Overnight Sleeping Continued -- and more problematic

[frokenvin]

Thank you so much for all the replys... It's good to get varied insight on this. Howevever, last night I could not get out the door for work because she was howling and yelping -- I live in a small apt. complex, some of the homes do have dogs themselves -- so I couldn't leave to have the whole place woken up. I had no idea how long she would be crying for me after I left, so I called in to work with the situation. To them it is not quite a good excuse I'm sure, but I have respect in mind for my neighbors -- not to mention Luke, and my birds as well! Ha ha, yes, he set off my Quaker Parrot as well. Her screams are rather raucous and irritating at times.

So anyway... I don't know what to do! I'm so worried and stressed about what might happen tonight as I leave. I'm thinking I will try to get him to fall asleep in his little kennel dealy, and when I notice he's out I could just leave -- even if it's earlier than I need to be out... but even if it works, it's certainly not guaranteed to work every other night.

Can anyone tell me how long this might be an issue? Any ways to deter him from howling and whining?

and oh yes, I bought Luke from a lady who got him as a pup for her son, but he apparently couldn't make the commitment for his care. His loss! They had already named him "Luke" and he's adjusted well to it... I have a hard time changing pets' names unless it's something rediculous like "fluffy" or "fido".
He's 3 months old, a Carin Terrier and Chihuahua mix. I will attach a photo --

 

[Babyblue5290]

It sounds like seperation anxiety to me. Not much help on that but I'm sure if you look in google you might find some good stuff.

 

[Athe]

I assume your dog sufferes from seperation aniexty??? The following article is a wonderful read for you. And remember there are some natural herbs like rescue remedy which may help your dog relax.
Article on Seperation Aniexty
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1551&articleid=2266
Article on Rescue Remedy
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1448&articleid=1360

 

[avenlee]

I didn't read your original post, but reading this post, I know you are concerned. I don't know all the suggestions given to you earlier, bt you might want to try leaving your shirt or something that has your scent on it so your puppy will feel or scent you with him. And get him attached to one toy and leave that with him. I think that will make him secure also. Terriers seem to be pretty independant. But, being that young, he might just be missing some affection and snuggling.

I'm sure you will get alot of great advice! Hope it all turns out good! Patience Patience Patience.

PS, I have an Umbrella Cockatoo and I know they can get LOOOOUUUUD! LOL

 

[Babyblue5290]

I just thought of this, but what toys do you leave for him?
Some toys that really make him think to get the treats might help. Or if he is good with those talking toys that might be good.
Also leaving a tape recorder with your voice just saying things like good boy or whatever might be a good idea.

 

[frokenvin]

-this is the photo of Luke that the previous owners had posted on a newpaper's website, the classified section. The batteries in my camera are dead right now but at some point I'll definatly be taking more complimentary photos of him.-

Thanks guys! You've all given a lot of great help and influence. I have a feeling he's mostly just upset from settling in to a new place, and missing his old home. The previous owners are of a decent sized family (4 humans, and 2 other dogs). I am living in an apt. with 2 birds. This is a considerably different environment for him.

Tonight, I couldn't think of anything to do besides assuring he is tired out from play and such, then as he started dozing off (and how CUTE is a sleeping pup!!) I carried him over to a larger night kennel I assembled for him, as I concluded after reading these posts that the smaller kennel he was using (The previous owners sent it along with him and apparently he'd been using that every night for rest) was too small for his growing body. So anyway, I took a nap myself, in efforts to get him to also sleep (while in his new kennel). It did work, he was out as I had to leave... and I sneaked out the door! Great -- SO i think I've got a plan from here on.

I have handed over a plush of mine, to Luke. He totally digs the thing! I bought him a small rope toy which he also really enjoys. He came with a plush bunny, a "cong" toy (I can imagine you guys might know what I'm talking about) and a nyla-bone. I will leave the cong, and the plushies with him overnight.

Again, thank you much for all the replies -- it's definatly helped!

 

[avenlee]

OMG, Luke is sooo cute! He's a sweetie. Glad things seem to be getting better for you and for Luke. He will eventually get to know that even if you leave, you will come back

 

[Renee750il]

Have you tried stuffing the Kong with something like peanut butter and freezing it so he'll have several hours worth of fascination with it?

