Dog whining and barking at 4:00AM!

[dyanlee]

I just found this pet training forum. Wonderful! I have a 12 year old Maltese who, over the past few months, has starting whining and barking in the very early AM (about 4am.) Since the age of 11 weeks he's slept in his cage which he loves He'll voluntarily go into it, and we close the door to keep him from walking around the house at night. We've hardwood floors and his nails click, click, click.

Anyway, all was well for his first 12 years ... and now he's started with this whining. Any thoughts on what happened? Any suggestions on how to stop this behavior?

Thanks in advance for your ideas.

Dyan

[Justontime]

Two thoughts, does he need the bathroom? Sometimes older dogs do find it harder to last through the night. The other possibility is that something is happening outside that is bothering him. Have you noticed any changes to his health recently?

[PetParent]

That would be my first thought too. As a dog ages, they may need to potty more frequently and overnight may be difficult. Has there been a change in his routine or in his diet recently?

[Justontime]

Depending on where your dog sleeps, it could be due to other animals outside. Possibly other dogs barking, cats making a row or even a regular visitor to your garden each night (we get a fox visiting the garden at around the same time most nights).

[dyanlee]

Thanks everyone. Good things to think about.