My dog won't let me sleep.

[bkwits]

Hi all,

I acquired a Brittany spaniel from American Brittany Rescue. She is an adorable approx. 5 year old orange and white Brittany. Exactly what I wanted. She came to me on Valentine's Day this year.

We have worked out most of our problems and have a great relationship. Lately, the last several weeks, she wants me to get up with her at 5 am or thereabouts. I'm sorry but I just don't want to get up at 5 am. I have tried to let her out for potty and go back to bed, but she keeps jumping on me and licking my face. I thought I had solved it by putting a puppy pad by the door so if she has to go again, she can use that. She does use that but still wants me to get up.

Any suggestions?

[incidentally]

Can you think of any thing that has changed in the last several weeks that might have started this behavior?

ETA: You could try a crate but if it's a recent behavior it leads me to believe something has happened or changed.

[kitty1182]

Hi all,

I acquired a Brittany spaniel from American Brittany Rescue. She is an adorable approx. 5 year old orange and white Brittany. Exactly what I wanted. She came to me on Valentine's Day this year.

We have worked out most of our problems and have a great relationship. Lately, the last several weeks, she wants me to get up with her at 5 am or thereabouts. I'm sorry but I just don't want to get up at 5 am. I have tried to let her out for potty and go back to bed, but she keeps jumping on me and licking my face. I thought I had solved it by putting a puppy pad by the door so if she has to go again, she can use that. She does use that but still wants me to get up.

Any suggestions?


Sounds like she thinks it's playtime or maybe she is ready for some breakfast...:smile:

[bkwits]

I don't much care for crating...when very young maybe...

Are you exercising her as much as you did before? Has your weather changed? It gets lighter now so she may think "it's time". Summer is a time the dogs know varmints are plentiful...squirrel and chipmunk are scampering about....


AND...you are making her stay in bed with all the activity out there????

....she probably needs a bit more activity the day before or you are just gonna have to put the covers over your face.

Hope this helps

Oh, she gets plenty of exercise. Yes, it is getting lighter earlier. She can't wait to get out and play. I used to keep the bedroom door closed to keep her in. Now I leave it open, so she can play in the house. Maybe I should shut her out of the bedroom. I don't know. I do have a crate but only for when I go out and leave her alone. She doesn't seem to mind being in it. At least, after she realized that I would be coming back.

[Lyndawitha"Y]

Hi all,

I acquired a Brittany spaniel from American Brittany Rescue. She is an adorable approx. 5 year old orange and white Brittany. Exactly what I wanted. She came to me on Valentine's Day this year.

We have worked out most of our problems and have a great relationship. Lately, the last several weeks, she wants me to get up with her at 5 am or thereabouts. I'm sorry but I just don't want to get up at 5 am. I have tried to let her out for potty and go back to bed, but she keeps jumping on me and licking my face. I thought I had solved it by putting a puppy pad by the door so if she has to go again, she can use that. She does use that but still wants me to get up.

Any suggestions?

OMG..when I read this thread title..I almost fell over...Is there a call to the wild going on..My puppy..(Jack Russell Terrier-12 years old...lol) has started to do exactly the same thing since about April..Drives me nuttso..So since I am a Cesare Milan (Dog Whisperer) follower..I tried to put on my "Pack Leader" hat and problem solve....Hummmm????

Changed my work hours ( especially in past 3 months...) change in time of feeding ( now mornings before I go to work)..He is ill ( multi system issues)...Man..so many changes..no wonder??eh?

Anyway, one thing you can try ( since your puppy is still young..and healthy)..Maybe a good structured walk before you retire for the night
orrrrr..try getting him/her feeding schedule opposite to what it is now
orr...try kenneling him in your bedroom..door open..and see if he just can chill out..like you???...or last resort..learn to get up at 5AM and start your day!!LOL

Good luck my friend..."Mans Best Friend' has their needs too...

LMS:wink:

[bkwits]

Sounds like she thinks it's playtime or maybe she is ready for some breakfast...:smile:


She is not ready for breakfast that early. She is not interested in food until about 8 or 9 am. She wants to get ouside. This morning after letting her out at 5 am, I went back to bed and she mostly left me alone until almost 7. That's an improvement.