 

[frokenvin]

I have not tried that, renee, but I bought him some new toys today -- so I will try that tommorrow if the toy thing doesn't work tonight! Last night I left my home in tears, completely stressed out because he was howling again! ACH!! I am SURE he woke all my neighbors+ up! Of course I am concerned about how he's feeling but I know he has no reason to feel that way, so I'm mostly just frusterated, but I am not about to get angry either... heh. Oh, he got out of his kennel last night and chewed a cord to it's demise!! I'm so glad he's alright, it was just a USB cable for the computer .. I'll be roping his door shut from now on! Again, thanks! : )

 

[taratippy]

Sorry to hear about your problems. Stuffed kongs are great for distraction, you could also try a DAP diffuser, they can work really well on some stressed out dogs especially young ones. AS a terrier he's going to need some wearing out especially as he gets older and things to keep him occupied as well. Are you going to enrole in training classes? They are such a great help and will also give you ideas to keep him learning and stimulated. Sorry for questions but I havent read the original post.

 

[Fran27]

You should try to get him used to it. During the day, when you know it's not going to bother your neighbors, leave for a few minutes, and come back. Do it repeatedly, and eventually he should calm down. When he does, praise him, and try to leave a bit longer everytime. Once he understands that you will come back, it should be much better.

Maybe you could put a paper in your complex saying you got a puppy and are working on it, and apologizing for the noises? If some have dogs, I'm sure they will understand.

 

[frokenvin]

And now for good news...

Tonight as I left, Luke's yelping lasted only a few minutes! (or so I think!!) I waited outside my building to listen for him as I was driving out but I did not hear anything. I hope it stayed that way the whole night. Of course I do not know, but I assume they generally sleep full nights... Unless there is a serious problem... (?)
So, this sounds like a turnaround to me! I was thinking I might have to bring him back to him previous home (they did offer to take him back if I would need) just because I am working nights, and I can't have everyone else in my complex suffer because of my new pup... I love him, however, if he does start acting up again I will have to bring him back! I really don't want to do that!

This past week has been so stressful; I've left home a wreck-- extremely worked up and anxious about Luke's vocalisations. I think I am approaching the issue well, though. I give him a half of a biscuit treat when he is in the kennel, tell him he's "...such a good boy!..." and when I return I give him the other half treat and again praise him. Is there anything else I should be doing to encourage relaxation and happiness? Someone suggested a kong toy filled with peanut butter... I have been trying to tire him out before bed time. He was having a ball at the park earlier today! The little guy nearly pummeled a small child!! hahaha... He approaches humans with such enthusiasm; i quite admire him!!

Well, I really hope this works out. But if the calling does not cease very SOON I will have to let him go. Oh, this is so difficult! But I know whatever happens will be for the best. I want him to be happy.

 

[bridey_01]

Don't praise him when you get home! This only makes him want you to come home even MORE! I know it's hard, but don't go up to him and make a fuss of him when you first get home or when you leave. This only agitates the problem. So remember, no treats as soon as you get home, because in his mind he is not getting rewarded for staying quiet all day, he just thinks "yay my persons home and, OH MY GOD they have biscuits!"

 

[frokenvin]

LOL! I can clearly visualise the sort of thought you had portrayed for his potential response to my return with biscuits!!

Alright -- so, should I give him a treat when he kennels for the night?? It would seem to be a good idea in that he will learn that if he kennels he is getting rewarded. (??)

So, when I return in the mornings am I wrong to express a mere "good morning Luke!" (I understand why I should not get him excited, and so I won't be so animated *just more of a greeting thing* because I also have birds and they like to hear my voice when I return home, and of course I wouldn't want Luke to feel left out or anything)

When he yelps as I am leaving at night, is it alright to tell him to "hush!" (he seems to understand and be taking to it), or is it better to ignore him completely? "Hush" sounds sort of harsh/cold but not too bitter to make him upset(IMO).

 

[bridey_01]

Well, when you get home it would be best to ignore him for a tiny little while, say a minute and a half. Then you can greet him but not overly. Give him as many treats as you want when he is in his crate, you want him to love that place!
Just remeber not to give up on him, as pups are vocal little things and what you're desribing isn't too abnormal. You can be as affectionate as you want throughout the day, just not just before you're leaving or just as you get back. You might want to try feeding him as you leave, so he thinks "Well, when my person is gone food comes! being alone isn't so bad"