Barking at Night

Let's talk about barking at night. First, see your vet, because pain, cognitive dysfunction, and urinary tract infections can all drive nighttime barking. A senior dog barking at the wall is not being stubborn.

He is confused. Once the vet clears the dog, decide what the dog actually needs — a potty break or attention. Step one: if the dog needs to go out, take him out on leash, no play, no talking, straight back in the crate.

Step two: if the dog wants company, ignore. Any response, even yelling, is company. Step three: pre-load the evening with a long walk, a feed, and a long-lasting chew.

A tired dog with a full belly sleeps. Patricia McConnell reminds us that extinction bursts get worse before they get better. Three nights worse, then quiet.

Now, the deeper fix: an exercised dog with a full belly and a chew does not bark at two a.m. The schedule is the cure. Now here's Steve's notes.