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hazelcb · 07-27-2016, 05:48 AM

My Yorkie, Butch, is 11 1/2 years old. We adopted him when he was 8. His previous "owners," if one can even use that word, had almost starved him to death. He was limp and unresponsive when they brought him to the vet. They claimed they'd "forgotten" to feed him. Butch was also covered in urine and feces. We think he was a puppy mill stud dog who'd had little interaction with people.

After a long stay at our vets' and after getting used to us and to people in general, Butch has become a sweet, loving, happy little man. (He weighs about 5 pounds.) However, some time ago, he started barking for no reason.

At night, he sleeps in his crate, which he loves. He often trots into his crate during the day. All of his toys are there, as well as comfy, soft bedding. However, at night, as soon as he goes into his crate, he starts barking. At first, he only did so for a couple of minutes, and then settled down. Now, he starts barking, and he just won't stop. (We put him to bed when we go to bed. We're in the bed, which is right next to his "little house.")

We've tried talking gently to him, sympathizing with him, ignoring him, or sternly saying "Butch! NO!" The last is the only thing that seems to stop him, at least for a while.

So, what are we doing wrong? What can we do to stop this bedtime behavior?

Thanks for your help!

Hazel

07-27-2016, 05:48 AM	#1
hazelcb Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2016 Location: Tallahassee, FL, USA Posts: 14	Unnecessary barking My Yorkie, Butch, is 11 1/2 years old. We adopted him when he was 8. His previous "owners," if one can even use that word, had almost starved him to death. He was limp and unresponsive when they brought him to the vet. They claimed they'd "forgotten" to feed him. Butch was also covered in urine and feces. We think he was a puppy mill stud dog who'd had little interaction with people. After a long stay at our vets' and after getting used to us and to people in general, Butch has become a sweet, loving, happy little man. (He weighs about 5 pounds.) However, some time ago, he started barking for no reason. At night, he sleeps in his crate, which he loves. He often trots into his crate during the day. All of his toys are there, as well as comfy, soft bedding. However, at night, as soon as he goes into his crate, he starts barking. At first, he only did so for a couple of minutes, and then settled down. Now, he starts barking, and he just won't stop. (We put him to bed when we go to bed. We're in the bed, which is right next to his "little house.") We've tried talking gently to him, sympathizing with him, ignoring him, or sternly saying "Butch! NO!" The last is the only thing that seems to stop him, at least for a while. So, what are we doing wrong? What can we do to stop this bedtime behavior? Thanks for your help! Hazel