Keep Dogs Peaceful at Night

Out of sight, out of mind is the go when asking your dog to be relaxed and in wind-down mode.

So when it come to getting a good nights rest, if your dog is outside on sentry duty it is unreasonable to expect him to ignore noises and movement in the neighbourhood simply because it is dark.

I prefer to have dogs sleeping indoors at night where possible but every now and again you may find yourself having to get up to let him out to toilet.  Ideally allow him a toilet stop right before bed if he has been inside.  If you come home late, get up for a glass of water or even to let your teenager in, speaking to or petting your pooch will only razz him up so just ignore your dog and you will find he’ll do the same.

Provide him with a comfortable sleeping area and if your dog wakes you and you decide to take him out to offer ‘toilet’ do not speak to him or stimulate him in any way.   You may utter a brief praise immediately after elimination if you insist.  Remember that dogs may urinate with haste but often take a few minutes to relax and sniff before offering a No.2

Susan Garrett takes describes her method with younger pups in their later stages of toilet training.  With a light leash on her pup, she picks him up and carries him to where he can toilet.  She doesn’t chat to the pup and she chooses not to let him walk, making the trip with as little fuss as possible.  Carrying the pup puts her more in control of what is happening and does not the provide the pup with reinforcement of ‘walk’ for waking her.

 

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)