My dog won't stop barking

[bakewellbride]

Having a terrible night with my ex racer greyhound. We've only had him for 2 weeks. So far he's been fine at night but tonight's a different story and he just will not settle. Does anyone have any words of wisdom? I'm absolutely exhausted and have 2 young children who need me too. Very stressed out right now.

What have you done so far to stop/calm his barking?

I go to see him and talk calmly, stroke him get him to lie in his bed. Then I go upstairs and he just starts again. I can't spend the night on the sofa as I need to be upstairs with toddler dd who sleeps in my bed when she's feeling anxious. He's barking right now, I'm really struggling

Is there any chance he needs to toilet?

We've been out in the garden so many times but I'll try that again now

Bring him upstairs

Did he go when you were out? When was the last time?

He probably doesn't want to be alone. Bring him up to where you are.

Could it be he has now worked out you are his person or people and doesn’t want you to go away, ie he has separation anxiety?

If so he might be much happier upstairs with you while you put the kids to bed.

Yes, I'd give him another chance to go outside if it's been a while, but failing that, I'd bring his bed up to your room.

When it comes to dogs or small children I've always been a proponent of doing what it takes to get the maximum amount of stress-free sleep for as many as possible.

He didn't poo or wee the last time we were out but did so in the last hour. Went to see him just now and he had no interest in going outside so safe to say it's not that. I stroked him as he laid down then crept off and he seemed peaceful but now he's just started again. I'm at a total loss.

Bring his bed up to your room

@emmyren4 I appreciate the idea but it's not an option because of the children sadly

Let him sleep on your bedroom floor we did this with kids in the room he might have separation anxiety.

My dog never settled downstairs without us. As I type this she is snoring on the bed with me! Your dog might settle in your bedroom?

Can you put his bed on the floor of your room and keep your toddler in bed with you?

Our rescue dog did this after he'd been with us for a few weeks; think he'd become attached and then got separation anxiety. One of us slept downstairs with him for weeks hoping he would settle and then we gave in and brought his bed upstairs. He sleeps in his bed on a nook on the landing now and sometimes takes himself downstairs to sleep on the sofa during the night!
I'd say let him come upstairs and then everyone will sleep happily

Poor thing has separation anxiety. Mind refused crate training and we've had him on our bed ever since, even when we had our DCs, just laid on our bed whilst next to me cot had side down. We were never concerned with either child.

I agree with the pps - he's just had a big transition and is having separation anxiety. I'd just do what it takes to get you all some sleep. You can revisit things tomorrow, but you might have a dog that wants to sleep near the family. Plus, if he's able to settle in your room, you'll know it's not a physical issue, pain or something he ate.

Bring him upstairs he has separation anxiety and wants to be with you.

Would crate training in your room be an option? When mine were puppies, I'd put my hand through the crate so they knew I was there when they wouldn't settle. It was enough for them. Now when they're barking at thin air and working eachother up, I send them to the crate and they calm down and stay quiet. One still chooses to sleep in the crate overnight but has the run of the house. It's his safe place.

Why because you have children is there not room for him I don't get it, just let him come upstairs he will just lay down somewhere if you put and old blanket on the floor, he just wants to be where everyone else is,
It is cruel to leave him alone downstairs if he is having anxiety.
He may have heard a firework or something.
Let him upstairs he will find somewhere to sleep

@Copperoliverbear I'm sorry I'm sure you mean well but I can't have a very large dog have access to my children at night, it is a safety risk. I don't appreciate you saying I'm being cruel, at what point did I say I'm leaving him down there? A quick re read of the thread will show that I'm with him stroking him and reassuring him. Please don't comment again as I'm upset enough as it is and you're making it worse, sorry x

Try giving him some dry food and an item of clothing that you've worn so it has your scent. Separation anxiety is a bugger and unfortunately I doubt he'll settle alone in the next few nights but longer term there are things to try. I'd get a DAP plug in asap because it can really help.

If you have a stair gate or something else to block access to the bedroom, can the dog sleep on the landing/hallway, if they can still sense your nearby that will likely reassure them.

@bakewellbride you need to have him with you. He is frightened and lonely. There is no reason that you can't have him with you upstairs. Young children are not a reason he can't be upstairs. If your worried about out him being near the children at night then why did you rehome him?
Dogs are social creatures and not meant to be alone.
You have come on here asking for advise but them completely ignoring it 🤷🏻‍♀️