There are many positive ways to help a dog learn when it is ok to bark and when not. Barking is their only way of communication.
I would think that if this dog is used to sleeping in a crate, something has happened. (unless it really is asking to go outside). Do you give attention everytime it barks? Even if you ask it to be quiet, you are giving attention.
I would start putting him in that crate for short periods a bit earlier than bedtime and when there is NO barking, give lots of praise.
I do it with mine when they get out of control and start barking when I am on the phone. I simply get up, go in another room and close the door. Funny, after doing that just one time now, they KNOW and that nonsense does not start for perhaps weeks when they decide to *test* me again. |