[Dunlurken]

I have a cat that has done the same thing it's whole life.... 10 years or so. If I shut him outside the bedroom, he meows like someone is killing him, so I get up at all hours of the night, whenever he chooses to wake me up. He has dry food out all the time, and simply wants, heck, I don't know what he wants. Luckily, I can put him outside but I have to get up go down the stairs and open the back door. What a pain!

I have a friend who had a boxer that was afraid of storms. She adopted him at about 3-5 years old. She tried crating him during the day while she was at work, and he would bite the crate so hard he would have a bloody mouth when she got home. She tried shutting him in the laundry room, and he actually chewed a three foot tall hole in the wall. She watched the weather closely, and would actually leave work if a storm was coming.

[Lyndawitha"Y]

She is not ready for breakfast that early. She is not interested in food until about 8 or 9 am. She wants to get ouside. This morning after letting her out at 5 am, I went back to bed and she mostly left me alone until almost 7. That's an improvement.

She does sound like a high energy dog..and it seems she is bored..thus has a need to play or explore..thus ya get a few hour reprieve when you put her outside...

Dont know your home situation..and atomosphere in the house..so cant assume anything..All I know that High Energy dogs ( Griffey..my bouncing furbaby!!)..just takes over when gets bored or feels you arent..LOL..these furbabies are very demanding..so need to be directed or they take over....Bestest start???Try to wear them out with excercise..they become more calm..Long structured walks..take on a bike..roller blades...then maybe a dog park and let loose to interact with other dogs..

Again..wish you luck..you are just beginning with your addition..my furbaby unfortunately is on his last legs..sad indeed..sure wish I knew back then what I know now...

LMS:thumbsup:

btW..what is her name?

[Lyndawitha"Y]

Link:

About Brittany Spaniels.....yepper high energy..see right hand lower list for behaviors....LOL

http://www.breederretriever.com/dog-breeds/69/brittany.php

I tried to copy and paste that window..didnt work...Geesh, she ( your furbaby) is one cutey pie!!

LMS:laugh:

[bkwits]

Link:

About Brittany Spaniels.....yepper high energy..see right hand lower list for behaviors....LOL

http://www.breederretriever.com/dog-breeds/69/brittany.php

I tried to copy and paste that window..didnt work...Geesh, she ( your furbaby) is one cutey pie!!

LMS:laugh:


Thanks Lynda. I love my Annabel Lee. Fortunately (sometimes unfortunately for the work involved), I have a very large yard that adjoins a large pond and a lttle park. Since the weather has gotten nicer, Annabel loves to stalk, birds, squirrels, and our yearly visitor, the red fox. She was mistreated before Brittany Rescue got her. Her ribs were showing, she had ear infections, a broken tooth, and whipworms. My stelp granddaughters (twins) both worked as Vet techs while finishing nursing school. They fostered her for me and ABR paid most of the Vet bills and had her microchipped (she had been spayed by some previous owner). She is healthy now and at the right weight. She almost never barked when we first got her. But now she is becoming a pretty good watch dog.

She is a great companion (who thinks she is a big hunter). LOL

[Lyndawitha"Y]

Thanks Lynda. I love my Annabel Lee. Fortunately (sometimes unfortunately for the work involved), I have a very large yard that adjoins a large pond and a lttle park. Since the weather has gotten nicer, Annabel loves to stalk, birds, squirrels, and our yearly visitor, the red fox. She was mistreated before Brittany Rescue got her. Her ribs were showing, she had ear infections, a broken tooth, and whipworms. My stelp granddaughters (twins) both worked as Vet techs while finishing nursing school. They fostered her for me and ABR paid most of the Vet bills and had her microchipped (she had been spayed by some previous owner). She is healthy now and at the right weight. She almost never barked when we first got her. But now she is becoming a pretty good watch dog.

She is a great companion (who thinks she is a big hunter). LOL

LOL..ya just gotta watch Cesar Milan ( Dog Whisperer)..he talks always about nose first..then eyes and ears....Annabel..is likely so hyper and experiencing things she hasnt before..What a great adventure for her and you too..

