How old is your dog? I think it is pretty normal to expect a puppy to be up early and want to eat. The first year with a small puppy can be expected to be a very busy time with a lot of constant oversight and work.
I did not crate train my little girl. She has slept with me from the first night. I kept a pee pad in the bedroom and would put her on it if she got up during the night. Once she was old enough to learn to do steps I got pet steps for her so she could take herself to the potty and then come back up on the bed when she was done. She is a good sleeper and usually slept through the night even as a puppy. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that she had someone to cuddle with and was content to sleep. She also likes to be warm so she prefers to stay with me.
When she is up she is wanting to play. I take her for walks and play fetch with her. A tired puppy is a happy puppy. Help the little guy to run off his excess energy. I know that exercise at 4am does not sound like fun but if you really wear him out during the day and in the evening he is going to sleep better and longer at night. |