Good morning everyone,
I have a lovely two year old x poodle who until recently has behaved very well at night. However about two months ago, she started barking during the night. It is driving me mad. I took her to the vet who said that something must be waking her up. I have tried all different things - I bought her a covered in bed so that it would be dark when she wakes up - I put her toys and a chew bone in her bed to occupy her when she woke up - I put her in the hallway which is very quiet and dark. I am at my wits end, last night she woke me up at 1-00am, 1-30am, 3-00am, and 4-00am. It is hard when I have to go to work the next day! Also I dont want her to wake everybody else in the house as well as the neighbours.
Does anyone have any ideas?
I thought maybe more exercise would help but why has she been perfect for two years??
Thank you
Cathy

since dogs have good noses and ears, do you have any new dogs in the neighborhood or stray cats that he could be hearing or sniffing out. wandering animals often have a strong scent especially stray cats. don't know if they are in your area, but what about skunks or other "wild"animals that could be patrolling your neighborhood after hours?

just some suggestions.

Our dogs wake up and gizzy will whine when she hears the stray cats outside in the brush at night. during the day she doesn't care.

[Kingsbridge Cav]

I think I'd heed what the vet says. Sometimes a new animal moves into the neighborhood and may be parking (or meowing) during the night and you can't hear it but your trusted friend can. I would'nt think it's a female in heat as it has lasted for 2 months.
You may want to try some noise instead of the quiet treatment. Sometimes a ticking clock in the crate or just outside it will help. Others may require a soft radio to drown out the "wild". Stick to something soothing and not hard rock or rap!
Good luck and sleep tight.

Thanks to both of you.
We live in the suburbs and maybe there are cats making noise. Its just that I have not heard one bark or cry for two years.
Anyway, last night I just put her basket in the hallway and she didnt bark at all. Maybe she didnt like the kennel I bought her. I thought she would love it especially now winter is coming.
We also took her for a long run last night -maybe she was exhausted, who knows.
We will see what she does tonight.
Thanks again
Cathy

My dog does that everytime our neighbor arrives. They often go home late so when my dog hears them, she barks. Try exercising her too before bed time. She must be hearing something which causes her to bark