All, I can say..you need to be the Pakc leader..in other words..She must look to you for direction..and listen to YOU!!..You lucky s.o a g ( son of a gun..LOL) I would love to have the wealth of info now..back when Griffey ( JRT)..was young..boy I am sure I would have had him whied into shape...

Anyway..I can only wish you God Speed with Annabel..given the pics I have seen..they are totally loyal and precious...give her a hug and kiss from a Dog Lover..TYIA :-)

LMS:wub:

[bkwits]

LOL..ya just gotta watch Cesar Milan ( Dog Whisperer)..he talks always about nose first..then eyes and ears....Annabel..is likely so hyper and experiencing things she hasnt before..What a great adventure for her and you too..

All, I can say..you need to be the Pakc leader..in other words..She must look to you for direction..and listen to YOU!!..You lucky s.o a g ( son of a gun..LOL) I would love to have the wealth of info now..back when Griffey ( JRT)..was young..boy I am sure I would have had him whied into shape...

Anyway..I can only wish you God Speed with Annabel..given the pics I have seen..they are totally loyal and precious...give her a hug and kiss from a Dog Lover..TYIA :-)

LMS:wub:

I hope your Griffey is comfortable and happy. My sis lost her Golden and it has taken her years to get herself ready for another dog. She adopted a Golden puppy just a couple of days ago. Sent me 15 email pics. Annabel looks just like the photos on that website.

PS. About the only place in Canada where I've spent any time at all is Mississauga.

:wub: for Griffey and you

AHA, while I was walking her, as you suggested, it dawned on me what the big change in her exercise is. I have a small yard truck. Except when the weather is extremely bad or a lot of snow, I would drive around in the yard truck and the dogs run with me (sometimes my son's lab is here). She loved that as did the lab. She got a ton of exercise that way, and I could do it in the evening even when I am tired and sore from yard work. Well something happened to the yard truck. It will only go forward and not in reverse. I can't get ahold of the guy who has fixed it for me before. This prob about the time she started getting up so very early.

Yes, I can see how Annabel is growing more independent. She used to stay right with me all the time. Now she doesn't care if I'm in another room. She is not really what I think of as hyper. She is a very calm dog and very sweet (typical of the breed). Heck, she even likes cats. Britts are very sensitive and don't like to be scolded. We had a Britt when the kids were growing up. My son and DIL had a Britt and my stepdtr has two Britts.

[withay]

bkwits, I think you have figured it out! Mine will leave me alone and just lay in the bed with me until I open my eyes and move as if to get up. Then they (all three) start running and jumping and speaking to me. They just cannot decide if they want to potty, get petted or eat first!
One of my rules has always been that we do not play on the bed. I wanted them to realize that the bed was for resting quietly.

[Carol25]

Have you thought of putting her down and giving her a rawhide bone until you are ready to get up?

[Lyndawitha"Y]

Have you thought of putting her down and giving her a rawhide bone until you are ready to get up?

LOL.putting my dog whisperer hat on..that is actually rewarding her for waking up the master..it really is not helpful to nurture unwanted behavior..then again it is an easy way out ( short term)..LOL

LMS:wink:

[Lyndawitha"Y]

I hope your Griffey is comfortable and happy. My sis lost her Golden and it has taken her years to get herself ready for another dog. She adopted a Golden puppy just a couple of days ago. Sent me 15 email pics. Annabel looks just like the photos on that website.

PS. About the only place in Canada where I've spent any time at all is Mississauga.

:wub: for Griffey and you

AHA, while I was walking her, as you suggested, it dawned on me what the big change in her exercise is. I have a small yard truck. Except when the weather is extremely bad or a lot of snow, I would drive around in the yard truck and the dogs run with me (sometimes my son's lab is here). She loved that as did the lab. She got a ton of exercise that way, and I could do it in the evening even when I am tired and sore from yard work. Well something happened to the yard truck. It will only go forward and not in reverse. I can't get ahold of the guy who has fixed it for me before. This prob about the time she started getting up so very early.

