bea
Newbie
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Post by bea on Apr 5, 2013 9:10:40 GMT
Hi we need some help please! We have a (well trained) 8 year old Springer Spaniel (no other pets) During the past 2 weeks he has taken to barking continually during the night. We sleep upstairs, he downstairs; it has always been this way. there has been no change in routine etc. and we are perplexed as to why this relentless night-time barking has begun. Our only conclusion to his sudden change in behaviour is that he wants to sleep upstairs and thus barks for attention. We have tried several methods to settle him back into what was a good night routine to no avail. We would be grateful for any advice etc. as the sleepless nights are beginning to take their toll!
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Post by gladys on Apr 5, 2013 10:43:10 GMT
Have you noticed any different noises outside at night which he may be hearing? Here at the mo we have a neighbours male cat who has taken a shine to my two female cats and is making a horrid noise in our garden every night. Although Cooper my dog sleeps through it the male cat is waking me, hubby and my two female cats who then makes noises too. So is there any strange noises happening outside? Oh and welcome to the forum.  |
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bea
Newbie
Posts: 6
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Post by bea on Apr 5, 2013 12:18:28 GMT
Thanks for your welcome and reply Gladys. It could possibly be noise from foxes outside, but he is used to that, he usually barks for a short while and then settles quickly. So I don't think the problem is noise disturbance related. This barking has a different tone and is relentless, starts an hour or so after 'bed-time' and continues through 'til we get up at around 6am.
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Post by gladys on Apr 5, 2013 16:45:53 GMT
Could it be toilet related or does he have any health issues? Drinking a lot before bed might mean his keeping hold of it for longer, especially if his been drinking more than normal. Has he had a vet check lately or have you noticed any issues during the day? |
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bea
Newbie
Posts: 6
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Post by bea on Apr 5, 2013 18:25:08 GMT
Thanks Gladys; no, not a toileting issue, & we have an appointment with the vet next week to get him checked out, no apparent health issues; but going to get him checked out all the same. it's all so confusing, we just don't know what has triggered this behaviour. The only conclusion we have, is that he has decided that he wants to sleep upstairs. We are using the ignore method at the moment but it clearly isn't working (naturally we have checked his well being before ignoring the persistent barking)
thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
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Post by chantel on Apr 5, 2013 18:29:08 GMT
Hi, it could be noises outside that is unsettling him like u said foxes. or maybe he is just missing you.
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bea
Newbie
Posts: 6
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Post by bea on Apr 5, 2013 18:44:57 GMT
Thanks Chantel, think you are right, he could well be missing us! but we have had him since he was a pup (now 8yrs) and he has always slept downstairs. I work from home and he spends minimal time alone. This behaviour is just so out of character, he is such a lovely dog.
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Post by chantel on Apr 6, 2013 8:05:05 GMT
It might be worth getting the once over at the vets even just for some advice,you say you work from home does he bark at all during the day if he is alone/or does it seem to be just a night thing. you could try one of these plug in devices they are meant to reduce stress although i have never tried one,but it maybe worth a try./or you could even try giving him an old Tshirt of yours to sleep with,it is worth a try.
keep us informed how you go on,hope he settles soon. |
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Post by BorderTerrier on Apr 6, 2013 13:43:27 GMT
Like a lot of people have already, and rightly, said, it could be something unsettling outside. Maybe only the sensetive dog ear can hear it.
You can buy a range of different settling products, wheather it be calming bands, to special medication to stop frantic actions. PLEASE see your vet if you are going to try out the medication/supplements to help. You simply mustn't give medication without the support of a vet beforehand.
If it is bands you go for, make sure they are in the correct, comftable position on the dog.
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Post by caz2golden on Apr 6, 2013 14:54:31 GMT
Has your daily routine changed? Maybe longer periods away than usual.
Is your dog acting differently when you are about, perhaps being more clingy, or just acting differently?
I agree with others that it is worth checking that there is no underlying medical issue.
Outside noises could be things that you cant hear as dogs hearing is so good.
Is he entire? If he is have you a neighbor with an in season girl?
Is there a problem with him joining you upstairs?
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Post by BorderTerrier on Apr 6, 2013 15:43:32 GMT
Also Bea, do you leave him in the house alone for a while in the day? He could have seen/heard something that spooked him and now he is scraed to be alone without you in his sight?
Like Caz asked, is he entire?
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Post by gladys on Apr 6, 2013 18:05:08 GMT
Just thought, how much exercise does he get through the day? And is he sleeping more so his sleep pattern has now reversed? Does he get a walk earlier rather than late in the day? If this is the case it might be worth going for a long walk and having a big play session in the late afternoon evening and a later evening meal so he is more content in the evening and night. If you are there working from home he may be happy and relaxed so sleeping more soundly during the day so is not as tired at night. |
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Post by charlottte on Apr 7, 2013 6:54:01 GMT
Would be worth getting him checked out as sometimes dogs go through behavioural and cognitive changes as they get older. Obviously 8 still isn't old but it could be a thought. I'm sure One YD issue had something in about Senility in dogs. I can't remember what it said but I'll have a flick through. Also, is it possible that something has spooked him during the night and its made him anxious about being left alone in the dark (providing he's ok during the day) Sorry, trying not to repeat other people |
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Post by BorderTerrier on Apr 7, 2013 9:38:19 GMT
How much stimulation and play does he get in the day?
He might be bored.
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Post by BorderTerrier on Apr 7, 2013 9:38:34 GMT
And excersise like gladys said.
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