help!! No sleep since getting dog

[jollymollie]

We got an 18 month old dog last Friday. He seems to have settled well but night times are awful. We had him in our room on the first night but realise that was no good long term so we have put him in the kitchen to sleep and also when we go out. He spends ALL night scratching the door, barking and crying which results in no-one getting any sleep and it is really driving us mad. DH is going to work tired every day and we are starting to regret our decision to get a dog I know he must still be missing his previous home and it is too early to expect him to settle but he has been pooing in the kitchen every night too. (he doesn't do this during the day). Should we get him a crate? we've got a cat flap and I'm wondering whether we should open that up for him but DH is worried he'll be barking in the garden at night and we won't know. Please, please help we are desperate and arguing all the time through lack of sleep!

[jollymollie]

Hi, that thundershirt looks interesting. I have been doing as you suggested for a couple of weeks GrimmaTheNome but with no improvement. I really think his anxiety is so deep seated that he is never going to be ok. Last night was a nightmare again and I really don't know how much longer I can go with no sleep. It is awful. I phoned the previous owner up as we are so desperate and want him to be happy. She is refusing to take him back. She stated in the advert that he was 'fine being left alone' and that is so untrue, we can't leave him happily even for a minute. She also claimed he was vaccinated but has no proof. I don't know what else to do. he has started pooing around the house now as well for no apparant reason as he has full run of the garden and goes on long walks. I am thinking of ringing the RSPCA for some advice.