Dog started barking through the night

[Teabagtits]

My 11 year old dog has taken to barking incessantly through the night. He doesn't stop for breath. This started when I came home with a new baby two weeks ago. He goes in a large crate in the kitchen overnight and has done so without problem for years. Now he barks the moment he goes in until we wake in the morning. Going down to settle him only works as long as we're there with him and he starts again as soon as we leave. Providing treats for silence doesn't work as he's not quiet long Enough. I can't let him in our bedroom as the baby cosleeps. He is totally unbothered by the baby during the day, ignores him etc so I don't think it's a jealousy thing.

Our neighbour's will be going mad with the non stop noise. I know I am. It's bad enough being sleep deprived with a newborn without having to listen to the dog barking non stop from 11pm until 7am. You'd think he'd tire himself out.

What can I do to get him to return to being quiet at night?

I should say there are no external stimuli such as other animals or outside noises where we live so he's not reacting to that.

Hi OP,
What Breed is he and why does he go in a crate at night?

Watching with interest as we're in the same position. We've had to have one of us sleep downstairs with the dog otherwise there's no respite for anyone. Which is difficult because I then have to deal with the baby on my own all night!

He's a mongrel (Lhasa apsso/bichon frise cross) - he's crated because he used to get separation anxiety that resulted in him going to the toilet all over the place (and still does if left out of it) but never barking. Up until the baby came he loved his crate and would voluntarily lie in it. Last night he shat in it :(

Could you try the puppy settling techniques? I.e. Leave an item of clothing you have been wearing with him, put the radio on so he has background noise etc.

If none of those work could you try putting the crate in your bedroom? If he can see/hear/smell you it might help?

Maybe look at getting some professional help from a dog trainer / behaviourist etc

I have a new baby and dogs, this does not sound easy to deal with

Dog is bound to feel unsettled with new baby in the house. Probably needs the reassurance of being closer to you till he gets used to things.
You could put the crate in your bedroom, or maybe just outside if there's no space and leave the door open.
If i was in your situation I'd do anything to stop the barking at night, would drive me mad and not fair on neighbours.

Vet check is the first point of call for a sudden change of behaviour. I'd also do some research in to canine cognitive dysfunction, a form of dog dementia.