How to get a dog to Sleep

Your household's ready for bed, except for one four-legged member. About this time each night, Fido decides he's ready play and will do whatever it takes to make sure the rest of the family stays awake with him. Employ these calming techniques to get your dog to sleep when it's time to relax and unwind from a day of fun.

Instructions

1. Crate train your dog. You either love this idea or hate it. But dog owners who crate their dogs will swear by the success of the technique. The reason it works is simple--you provide your dog with a safe and quiet retreat that belongs to no one but him and he knows exactly what it's for. Dogs need a purpose and when you signal for your dog to go to his crate, he knows without a doubt that it's time to relax.

2. Provide your dog with a quiet place to rest, away from company, children, television noise or other animals that rile her up. Of course, if your dog is a people-lover, she may feel more relaxed being at your bedside than sequestered from the family. Use your best judgment.

3. Massage your dog with techniques that calm him. Find a place like the one described in Step 2. Gently rub the fur around his neck rhythmically and speak to him in a calm voice. Move the skin around his muscles as you feel him relax and lower his head. Rub towards the head, and then reverse down his back in a calm, consistent motion. Focus on the spine and ears. Continue the massage for at least 20 minutes.

4. Take the old fashioned route and run her until she becomes exhausted. Take a long walk, visit the dog park or send her in the backyard with the kids--although this may have a reverse effect on your kids' ability to fall asleep if it's bedtime for them, too--or play fetch for a good 30 minutes.

5. Follow a bedtime routine. Much like children, dogs need a bedtime routine. Once the television is turned off, you've brushed your teeth and finished your own bedtime routine (while the dog watches on, most likely), take her out for one last potty break. When she comes in, let her get a drink of water and find her comfy spot. Once she sees the lights go out and the house get quiet, she eventually catches on to the routine and even looks forward to the consistency of knowing what comes next.