Crying to get out at night

[shootingstar1]

We welcomed our new greyhound into our home at the end of October last year. He is only 2 but settled really well and would sleep at night without issue.

He is slightly different from other greyhound’s we have had in that he is full of energy and would go out a walk every minute of the day (assuming because he is so young).

Last Friday he woke during the night (about 2am) and was crying to get out. My husband took him out, let him pee, and then took him for a walk for about 30mins.

Since then, he has woken most nights and is crying to get out. However, he’s taking his time to do the toilet so not bursting to do a pee/poo. Nothing has changed with his routine and he gets lots of exercise throughout the day (4-5 walks , at least an hour at lunch). Last walk at night is about 10pm. We get up at 6am.

I think this might be a learned behaviour as he loves being out walking and my husband took him out that first night for a good wander around the neighbourhood.

I cant think of anything else ? Any thoughts ?

I think you’re right. Dogs are very intelligent and he’s enjoyed his nocturnal walk so much, he wants a repeat. The only thing you can do is ignore him and hope he gives up.

Is it Hedgehogs? When our DDog started being like this it was a Hedgehog moving around at night. We stopped taking her into the garden completely as soon as the sun started to set and she did settle again.

My friends dog did this and they sorted it by only taking him into the garden on a lead which is much less exciting.

I also wonder if you’re doing too much with him, all dogs need to settle and sleep, I would only walk twice a day.