Yes, I can see how Annabel is growing more independent. She used to stay right with me all the time. Now she doesn't care if I'm in another room. She is not really what I think of as hyper. She is a very calm dog and very sweet (typical of the breed). Heck, she even likes cats. Britts are very sensitive and don't like to be scolded. We had a Britt when the kids were growing up. My son and DIL had a Britt and my stepdtr has two Britts.

Ohhh Thanks bk..Griff is almost 13 years old..and has made stides in behavior..but now that he is ill..( losing weight etc) when he wants to eat I tend to abide..I KNOW..nuturing bad behavior..I am just glad he is eating...LOL..He groans alot..and makes funny noises with his breathing..so I dont sleep well because of that..tho it isnt his fault..I just wish I could fix him...too many broken parts..breaks my heart..All I know is that he knows I love him..and he watches me constantly for direction...and ya cant ask for more at this stage...

TY again for yur well wishes..I will give Griff a hug from you and Annabel...okay?
LMS:wub:

[bkwits]

Yippee,

I got to stay in bed till 7 Am this morning. I didn't even get up to let her out. She was roaming about the bedroom for awhile, nudging me, licking me, laying down beside me, but I mostly got to sleep. She didn't have an accident or anything.

The only thing different is I fed her dinner very late for her, around 8:30 pm. She usually eats 6:30pm. Do you think that makes a difference?

[angellaw]

This thread makes me long for lost friend...Gibby...wealth of knowledge she was.:wub:

[angellaw]

Yippee,

I got to stay in bed till 7 Am this morning. I didn't even get up to let her out. She was roaming about the bedroom for awhile, nudging me, licking me, laying down beside me, but I mostly got to sleep. She didn't have an accident or anything.

The only thing different is I fed her dinner very late for her, around 8:30 pm. She usually eats 6:30pm. Do you think that makes a difference?



I think you hit it on the head...she needs a later nights dinner to keep her sleeping through the night..maybe give her 1/2 at her usuale time and the rest about 1/2 hr before bedtime...she may be a "grazer"

Let us know how that works.

Best of luck.

[bkwits]

I think you hit it on the head...she needs a later nights dinner to keep her sleeping through the night..maybe give her 1/2 at her usuale time and the rest about 1/2 hr before bedtime...she may be a "grazer"

Let us know how that works.

Best of luck.

Thank you, she is kind of a grazer. Also, she may need a little more food because she is very active now. She can run faster than any dog I've ever been around and she only weighs about 30 lbs. Vet said to keep her not more than about 32 lbs. She weighed 25 lbs when I got her and her ribs were prominent. She certainly has come a long way.

[Debb]

I'm another Cesar Milan fan. He seems to know what he is talking about. He often goes to homes where there are problems and many of them are pet owners who adopt a dog from a shelter. The owners feel sorry for the dog and and try to make up for their previous neglect and mistreatment by being too tolerant of undesired behavior.

I suspect that Cesar would say that if your dog is jumping up and licking your face when not invited to so, means the dog is not respecting you. If you can make him understand with your body lanuage and attitude that his behavior is not acceptable and that nothing good will come of it, then he will not do it. I know that is easier said than done, but if the dog gets what he wants when he does it, he won't stop...no matter how unhappy it make you.

I would get a video by Cesar that covers establishing yourself as the pack leader. He proably gives some specific instructions for exercises that you and your dog would enjoy.

[bkwits]

I'm another Cesar Milan fan. He seems to know what he is talking about. He often goes to homes where there are problems and many of them are pet owners who adopt a dog from a shelter. The owners feel sorry for the dog and and try to make up for their previous neglect and mistreatment by being too tolerant of undesired behavior.

I suspect that Cesar would say that if your dog is jumping up and licking your face when not invited to so, means the dog is not respecting you. If you can make him understand with your body lanuage and attitude that his behavior is not acceptable and that nothing good will come of it, then he will not do it. I know that is easier said than done, but if the dog gets what he wants when he does it, he won't stop...no matter how unhappy it make you.

I would get a video by Cesar that covers establishing yourself as the pack leader. He proably gives some specific instructions for exercises that you and your dog would enjoy.



Thank you, I've gotten some very good advice on this forum. It seems to be getting better. This morning she woke me at 6 am and I let her out. She did potty and came right back. I went back to bed. She did not bother me until 7 am, when I got up. This is fine because it is my usual time to get up.

