Purley

Tyson, one of my Shih-tzus is five years old. Since I got Lucy and he pooped in one of the downstairs rooms. I have shut all three dogs in the bedroom with me. My husband is in the hospital still recovering from his surgery - he is fine - he just can't eat at the moment!

Every morning around 6.45 Tyson starts jumping up at the bed and whining/growling -- a sound he makes. I don't think he has to go out. He is a pig. I think he wants to eat. It goes on and on. He wakes the other two dogs up and then they all start whining.

A friend of mine said to squirt him with a spray bottle. I haven't tried that yet in case he DOES have to go out. But Lucy is only five months and she doesn't start making a noise until Tyson does.

I took them out for a pee, but I am not going to feed them until 8. There really is no necessity for getting up at 6.45 on a Sunday morning because Tyson decides he wants his breakfast.

Should I try squirting him? I am pretty sure he won't poop or pee when he is in the bedroom with me. If he wants his breakfast and I make him wait - do you think he will stop pestering me at 6.45???

Appreciate any suggestions. Its now 7.18 and the only reason I am up and on the computer is because of Tyson.

yigcenuren

Sorry, no suggestions, but I do sympathize. I'm up at this ungodly hour because I just got off work and am trying to wind down to get some sleep.
Have you thought about crating him?

Poodles times 2

I had to smile when I read your thread. I have 3 dogs, 2 are older: cairn mix and mini poo. My 2 month old toy just got me up this morning at 4am. She whimpered and whined enough to make my older dog Nigel, who was with me, restless enough to wake me up. I just got Molly a few days ago, and this morning was the first time she woke me up in the morning, or middle of the night depending on your point of view. SHE WAS VERY HUNGRY! I fed her and Lucy (cairn mix) and took every one outside as dawn was just on the other side of the horizon, and they all did their stuff, even the baby. I knew it was a matter of time before this happened, and liken it to a mild case of having a human baby. I tell myself it won't last forever, and I will miss her puppyhood when she grows up, and will be able to sleep in til 7 or 8 am.

However, for your circumstances, I would put Tyson in a crate. This way he learns you are Alpha, and he isn't allowed to boss you around with "feed me now!" as your wake up greeting.

fjm

I taught mine the Settle Down command - I refuse to wake up when they try and make me, but will if they settle for a while when asked. It helped that Sophy likes her sleep, and told Poppy off in no uncertain terms if she got woken up too early! I have also used breakfast in bed to get another hour or two's sleep when they were very young and woke up desperate to go out and very hungry - quick trip out for P&Ps, then a few bits of kibble each on the end of the bed. It can be a tricky one - when Poppy had an upset stomach, and really couldn't hold it, I needed her to wake me as soon as she needed to go, so I don't want to discourage it completely.