Last night was our new pup's second night with us. Natalie is 14 weeks old, we have her in the kitchen in an ex-pen with her crate, pee pads, water & food. The fist night she whined/ cried periodically, but had stretches that she was quiet. In an effort to ward this off, we played with her for 20 or so minutes before putting her to bed for the night last night (in an attempt to tire her out). No such luck.
I'm not exaggerating when I say she barked for 7 straight hours. How can an animal that weighs less than 4 pounds have the stamina to do that?
She would occasionally stop for 10 or so minutes to catch her breath, but it just went on and on at top volume. Finally at 6 a.m. I got up with her and of course she was just fine.
I know getting up and going to her will reinforce the behavior so no one went out to the kitchen at all last night. We all work or go to school so I'm not sure how many more nights of only sleeping in briefs fits and starts we can all take. She's too little and not potty trained, so sleeping with us won't work. If anyone has suggestions, this sleep-deprived family would be very grateful!