Help. I need some sleep. Since our last litter was born in August I found I always had to get up around 6-6.30 as the other dogs were used to me getting up with the pups. Now pups have all gone it is getting worse. we have a bungalow and the dogs sleep in various parts with other members of the family. However the 2 younger ones who sleep in the living room (loose) have now gradually bought the time forward. I lie in bed ignoring them as long as possible but am unable to get back to sleep. Today they started at 4.30 and this in turn disturbed one of the others who sleeps with my son, so gave up and got up to let them out. After that they will not go back to sleep as I usually feed them when I do get up. I did hold out this morning on principle before giving them their brekkie. How do you break this habit, which is what it has become. I suppose I could crate them but I do not useually do this at night as they are quite well behaved. It would not stop them whinging, just scratching the door.
I could have done with extra kip last night as tonight I have to get up at 2.30am to take Adam for his pick up point , he is going to the show in Kortrik. Any suggestions please. Cheers
Sue

have you tried staying up quite late and letting them out just before you go to bed,don't let them in until they have been to the toilet,put them all in one room,when they cry in the morning leave them for 5-10 mins then the next morning leave them crying for 10-20 mins and so on,that way it will adjust their routine gradully,until you get it to a time you want!:)

Hi
Yes I have taken to going to bed earlier but hubbie is up pretty late. There does not seem any difference what time they go to bed. I have tried leaving them but when they are so persisitant and I cannot get back to sleep I end up wanting the loo myself and you have to go past the dogs to get to our loo.
It is not even cos it is getting light at that time. they are just being 'little ratbags' at present. Good job I luv them so I can forgive them (well almost) :D

I do think their tummies are saying oh it must be brekkie time and that is what is getting them up early. :)

What I tend to do with my lot is alternate feeding times so that they never get into the habit of expecting meals at a certain time in the day as it is not always possible to do it !

HTH

Lucy

When mine wake up earlier than usual I let them out to pee, leaving the door open, then crawl right back into bed again until a more civilised hour which is when they'll get their breakfast. The dogs sleep on my bed, so I get up when they get up. Usually they'll get breakfast roughly around 8am, but once they slept on until almost 11am.. ahhhh bliss :)

Darcy seems to know when its the weekend cos she'll lay in on a Saturday & Sunday after getting up for a wee but during the week se has a right little tantrum if we wont get up. She's like a little alarm clock.

her favourite is jumping on the bed with her squeaky steak and then squeaking it right in your ear!!! Usually about 6am!

There are a few choice names I call her at that point that cant be written on a public forum