[lynn1010]

I have a 10 week old pup who I am crate training. The problem I have got is that he is ready for bed at 7.30 ish every night. I've tried getting him to play until later but he just hasn't got the energy and just keeps trying to lay down and sleep.( looking at me as if to say "go to bed woman and leave me in peace" ) then he wakes at 2am for a toilet (outside). He goes back yo bed, no probs, then up again at 6am. I have no chance of any more sleep after 6. He just will not go back in his crate. So I get a cuppa and let him play. I think he is really good for his age but could anyone tell me; will he sleep maybe a few hours later when he is a bit older?

[Wondergirl]

Be forewarned: I'm a cat person, not a dog person.

Everything I've read on the Dogs board tells me to remind you that he's a baby, a very small baby. I won't bore you with stories about my own children when they were infants and about how sleep-deprived I was.

Actually, it sounds like he's doing pretty well. I'm sure a Dogs expert will come along and reassure you that yes, things will get better as he matures.

[joypulv]

You can set more of the rules by now. Take him out for a pee when you go to bed, and don't put him in his crate until then. Make sure he has an active day, and make sure he gets some socialization with other dogs pretty soon. Many people congregate with their dogs in parks at lunch time and after work. That really wears the dogs out enough so that they sleep all night. (You don't mention if you are gone all day or not?)

[lynn1010]

Thanks for your replies. I am around all day. Haven't let him socialise with too many other dogs yet because he doesn't have his second injection at vets until weds. Will do though as soon as jab has been done.

[Lucky098]

He is only 10wks old. Be patient and consider yourself lucky that he doesn't potty his crate.

As he gets older, he will he able to hold it longer. Just be patient and stick to your schedule.

As for the bed time thing. Do you put him to bed when he wants to? If so, don't. Hold him in your lap and carry him around. He won't get to go into that deep sleep that way and will start to adjust to your schedule more.

[lynn1010]

Thank you for your reply. I will try the sitting him on my lap and carrying him around.

[shazamataz]

In addition to keeping him up later you can also try completely covering his crate with a blanket. Mine used to wake up as soon as the sun was up, but once I started using a blanket it tricked them into thinking it was earlier than it really was and gradually let me have more and more sleep.

[lynn1010]

I have always covered his cage at night but he still wakes early. Thanks for the reply though.

[LadySam]

Yes, you still have a baby, it sounds like for the most part he is doing good.
As important as socialization is, I would wait until his full series of puppy vaccines has been given before I started exposing him him to other dogs.
Just to be on the safe side and so that he will have the benefit of the immunity they will provide.
In the mean time enjoy him.