Neighbour complaining about dog barking in morning

[Gizlotsmum]

Our neighbour has just mentioned he is being disturbed by our dog barking. He initially said through the night ( which he doesn’t, we had 1 2am bark when he needed the toilet this week and that was unusual) then admitted it was more like 5:30/6:00 which I accept as that is when we start the day. How do I stop him barking for toilet first thing? We are working on quiet by ignoring and rewarding when quiet, but not easy esp as he is barking for attention sometimes. We struggle to be up before him as it can be anytime between 5:15 and 6. Is it just a case of getting up at 5:15 ( or will that mean he will think that is his new wake up time?) as he will go happily till 6 some mornings.

Dog is crated downstairs and it can take us a few mins ( I’d say max 5 but will look to start timing it) to get him out ( he stops barking when we are downstairs). I appreciate this is annoying but need to find a way round it. Dog is nearly 1 yr old. Has 2 decent walks a day, chew toys etc. am starting to write down when he barks to see if there is a pattern. He doesn’t bark at the doorbell or people waking past. He barks for attention, especially if new people come in but settles after a short while.

Will ask our trainers advice after the holidays but just after opinions in the mean time

neighbour admitted he struggles to sleep and I want to make it better for us all.

@Branster yep toilet training down, walks nicely to heel most of the time, working on recall and stay!

Will try giving him more space ( must say his crate is massive and he can switch ends in that!) will work on the chewing/eating and keep on top of the training.

A few issues aside he is a lovely dog.

90% of problems are not enough exercise. Most owners think they're giving enough because they themselves get tired after a 15 minute stroll or "he's only small he doesn't need much". Other 10% is accidentally rewarding bad behaviour

Bet this would solve the excessive barking, early waking, boredom chewing etc

Exercise needs to include mental exercise and stimulation as well though - an over-exercised dog can be a pita too. Too many owners neglect this.

Could you put the crate on the landing outside your bedroom?
Almost certain the barking will stop if dog feels he’s closer to you ?
Maybe put dh in the crate and sleep with the dog!

You need to toilet your dog around midnight if you want lie-ins. It's not your neighbours fault your dog likes yapping at ungodly hours and anything before 7am is unreasonable. So either wake before your dog and let it out too pee or adjust bedtime. Yappy dogs are horrible. Especially when they wake you up at 5am on your day off.

Put the crate in your bedroom.

How do you go about re homing a husband? Asking for a friend.

You do both those things after you’ve let the dog out?

@Gizlotsmum

well nearly 11 months later someone has restarted this thread !

so...

how is doggie ? must be 2ish now ?

Can you take him out later at night so that he's not dancing till get out in the morning?

This thread was started almost a year ago. I’d like to think OP has solved the problem by now!

I can’t help in any case as my dog is a lazy swine who has to be nagged and reminded several times to get out of bed like a teenager and in the winter absolutely won’t go out for a wee unless he’s got his coat on because it’s far too chilly for him being the delicate little flower he is. If it happens to be raining, I can just forget it! He is a complete and utter princess when it comes to inclement weather conditions

Ok as some one has restarted this post and given me advice I had already been given and not bothered to read what I actually do in terms of exercise ( mental as well as physical) I will update!

Pup is still with us ( sorry to those who thought I should rehome) he is settled all evening downstairs and we now wake him up in the mornings! What changed? Exercise wise nothing, toilet timing wise nothing, he got a bit older and calmer and we brought him a comfy chair for downstairs! Sometimes it is just an age thing!

Your dog will back through the night?? so make sure he can't see foxes or cats on your lawn. privacy screen on your glass. blinds. curtains. etc. Dog owners who think this is OK give me the absolute rage. All my neighbours have dogs - I'm woken regularly by barking outside at various times. Last night at 11 pm is as we are all ill and had all gone to bed early. today at 7 am. I have quiet cats and an enclosed garden for them. Some dog owners are so bloody entitled. Your poor neighbours!