How to Train Your Dog Not to Wake Up Early

Everyone likes their dog more when it doesn't wake up too early.

Dogs are prone to set schedules. Once they have done something routinely--such as getting up to eat at a certain time each day--they get used to that schedule, and over time, will be up and ready to go just like clockwork. If you feed your dog or walk it first thing in the morning, the animal will be waiting to be fed or walked every day at the same time, even if you want to sleep in. A dog can be taught differently, however. This process takes a while for your puppy to get used to, but your persistence and patience can help retrain your dog's brain.

Things You'll Need

• Kennel
• Alarm clock
• Doggy treats

Instructions

1. 

   Take off any collar before putting your dog in a kennel.

   Put your dog in its kennel each night at the same time before you go to bed. The animal will eventually get used to this routine and recognize that it's not playtime anymore. He will begin to associate the kennel with quiet time and sleep. Let the dog outside to go potty before putting him in the kennel, as this reduces the chance of accidents.

2. 

   Use an alarm to help your dog recognize when it's time to get up.

   Set an alarm clock for a time that you find acceptable to get up each morning. Getting up at the same time every day is good for your dog as well as for you. Set the alarm for a time that you won't mind getting up, even on the weekends. Ignore your dog if she gets up before the alarm--don't talk to her, acknowledge that she's there or even tell her to be quiet. This reinforces the fact that it is not time to get up yet.

3. 

   Use doggy dental bones for a healthier snack.

   Treat your dog to doggy biscuits or a nice walk when it is time to get up. This reinforces good behavior if the dog knows it has done something good. Your dog will soon realize that he will be rewarded if he does as he is told.

4. 

   Walk your dog every day.

   Walk your dog every day, just after dinner. Exercise is good for your animal and it will help your dog stay calmer if she is taken out at the same time every day. Walking is a good way to exhaust your pup so that she is nice and tired when it's time to go to bed. Your dog may even sleep longer because of the exercise.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not rile up the dog before bed. Logically, it makes sense to tire the animal out before bedtime, but an animal recognizes it as playtime and not as a way to calm down.

• Do not reward bad behavior. If your dog starts to bark before the alarm, don't give him treats.

References

• K9Web: Crating Your Dog
• The Housebreaking Bible: Surviving the Night With Your New Puppy