She doesn't jump up and lick me in the face. It is when I am lying down and she is on the bed with me. In fact, she never jumps on me or anyone else. She never barks to go out, she nudges me. In fact, she hardly barked at all when I first got her. Now she barks at people outside or when someone rings the door bell, which she did not do at first I suspect she had been taught not to bark.

I will get the video. I'm sure two of my granddaughters would like it as well.

:biggrin:

[kitty1182]

Yippee,

I got to stay in bed till 7 Am this morning. I didn't even get up to let her out. She was roaming about the bedroom for awhile, nudging me, licking me, laying down beside me, but I mostly got to sleep. She didn't have an accident or anything.

The only thing different is I fed her dinner very late for her, around 8:30 pm. She usually eats 6:30pm. Do you think that makes a difference?

Wow, great....I think feeding time does make a difference...:smile:

[Debb]

Thank you, I've gotten some very good advice on this forum. It seems to be getting better. This morning she woke me at 6 am and I let her out. She did potty and came right back. I went back to bed. She did not bother me until 7 am, when I got up. This is fine because it is my usual time to get up.

She doesn't jump up and lick me in the face. It is when I am lying down and she is on the bed with me. In fact, she never jumps on me or anyone else. She never barks to go out, she nudges me. In fact, she hardly barked at all when I first got her. Now she barks at people outside or when someone rings the door bell, which she did not do at first I suspect she had been taught not to bark.

I will get the video. I'm sure two of my granddaughters would like it as well.

:biggrin:

That's great. Cesar has a young son who assist him with some of his demonstations. The kids might enjoy that.

[bkwits]

Good morning, I feel rested this morning. Actually, I woke before Annabel, about 6 am. At least she was still laying in bed with me. We got up about 15 min. later. She patiently waited while I put the coffee on, then we went out to get the newspaper and her potty duties.

I think the walk in early evening helps too. She really seems to like that. Also my doc told me to walk her every day. But the doc told me to let her pull me, after I've been training her not to. The reason the doc wants me to walk her is that we are trying to get my BP down without medication. She (doc) also wants me to lose 10 lbs before my next visit (3 months).

Thanks for all your help and suggestions. Annabel appreciates it too. She is a happier dog.

:thumbsup:

[drip~drop1]

Sounds like she thinks it's playtime or maybe she is ready for some breakfast...:smile:

or she just LOVES her mommy and can't wait for the day to begin!:wub:

[ABC]

I have a cat that after 6 1/2 years suddenly decided that I needed to get up at 3 to 4AM. Sadly, I had to shut the door to the bedroom and keep her out. As I wear hearing aids, once I take them out I am almost stone deaf and don't hear her meow. Try foam noise blocker ear plugs.

[Lyndawitha"Y]

Good morning, I feel rested this morning. Actually, I woke before Annabel, about 6 am. At least she was still laying in bed with me. We got up about 15 min. later. She patiently waited while I put the coffee on, then we went out to get the newspaper and her potty duties.

I think the walk in early evening helps too. She really seems to like that. Also my doc told me to walk her every day. But the doc told me to let her pull me, after I've been training her not to. The reason the doc wants me to walk her is that we are trying to get my BP down without medication. She (doc) also wants me to lose 10 lbs before my next visit (3 months).

Thanks for all your help and suggestions. Annabel appreciates it too. She is a happier dog.

:thumbsup:

Yaaahooo!! So, so glad things are getting sorted out...Now, I may be wrong, but when you referred to your doc suggesting you let the dog pull you...I am assuming you mean YOUR DOC..Well, not in Cesar's book..maybe if you put some roller blades on, or get on a skateboard, but NOT while you are walking...maybe step up your pace ( if you are able)..Annabel simply must respect your pace...then if more exercise is needed..she can use a treadmill..or have your kids (grandkids) put on those rollerblades..LOL..Either way, goal is for her to respect you and what you want or need...LOL..Arent we all just so demanding of your precious pup!!?? Anyway, glad she is making progress, and seems you are too!!

LMS and Griffey:thumbsup: