Dog - sleeping issues.

[Georgeandzippyzoo]

We have a 3yr old large lab x . He has been poorly was given steroids and other meds, effects of which caused him to need going out during the night sometimes several times. This meant it was easier for someone to sleep downstairs with him otherwise there'd be accidents each night. (He also wasn't well so we felt better being nearer and keeping an eye on him)

He has a large pen (Downstairs) that he is happy to go into , sometimes uses it during the day. He initially settles but in the early hours ie 3/4 o'clock he is crying. We've gotten up and let him out, hasn't gone to the loo but wants to lie in the front room. Get him back in his bed and he cries. I think he wants the company.

If he is left it develops into loud barking and it WILL be disturbing the neighbours (small terrace). I'm aware if we come down and let him out he's getting 'his own way' and it will probably continue.

Any advice on how to settle him? Do we work through it and hope the neighbours dont complain? I'm currently lying by his pen. He seems to be sound now , shall I continue with this nightly, hoping it will improve??

Would he sleep if you put his bed in your room?

Why won't you let him sleep on the floor in the front room?

Thanks for your responses. We are open to trying anything/changing what we do now.

Our bedroom doesn't have a lot of floor space but could possibly be changed to make room for his pen. He does lie on the bed during the day but feel he might be disruptive if allowed free reign on a night.

The front room generally wouldn't be an issue however at xmas etc maybe too much to tempt him.

If we remove his pen we're concerned that will cause difficulties when staying in properties on holiday . We've always taken his pen for him to sleep in . (Some 'dog friendly ' cottages are more accepting/welcoming to dogs than others).

I would get rid of the pen and let him sleep in your room.

There's no way I'd have my sleep disrupted every single night just because he might need to use a pen one week a year on holiday.

Normally he happily sleeps all night in his pen. This is just happening since he has been ill and one of us was staying with him. But you're right it cant be happening every night. X

I think stay with him and keep him happy as he has been ill, if he feels confident and relaxed that you are there when he obviously isn't feeling 100% then he will go back to being good at night when he feels better.

He really doesn't see it as getting his own way, something is waking him up and unsettling him. Get him through this and see it as helping him and you for the long term.