WHEW! It’s been a long, stressful week and you are looking forward to sleeping in. Unfortunately, your dog has other ideas. If your pup wakes up too early, it usually means they are uncomfortable about something. Here are some things to consider:
- Sleeping environment. Are you falling asleep with lights on? Is the TV on? Do you snore like the proverbial “freight train?” Our pups sleep much later when we close the door to our bathroom. Our bathroom faces east and so the morning light is bright. We also invested in room darkening curtains that made a world of difference.
- Maybe your pup needs to potty. Try taking your dog out for one last potty break right before you go to bed.
- Could your pup have a medical condition? Take your pup to the vet to rule out a UTI or other health conditions, or an injury.
- Excess energy could be why your pup wakes up early. Make sure your pup is getting the required amount of exercise. In addition, a pre-bedtime walk can help tire your pup out.
- Feed your dog later. A growling tummy can wake your pup up. If you do not want to provide a later meal, try a bedtime snack.
- Perhaps your dog is bored. Give your pooch some toys to play with throughout the night, especially interactive puzzle toys, to prevent wake-up calls due to boredom.
- Keep a schedule. A regular, predictable sleep pattern makes it easier for your dog to adapt. Do your best to go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning.
- Reduce stimulation. Another reason your dog might be waking you is that they're still awake, energetic, or just overstimulated. This can be remedied in a number of ways:
- Don't play with your dog for a couple of hours before bed.
- Don't leave toys around your dog's sleeping area.
- Turn off your TV or any music before bedtime.
