Alfie getting insecure at night
 

Our Alfie is seven months now, and up until now we have been leaving him in his crate in the kitchen at night to sleep. Absolutely no problems, with him barking for the toilet on occasion at around 5/6am.

However, in the last four or five nights things have gotten worse. When we go to bed now he's fine for five minutes before you hear him barking and crying loudly. Only thing that will stop him is someone going down to sleep on the couch with him. Obviously we're reluctant to do that, but his barking woke up the neighbours last night so feel we have no choice.

It's beginning to put a strain on my fiancée who is starting to resent him as he just won't calm down. Has anyone any advice? We're trying to avoid bringing him up to our room at night.

Scott

Is there not a reason to bring his crate into your bedroom? He sounds lonely.

We have Dexter in his crate in our bedroom. He would whine a little bit if he is still hyper, but would go to bed in less than a minute.
Also maybe try putting something of yours in his crate for comforting.

Hi Scott! :)

It's become freezing cold lately over here hasn't it....do you think little Alfie might be feeling it?

Rather than disturbing your neighbours....how about trying him in your room in his crate - maybe partially covered with a blanket? I realise you've said you're trying to avoid him being in your room....but as soon as we did this with our Harry, he slept 10+ hours straight through, and has done ever since....amaaaaazing! :D Sally + Harry :aimeeyork x

Here are just some random thoughts to consider and discard if they don't fit.

My dog sleeps with me, right on the pillow beside my head. When I first got him, I did put him in a small airline carrier at night and put that in the bed with me until I taught him to go down the doggie steps from the bed and was sure he wouldn't piddle in the bed. Dogs are pack animals and really do prefer sleeping piled on or near other pack mates - that is natural to them. They stay centered by that closeness, comfort and reinforcement that in the long, dark, terrible wild night, pack mates are near to keep them safe. As dogs grow older and their own personalities and insecurities and the workings of the world complicate things, some begin to feel a little insecure being ostracized from their pack during the long night. As puppies, some will accept most anything as long as they are fed, warm and played with a lot until they are tired. But as they grow and learn more, they want different things sometimes, especially if a little insecure. Dogs are social animals and a Yorkie or other small, personal type dogs, especially terriers, are extremely needy of companionship and high-maintenance, especially when they don't know why they are left out of the picture when the little pack they've grown to love beds down for the long, dark night without them. If left alone at night long enough, he could come to accept this as his lot in life - and many do - or he could become a behavior problem.

I bought mine a "womb bear" from the baby section at Walmart that has a heartbeat sound.....it turns off after 45 min.........Worked perfect!

You have to know the Yorkie. This breed is a very lovable breed and they do not like to be left alone. Both my Yorkies sleep on the bed. They feel very secure and expect to be with us. They will bark all night if I leave them downstairs. One of my Yorkies likes to be right next to me, ole Spud he just sits by me. Please if there is any way you can bring your little friend with you to bed, do that. Give him a special pillow to sleep on and h will be so happy. The saying This house belongs to the dog, I just live here is so true!

That was so sweetly said. :)