Getting Your Dog To Sleep When You Want It To

This might just be one of the most unexpected problems that new dog owners encounter. It is exciting and fun taking your new addition to your family home. However, one thing that you may forget about is getting your dog to sleep when she should be sleeping. Dogs are much like children in that they do not see the benefits of a good night's sleep. They just want to sleep when they want to, and be awake when they feel like it. That can create a huge problem and inconvenience for you and your family.

It is important for your dog to sleep when you and your family sleep so that they are a part of your routine. You also do not want your dog awake when you are asleep because she will be wandering your home unsupervised, may get into things, chew on things, and even wake you up, disturbing your sleep schedule. It will be much healthier when your dog is sleeping when she should be.

The problem lies in that dogs are instinctually part of a litter. They want to be a pack - around others all of the time. That is simply the way they are born. First, if you have not already, you need to create a sleeping area for your dog. This should be where she sleeps every time it is time to go to sleep. You can add some things to your dog's sleeping area to make it more comfortable and relaxing for her. Some items that will help is a cozy dog bed, a warm mat, and a radio for her to listen to. The sound from the radio should help make your dog more comfortable. Sometimes, the silence of night can make your dog feel alone and scared.

Make sure your dog gets enough exercise during the day in order to get a good night's sleep. This will help get their energy out when it should be, and help them feel more sleepy at night time. Make sure your dog is getting at least forty minutes of good exercise every day - running, walking, playing in a fenced in yard, and anything else that gets their blood pumping. You may notice that when you have a busier day than usual, you will feel sleepier when night comes. This goes the same for your dog. If your dog is not able to get her energy out during the day, she will most likely get it out one way or another - and that might be during the time she is supposed to be sleeping.

Keep her in training until she obeys you in staying in her bed all night. This will need a new command so she does not get it confused with your other commands. Something like "go to your bed" should work just fine. Use this if she gets up. Stand your ground and you will have your dog sleeping when she should.