Hi all,

Hope you can offer a bit of advice.  Is it possible to adjust a puppies body clock (like you do with babies)?

My 15 week old has never been a problem when it comes to bedtime, in fact she usually just flakes out completely by 9pm but then of course she is awake at 5.30am.  I have tried feeding her and walking her later  in the evening but she is just not interested - picks at the food and wants to go home from the walk to do business and then sleep (she will only do business in 'her' garden).  I have tried playing with her, training her with treats and she just looks at me and thinks i'm off my box.  Trying to keep her going until later has made her grouchy with me on occasion and getting up that early is making me grouchy with everyone else! 

I was assuming that she woke me up to go to the loo or to be fed but neither seem to be a priority.  She sleeps in the kitchen so could it be that she's just lonely?  Any way, what do you think?

Thanks
S

Hi Sara

I have a similar problem at the mo, Tally has a walk and her dinner then pretty much is asleep by 8pm..however she has now taken to waking up at 5:30am (we usually get up at 6:30)..we are trying to adjust her bodyclock by poking her awake on an evening and then taking her for a little walk round the block just before bedtime...to be honest its not working yet..but the clocks change in a couple of weeks!!! :-)
lots of luck! Kellie

Hi Sara, :)

I don't know whether dogs are the same but a humans body clock is regulated by light. It may help if you have brighter lights on in the evening and thick curtains in the kitchen to keep the daylight out for longer in the morning.

Kath.