I'm sorry that your puppy is giving you so much trouble. Since you know what time the puppy will wake up and start to yell, have you tried heading off the situation? Wake up (as one of your bathroom times for the puppy) at 4:30am and take the pup outside. Then play tug for 10-15 minutes, then try putting the pup back in the crate. You might be able to break the habit the pup has gotten into,..

Thoughts anyone?

My thoughts exactly......break the cycle in place already and try something different. :-)

On another forum one member posted that he had GREAT success with sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag and having the pup right there with them for the first week or so. He said the pups were quiet, didn't become clingy, and many other members were interested about that method. Incidentally, I believe he does schutzhund. I've never tried this so I can't tell you anything besides what I typed above, but it's something, if not a bit unorthodox (and probably uncomfortable for you).

Mike, no worries. Thank you so much for the compassion. I've been in tears about this and I'm not at my best, for sure! The night light is a good idea, and someone pm-ed me that I should check out a behaviourist which is another great idea. I'm sorry for my part of the drama. Everything seems so intense when you're sleep-deprived, I guess.

Mike, was it you that said it sounded like fear? That's what I thought too! As there are no other animals in the house, and everyone else is in bed I really don't know what it could be.

Maybe it's just excitement; maybe he really just can't wait to get his day started and tell everyone about it. This is what I'm hoping it is. If so, he should mellow eventually (right?!?! )

Jennifer and Carol: I already get him up for a potty break around 4 but I don't play with him. From what I read, I shouldn't do that because then he'll wake us everytime he wants to play. I'll try it though. Something's got to work!!

Oh, and Carol--we got him (his name's Mikah, by the way) on the day he turned 8 weeks and he's a day away from 10 weeks now so that's why I said we've had him "almost two weeks." I know pups shouldn't leave earlier than that and I doubt the breeder would let him go early anyway.

At first I thought he was in some kind of pain, hence all the vet visits. Clean bill of health, though. He eats a raw diet, too, so I doubt it's food related. Not to be graphic, but poo's all okay.

He and I have a great relationship. He has some seperation anxiety, but nothing terrible. He just doesn't want to be alone, anyone will do-- it doesn't have to be me.

Thanks to all of you. I'll try the nightlight idea and the behaviorist and I will be getting earplugs ASAP!!! I can't believe I didn't think of those!!

 Quote: saramilliken

Jennifer and Carol: I already get him up for a potty break around 4 but I don't play with him. From what I read, I shouldn't do that because then he'll wake us everytime he wants to play. I'll try it though. Something's got to work!!

Good Luck with your pup and hang in there. I know what it is like to have a "crabby" hubby due to the puppy.

Also, I usually play with them to get them to "do their business" due to the rule of "the more they move, the more it stimulates them to go". If I did not play or at least run around with my Mal pup when she was that age, she would take her own sweet time (in zero degree weather)
I made sure my pups had something "to do" (like a Kong or ball) in case they woke up. Mikah will get the hang of it, sounds like you just have a pup that likes to vocalize......

Hi Sara!

I have a GSD pup that is right around your pup's age, and I understand the sleep deprivation! My situation has pretty much resolved itself...the post is actually listed as "puppy panting" if you want to see what happened with me.

For us, it was more getting to sleep in the first place than early morning nuttiness. I feel for you, I really really do. I had the same thing with my human baby 7 years ago and it was so traumatic I remember it like is was this morning. Not getting enough sleep makes everything seem larger than life.

Just remember: This will pass. A year from now, you'll look back on this and um, maybe laugh? Anyway, I really doubt it will be an issue then.

You could be right...it could just be excitement. My pup is a jumping bean and is always ready to go, even when I'm not!!

Meanwhile, take naps if you can and wear earplugs (or at least make your husband wear them. I know that it was more stressful for me worrying about my fiance getting mad than it was for me to listen to the pup whining!)

Good luck, please keep us posted!

I always play with my pups when potty training and bringing them out of the crate. I never have had any issues with the pup waking me up to play (potty first, then play). I'm sure you'll figure it out before you lose your sanity! Best of luck and Happy Holidays.

My bitch is in labor and there is a blizzard outside. What does that mean?? Many sreaming puppies in the kitchen in a kiddie pool until the 3 feet of snow melts and the ground dries
up. I know this does not help you but sometimes it is comforting to know others are in the same position.

He was sleeping when we got up this morning! I don't know what changed, except for the nightlight? Could it possibly be that I have a dog that's afraid of the dark?

Seriously, I can't believe he's fine. Do you guys have some crazy mojo that you worked on this dog?

You should have seen how happy my husband was! Do you think he slipped him a pill?

Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you.

 Quote: steve mcdonald

My bitch is in labor and there is a blizzard outside. What does that mean?? Many sreaming puppies in the kitchen in a kiddie pool until the 3 feet of snow melts and the ground dries
up. I know this does not help you but sometimes it is comforting to know others are in the same position.

Oh, ouch, that isn't very much fun. By chance Steve, are you in Colorado too? I live in Downtown Denver. I enjoy this weather because I can get through it if I need to, and bounding and swimming through drifts tires my crazy gsd!

And Sara, I am glad you got some much needed sleep. I have never tried this, but they have aroma therapy plug-in soothers for anxiety that are supposed to calm a dog. Hopefully, you found your cure.