lab puppy

[dazman72]

hi i have a 13week old lab pup who when we go to bed or go out for a bit he will howl and bark have tried most thing like radio clock and my jumper but do not seem to work other than that he is great can someone please help driving me nuts and need to get some sleep thanks

[gravitation]

its your fault for spoiling it. livewith iy

[vicalncraig]

Try a ticking clock [reminds it of mother's heartbeat] and a hot water bottle.

[jules77]

It is not unusual for a puppy to cry, howl or bark when left alone. He has recently left the comfort of his litter mates and his mom, and needs to know somewhere is around.

Firstly you need to ascertain that he does not want to relieve himself, nor is frightened, hungry etc, just like with a baby. Spend quality time with your puppy when he is awake, giving him mental stimulation by playing with him shortly before you put him to bed. Puppies need lots of sleep, and if they are tired will just flake out as long as they are comfortable.

Leave him with some toys so he can amuse himself if he wakes up. Puppies cant always 'hold' themself all through the night, and if he is waking as he needs to go outside, you should praise him, and then play with him a while before he will go back to sleep.

Unfortunately in my experience, having a puppy can be as tiring as a newborn baby, but with patience you will have a loving lifelong companion.

[barb1314]

Hi dazman,Jules talks lots of sense. I've been advised to try a radio,clock and hot water bottle.Also, are you crate training?.This is supposed to give them a sense of security in their own space. Some people recommend that, for a few nights, the crate can be put in your bedroom but I'm going to try my very hardest not to do this...how do you then wean them off that! I'm going to be joining you in the sleepless nights again soon when I get my Lab girl (in 2 weeks) Will see how we get on then. Keep posting,would be nice to see how you are both doing.Good luck.

[dazman72]

i am not spoiling him and he does sleelp in a crate am new to this

[jules77]

I am not in favour of crates, and only use mine at shows 'if' I take more than one dog to keep my hands free to brush another.

I personally think they are cruel and unnecessary, and more like dog prisons, and that could be why your puppy is crying.