2 dogs. Maybe the alternative would be to put Scooby in the cage with him??? But i guess its not kind on us to have disturbed sleep every night. Ohh decisions, decisions <g>

probably not too kind on scooby either:D