Bed time advice please

[LennyPugGoat]

Last Friday we took in a new foster. 9yr Male staffy. He was due to be PTS as he was found with his deceased owner and no one came forward to collect him so we offered to foster him through our rescue centre.
He has been a dream to look after, settled in really well with no issues at all. He happily takes himself in to his crate and the night time routine from the very first night is out in the garden for a wee 11pm ish, into his crate, shut the kitchen door and go to bed. Don’t hear a peep all night and 7.30am up for a wee and breakfast.
All going well until last night where he whined and whined, I let him out and sat with him for a while to reassure and then did the routine again, he settled and then woke at 3am whining again?

I would happily not shut the kitchen door but the problem is, he is very overweight which we are addressing but I don’t want him trying to climb the stairs in the night, not be able to get back down or even fall. He can’t manage the stairs at all at this point. What should I do if it happens again tonight please?

[Wolfiefan]

Bless him and bless you for taking him in. Could you sleep downstairs with him for a few nights and then gradually move away?

[LennyPugGoat]

Thank you. His bed is in the kitchen it’s the biggest room down stairs with no carpet incase of any accidents.
don't Fancy sleeping in the kitchen

He has had zero accidents so far, really regular routine which I think is helping. He has to be shut downstairs, 26kg isn’t going to manage the stairs, he can hardly manage to get off the sofa, bless him

[Wolfiefan]

I did for three weeks when we bought our first pup home! Could you make a makeshift bed? Maybe he’s feeling happy and settled and he’s worried you won’t come back when you disappear at night.

[LennyPugGoat]

Very true, he really does pine for DH, DH can’t even go to the toilet without Mr P whining for him. His owner was Male so it makes sense and we don’t know how long he was with his deceased dad before the police were called for a welfare check, so sad.

[Wolfiefan]

That is so sad. Would DH sleep down there with him?

[Sillyscrabblegames]

It's really normal for a rescue dog to be really quiet for a few nights and then to test the routine. This can be from anxiety or because they are developing a new bond with their family members.
Don't worry about, he just needs to be supported through the stages so he feels sure about what is expected of him and how the household works.
I think you are right to prevent him from using the stairs as it will just lead to other problems.
I also think you should stick with the routine and the sleeping location you want for him longer term.
You can however change your comings and goings.
You have a few options.

1. Take him out for his last wee at around 11pm and then stonewall the night whining until 7am. This is a reasonable time for him not to be uncomfortable.
2. Let him out for a night wee when he whines in the night. Do not make eye contact with him during these outings. When he comes back in, stand or sit silently and again no physical contact until he has snuggled back down to bed. Then go back to your bed. Don't switch on lights etc, it's not a night jolly, it's only about your conscience and his wee.
3. Make yourself a bed on the sofa and just go with it.

Good luck, he looks adorable.

[LennyPugGoat]

He is such a lovely DDog, his owner must have really loved him and I was amazed when he stayed, sat, laid etc the first time I tried it!

I wonder if leaving the TV on in the kitchen might help?

[BeeBella]

Aw look at the little chubba! Well done for taking him on OP.

[Wolfiefan]

Nah. Send DH down.

[LennyPugGoat]

Thank you Bee he is our weeble! And such a gentleman

[Wolfiefan]

He’s lovely and I hope to see less weeble like pics in the future. Coz he’s staying isn’t he?

[AmelieTaylor]

I was on your thread the other day, but I have to say again-he's gorgeous 😍. Have you realised yet that you're going to have to keep him, he needs you!

It's normal for a foster/adoptee to be 'ok' for the first few nights then not to be. He's attaching to you and more settled/less scared so he's feeling safe to let you know he needs you

I'd put his bed next to the settee & sleep there, but I'm too soft for my own good!! It's probably better to just let him out & no fussing/eye contact/reward. Make him feel safe but not rewarded. Much like small kids!!

[LennyPugGoat]

I wish wolfie but once this madness is over we all work full time and he just wouldn’t be able to cope home alone all day.
I can wfh twice a week so I have toyed with the idea of 3 days doggie day care... but who knows what money will be spare...

I’m going to try and give him a quick round the block walk before bedtime.

silly thank you so much for your reply, really appreciate it, I’m hoping the walk will help although I’ve had wine Mr P will walk me

[Wolfiefan]

I’ve seen your earlier thread too! He’s lush. Any neighbours could do a day or two a week?
He needs closeness overnight. Go on. Lift him upstairs (good luck!) or send DH down for snuggles.

[LennyPugGoat]

It’s an option... night on the dining room chairs for me if the walk doesn’t help. DH thinks I’m bonkers ready, I don’t care!

[LennyPugGoat]

Wish us luck....

[Sooverthemill]

Oh yes good luck. I know you work ordinarily but you may be able to sort out an option for a walk day times? He looks so sweet and I feel sorry for him. You did a good thing

[LennyPugGoat]

Morning, we had a great night. I slept on the sofa, Mr P in the kitchen.

He did start whining so I just turned my TV off and he seemed to realise I was there and that was the last I heard from him

[Sooverthemill]

So pleased

[Wolfiefan]

Oh that’s great. I’m so glad.