Help Yorkie Gods!
 

Well Bentley is going through something that we can't quite figure out and if anyone else has had this problem please help.
He has slept in his crate in our room since day 1 with really no major issues. The night before last he woke up barking around 3 a.m. and didn't stop, we took him out and tried to get him to calm down but no luck. We brought his crate down to the family room, put on the radio and light and went back up to bed, with a fan running and earplugs we were able to sleep a little. He continued to bark. The next night same thing, and last night too. He didn't sleep a wink I don't think:wink:
Does anyone have any idea why he would be acting this way?

New fears (they go through phases) and/or testing his boundaries with you at sleep time. I think Blazer tried it, too and I wouldn't take him out of his crate, I knew that he didn't need to potty so I just told him "No!" very firmly and tapped his crate.

Make sure to wear him out during the day with walks, playtime and training. Give a snack at bedtime to prevent him from waking up hungry. Hope you find something that helps. My Tink always barks at the garbage truck, recycling truck, and yard waste pick-up truck. So 3 nights a week she is up barking anywhere from 2-5 AM. Except last night, but I heard the truck... don't know why she didn't... although she did have a late dinner, lol.

Also to be aware of:


The Critical Fear Periods in Puppies


By: Nancy Frensley, CPDT, CAP1
Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society Training Manager

The Critical Fear Periods in Puppies:
Seven to Nine Weeks
Four to Six Months
Approximately Eight to Nine Months
Approximately Twelve Months
Approximately Fourteen to Eighteen Months
During these periods, puppies may show fear of items, situations or people with whom they formerly felt safe. They may start barking at people entering a house or become fearful and startle at benign items like trash cans, drainpipes or even yard gnomes. They may crouch, shake and try to run away, submissively urinate or tell the scary thing/person to go away by showing an aggressive display (which could include piloerection, snarling, lunging or other unruly behavior.
You must be patient during these periods and keep to the familiar. These are not good times to introduce your puppy to new situations or people. Be very careful to avoid doling out punishment or reprimands. It’s vitally important that you understand that your dog is afraid and that you add to the fear when you reprimand or punish. This, in turn, can set the dog up for future aggression problems.
During these periods, introduce your puppy slowly to the situation, with good tasting treats, so that he or she does not experience fear. Control situations so that you can prevent a fearful response and show your puppy that you enjoy the situation. Use food treats and happy talk to lure your puppy up to scary objects. Teach the targeting exercise (touch your hand with his nose) and work on getting your puppy to "touch the goblin".
When people visit your home during these periods, put your puppy in another room until visitors are settled in, then bring your puppy out on leash and praise for any show of confidence. Even have visitors toss good treats toward your puppy without approaching him or her

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Mine used to bark at night a on a few nights, but not for long. I would go to her sleeping area, pet her to reassure her, then put her into her bed and go back to sleep myself. Be consistent with what you do, he'll learn what he needs to do. Add extra play time about an hour before it's bedtime to make him sleepy. End it with quiet time- snuggles and petting, then put him to bed. Fetch is always a good way to tired them out.

Trust me he gets plenty of exercise, and yesterday for sure I thought he would be tired because he goes to doggie daycare on Tues and Thur. We play fetch for hours in the evening:confused:

How old is your yorkie? Clover is 11 months and same thing, last three nights barking?

Bentley is 6 and half months. Like i said he has been great since we have had him. We have had him 2 almost 3 months now.

My two had a rough spell at about that age (they all sleep in crates) my DH moved them to the other side of the house when Abby was fussing, I was against it but really best thing he could have done! I always figured it went with cutting the canine teeth- same as the kids...

Moving him far away from you is not the answer he is a baby and being all alone can be very scary. I would keep him in your room but when he barks or crys take him potty and then put him back. You will have to ignore it because if you take him out for anything other then potty he will know crying and barking will get him what he wants.

I know I shouldn't laugh but Princess Sophie did that the other night as well. She was in bed with the DH and I and around 3 am she stood up and started barking and barking and barking. Hansel was even confused. LOL I was able to comfort her and we all went back to sleep but it was really strange. I chalked it up to a nightmare or something like that.

One of our yorkies did this the other night. We just told her "no bark" she'd stop for awhile. Then another bark. We just thought maybe there was a rabbit outside. She continued to bark off and on during the night. Nothing to disturbing, just unusual. l got up in the morning and she was walking around the bedroom. My husband had forgot to put her in her kennel. She was trying to tell us she wanted her bed. We need to listen better when she's talking.

I am happy to report that Bentley has been cured of this problem. After reading all the suggestions I gave a firm tap on the top of the crate with a No, or shhh. it took a few times but he got it and hasn't barked like that in a few days.