Dogs sleep routine

[Marlene]

Hi, I have an 8 month Husky x Shepherd.

He has been sleeping in his crate at night time without any issues.

During the day he sleeps freely outside and is able to come inside as well.

My issue is I used to crate him around 9.30pm, my husband would say to let him lay on the floor with us while we watch TV or let him stay out ( he loves being out) so his crate time is being pushed out little by little.

I believe that we should be consistent every night, whilst other family members believe as he is a dog, it doesn't matter if he gets crated 11-11.30pm.

But I have noticed he is becoming unsettled some nights and it is becoming an issue do you want to stay outside or inside. 

He is banging on the crate door, so I let him out. 

I'm becoming frustrated because I feel that the inconsistency is rattling the dog, but other family members think I'm over the top.

My question is , do dogs need consistency or am I being over the top.

 

 

[Adrienne]

Dogs like routines, so I feel that if you pick a time you should stick to it. You can certainly postpone crate time if 11-11:30 will be the regular bedtime,  (and I'm sure he'll appreciate that),  but if you decide to make it earlier, your dog may struggle with that once he got a taste of how nice it is to just enjoy "family time" while you watch TV. 

Being crated later also offers the advantage of taking him out to potty one last time before being crated which is a plus so your dog won't have to hold it for too long. On top of this, if you all go to bed at that time (11-11:30) and lights are out, he may settle better versus if you are all awake watching TV and he may want to be a part of that. 

[Marlene]

Thankyou, I think that as the heat is starting to rise here in Melbourne he was probably getting hot inside the crate. 

Today he was lathargic and didn't want to eat. 

We set up a dog pool for him and I must say he loved it. 

He was back to his playful self.

 

[Adrienne]

Hi Marlene,

A fan can be also helpful for dogs who get hot. I used to board/train a GSD who was often hot and we had to use a fan on him to get him to relax and sleep. I also had a Pry who wanted to sleep in the bathroom on the tiles "hugging" the toilet seat. Anything to make our dogs comfy. 

I am glad he is feeling better and enjoying the pool! We have some fun brain games using the pool, have you checked them out? You can find them here:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/brain-training/elementary/the-ball-pit-game/

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/brain-training/high-school/bobbing-for-treats/

[Marlene]

Oh yes I have seen these games, that is where I got the idea from.

 

[Adrienne]

That's awesome! Your dog is very lucky to have such a dedicated owner like you !🙂