Won't sleep in

I went through this with my second puppy, he slept in his crate while Dog #1 and i went to bed. Puppy would wake up barking at 5:30am. I’d let him out to potty and take him back to bed with me until it was time to get ready for work (30-60 minutes) I felt lucky he slept that late. Maybe more exercise before bed, fewer naps midday?

My 39 wk old Chihuahua (Bobby) stays in his crate. From 10pm till approx 7:30-8am. I find that covering the crate with a dark blanket, so the top & sides are covered really helps.

I, personally, can’t imagine any dog preferring a cage to being with its owner. That said, labs are one of the most affectionate breeds. He needs in your room or your bed. He’s lonely.

My Lab mix (BLOONY) wakes me up at 5.30 every morning for past 7 years.. 🙂 The reason is full bladder and after he comes back from walk he is hungry too.. I give him 3 biscuits and a glass of milk.. he sleeps like a baby for next two hrs till i get ready for work.. 🙂

Crate is supposed to be refuge, not prison. Are you leaving the door to his crate open? Once he has gone out to empty his bladder (which he’ll need to do immediately); he’ll need a drink of water. Does he have a safe bone to chew on or a soft animal to cuddle with? Does he have a blanket or pillow? Remember, he’s still a baby. By 4:30 am, he has probably managed as much time away from you as possible.

Can he finish the last couple hours in your bed or can he have a doggy bed right near your bed? Is his crate near your bed?

Remember, refuge not prison. Once you force him to stay in the crate, you’ve lost your advantage. Is crate door open during day so he can go in if he wants to? Does crate’s size need to be adjusted. Just some ideas. Good luck, Mary