Dog night time behaviour

[seniorcit]

My 4 year old cairn terrier is perfectly normal during the day. From when we first brought him home, until approx. 12months ago he slept in his crate, then bed, at night with absolutely no problem. For the last 12 months he has been getting progressively worse. Now, as soon as he sees us prepare for bed he becomes anxious, and when we leave him he appears terrified. We now have him on our bed with us as he made his paws bleed trying to reach us. He stands on the edge of the bed apparently 'looking ' at something. He wags his tail. paws and scratches and sniffs at nothing visible. This happens not just where we live but when we stay elsewhere too. I am at a complete loss as he is fine during the day and was so settled when he first came to us. We have started giving him herbal medication which does seem to calm him but I would prefer to find out the cause of this behaviour. Many thanks for any advice offered.

[ruthann58]

is his bed in his crate and do you shut his door on the crate we have a beagle who from day one has slept in her cage we have tried to get rid of it as at 10 years old i did not still expect her to be sleeping in a cage even to my husband converting one of the kitchen cupboards to house the cage out of site thinking that we would be able to get rid of the cage and she would just sleep in the cupboard , but there is no way she will settle if not in her cage , and if we go to bed and forget to shut the cage door she will bark until we get up and shut it

[Voulez-vous]

Does this happen when the lights go out? Has the little fella got a problem with the dark perhaps? Strange thing to say for a dog, but have you considered a night light, like kids have?

[lankeela]

Is he scared of fireworks? Perhaps the flashes have frightened him and he thinks he will see them at night. Make sure the curtains are closed so he can't see anything outside.

[ladybirder]

What a shame, poor lad. I wish I could help you but I have no idea. As it's been going on for 12 months he must be in a right state, and you as well. Have you talked to the vet about it? I will try and get hold of my friend who is a qualified animal behaviourist this weekend and get back to you if she has any ideas.

[NoMercy]

Try lying on the floor beside him until he goes to sleep. It is probably reassurance that he is seeking above anything else.

[Ratty2E]

I'm sorry I can't offer a remedy but I just wanted to say I have had the same problem. When I got my eldest I already had another dog but sadly she died after a year so he was left alone and of course wouldn't settle. We tried everything including DAP sprays and plug ins. He actually managed to get out of his crate on a few occasions, but not through the door. Also though I didn't realise at the time he was knawing the bars and now has little stumpy teeth instead of fangs. Anyway after a little while trying to persuade him he was OK and safe etc. We gave up and he had a bed in our room. Unfortunately he's just as bad during the day if he's left so we got him a brother. This didn't really work out as planned as neither of them like being left even though they have each other for company. So for the sanity of all of us and so that we all get some sleep they have a bed in the corner of our room. They can still whinge when i go out but I think I just have to live with that.