Re: bed time

In Reply to: bed time
Category:   General Training
Posted by:  Jennifer
Posted on:  May 28, 2002 at 22:58:09

: My 6 month old Jack Russel is doing wonderfully. You gave me adive re. stopping his jumping on laps with out permission and we are doing really well. My question is about bed time. He leads a very busy day and during the day will sleep on the carpet but at night time he seems to be the energizer bunny. I put him in his crate around 10:30 whether he seems tired or not. He always konks out once he is in there. His behaviour also seems to get a little wild around 10:30, when he comes in from his last outing. It reminds me of a little kid who gets naughty when she is too tired. Am I right to assume he is being silly because he is tired and put him to bed? What time do your dogs call it quits for the night? I don't want to be a bad mom and put him to bed because he is not behaving his best.

Response:

Hi Jennifer,

We had the same issue with our pups though their bedtime was based on ours which means it varied every night. :-)

Our pups "last outing" was for potty purposes; unleashed, they ran around the yard like maniacs and carried their "enthusiasm" into the house. Taking them outside on lead helped curb their enthusiasm but they still weren't ready to settle down and go to bed.

So we established a pre-bedtime ritual; they get to be "el wildo doggos" within the confines of our bedroom/bathroom for as long as it takes for us humans to get ready for bed. Just before lights out, we tell them to "sit" -- quiet praise and a treat is not only a reward but also the signal for bedtime.

Whether your terrier's reaction is because he's over-stimulated and/or because he's "testing" you, your response should be consistent and appropriate for both you and your terrier.

Best wishes,
Leslie