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Bodhi'sMom · 05-03-2005, 10:32 AM

Just read this thread. I am sooo sorry for all those who aren't sleeping their needed hours. I have a few ideas from having my 6 mo old Bodhi and from working in a family practice. (As a receptionist, not a practitioner. Please no PMing me for med advice, ha ha!

)

We live in a studio. I have always had a dog share the bed since I was a kid. Since Bodhi's arrival at 12 weeks he was welcome to sleep with us. See my earlier post: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...6824#post26824

At 5 months we put the lid on the crate with a pillow on top and one on the floor next to it. Bodhi quickly learned that he didn't have to do his low rumbly bark to wake us up to let him go to his wee pad. He could go down the new "stairs".

Afterwards, he would usually just fall back asleep on the bottom pillow. It's also funny to note that he slept between my hubby and me in the beginning. Later, my tossing chased him to the foot of the bed. Now, it's mostly on the floor. He still has the "stair" access to grant us visits.

We used to have the problem of "Oh goody! Everyone's on the bed! Must be time to play and lick Dad's face continuously!" at bedtime. Turning off the lights and leaving a nightlight on usually gives him the signal to lie down. Poor hubby still has to put on a bandana and pillow over his face, but not as often now. We joke about his "Anti-Bodhi" gear.

The wee pad situation has worked super for us. If we don't notice Bodhi using the pad, he makes sure to get our attention. He gets all perky and taps us with his nose.
We make a huge deal of it every time. Stop what we're doing and have a "party" in the bathroom. Both of us praising him and rewarding him by playing with him and giving him the tiniest treat that we can get away with. We also blot him with a warm, wet tissue after a #1 saying "Let's wipe the belly!" and do any necessary cleaning.

Since housebreaking is an issue with the Yorkie breed, I would suggest the "Potty Party" every chance you are home. At the correct location (indoors or out). If neighbors notice, you're just setting a good example, huh?

I would suggest asking your doctor for a temporary non-addictive sleeping aid at a low dose.
Note: Please get your own prescription. A drug for your mom, however well intended, could have an adverse reaction on you. This would only compound your situation, wouldn’t it?

I'm sure you all know that a lack of required sleep has a negative impact on the brain. One symptom is irritability, which affects the ones you love. Not good in a new puppy household.

Please take care of yourselves and try to do what Reese did in getting away for the weekend. Find a Doggie Daycare that you trust and get a massage!

Gosh, I hope I don't read this tomorrow and see grammar mistakes.
You know how it is when you keep editing, lol!

05-03-2005, 10:32 AM	#36
Bodhi'sMom Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lynnwood Posts: 154	Just read this thread. I am sooo sorry for all those who aren't sleeping their needed hours. I have a few ideas from having my 6 mo old Bodhi and from working in a family practice. (As a receptionist, not a practitioner. Please no PMing me for med advice, ha ha! ) We live in a studio. I have always had a dog share the bed since I was a kid. Since Bodhi's arrival at 12 weeks he was welcome to sleep with us. See my earlier post: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...6824#post26824 At 5 months we put the lid on the crate with a pillow on top and one on the floor next to it. Bodhi quickly learned that he didn't have to do his low rumbly bark to wake us up to let him go to his wee pad. He could go down the new "stairs". Afterwards, he would usually just fall back asleep on the bottom pillow. It's also funny to note that he slept between my hubby and me in the beginning. Later, my tossing chased him to the foot of the bed. Now, it's mostly on the floor. He still has the "stair" access to grant us visits. We used to have the problem of "Oh goody! Everyone's on the bed! Must be time to play and lick Dad's face continuously!" at bedtime. Turning off the lights and leaving a nightlight on usually gives him the signal to lie down. Poor hubby still has to put on a bandana and pillow over his face, but not as often now. We joke about his "Anti-Bodhi" gear. The wee pad situation has worked super for us. If we don't notice Bodhi using the pad, he makes sure to get our attention. He gets all perky and taps us with his nose. We make a huge deal of it every time. Stop what we're doing and have a "party" in the bathroom. Both of us praising him and rewarding him by playing with him and giving him the tiniest treat that we can get away with. We also blot him with a warm, wet tissue after a #1 saying "Let's wipe the belly!" and do any necessary cleaning. Since housebreaking is an issue with the Yorkie breed, I would suggest the "Potty Party" every chance you are home. At the correct location (indoors or out). If neighbors notice, you're just setting a good example, huh? I would suggest asking your doctor for a temporary non-addictive sleeping aid at a low dose. Note: Please get your own prescription. A drug for your mom, however well intended, could have an adverse reaction on you. This would only compound your situation, wouldn’t it? I'm sure you all know that a lack of required sleep has a negative impact on the brain. One symptom is irritability, which affects the ones you love. Not good in a new puppy household. Please take care of yourselves and try to do what Reese did in getting away for the weekend. Find a Doggie Daycare that you trust and get a massage! Gosh, I hope I don't read this tomorrow and see grammar mistakes. You know how it is when you keep editing, lol!