Up With The Dog…
Some dogs don’t appreciate a good lie-in—or know the difference between workdays and weekends. Young puppies and senior dogs can’t be expected to hold it all night and are legitimately excused, but adult dogs should let you sleep. If your dog has taken it upon himself to be your personal alarm clock, here are some tips:
Visit the vet. The first step is always to rule out a urinary tract infection or other medical conditions that might be causing bladder discomfort.
Increase activity. It can’t be said often enough: a tired dog is a well-behaved dog. This includes early morning manners. More time spent hiking the trails, chasing a ball, and playing with friends at the park or doggie daycare will help everyone enjoy a full night’s sleep.
Delay evening toilette. Make your dog’s last toilet trip as late as you can. Get in the habit of taking your dog out just before bedtime so you can be reasonably sure he isn’t desperate to go in the morning. (Rewarding the evening elimination with a tasty treat can help encourage a quick outing.)
Reschedule breakfast. If your dog knows that one of the first things you attend to in the morning is his breakfast, you have provided powerful motivation for him to get you out of bed. Don’t set this trap for yourself and if you already have, change it.
Push the snooze button. When the pawing or whining begins, turn onto the other side (provided, as per the previous tip, you’re fairly certain it isn’t a bathroom emergency). Whatever you do, don’t reinforce your dog’s behavior by acknowledging it with eye contact, soothing noises, a groan of exasperation, a scratch on the head, or—worst of all—by getting up.