my pup at the 6 month stage

[EmmaLouise87]

Hello all. So my Jack Russell cross, Vardy is nearly 6 months. His toliet habits are quite good, he is eating better and enjoys his walks but there seems to be an issue at the moment. His sleeping routine, until this change, he was sleeping in his crate from around 10:30pmish and would wake around 4amish. I would take him out for a wee and then he would sleep again till I woke. That suited me but lately, he is falling asleep on the sofa around 10:15pmish so I put him in his crate (which is in my bedroom) he seems sleepy. So I get in bed too and turn the light off. He would sleep for around an hour and then he would start to cry and growl. Family and friends say just ignore him and I do try but I am such a light sleeper so its hard. Sometimes it works but other times it doesnt.

Last night was terrible, he was so unsettled. So I tried everything to help settle him. Put him on my bed, which he lies on but doesnt get comfortable. Put more bedding in his crate, nope. Then I thought maybe he doesnt want to be in his crate anymore (for sure this isnt long term) so made a bed for him on the floor near me. nope!

So went downstairs with him as he likes to sleep on the sofa, he did but I need to sleep too. its a small sofa so I even slept on the floor but after a few minutes I thought this is stupid and not good so I tried to get comfortable on the sofa with him. Did kind of work but not ideal long term. So at around 5am, I took him out for his wee and then back upstairs and put in crate. He slept till around 8am. At this point I am completely knackered and feeling low.

Anyway, noticed he is nearly 6 months. Is this normal puppy behaviour? will it get better over time? I did notice his teeth was bleeding earlier in the evening (think his adult teeth are still coming through) I am getting worried because I really need to get into full time work soon. I live with my mum in a small house with her dog. I really need to get my own place for me and Vardy but need a job first! Feeling frustrated and guilty as I dont want to give up on him and hope im just being silly.

 

[JoanneF]

Actually, the teething might be the problem - he might be uncomfortable. You could try tearing an old tea towel into strips, plait it, knot the ends, get it wet then freeze it. The chewing on something cold will ease the discomfort.

Please ignore the advice to ignore him and let him cry. He is crying for a reason and meeting his emotional needs is just as important as meeting his physical needs. The puppies that are ignored don't stop crying because they suddenly realise everything is ok, they stop because they have given up. It is an extreme comparison but in trauma victims it is the silent ones who are most damaged. This article explains the science behind it.

Self Soothing & Cry It Out Are Neurologically Damaging Here Is Why - Simply Behaviour Dog Training Courses

 

[JudyN]

When he cries and growls after only sleeping a short time, have you tried taking him out for a wee? Even if he doesn't really want to go, it might just 'reset' him and maybe help him forget about his gums if they are sore. I'd take him out on lead and just stand there waiting, so it's all quite boring.

Rest assured, this will just be a phase (though then there will be another, and another ). And though sleep deprivation is horrible, you can get through it - remember there's lots of new parents being kept up for half the night who also have full-time jobs, or another child who is awake all day.