<p>I think the whining can drive you nutz faster than barking. Hang in there.</p>
<p>Dogs are smart about routine events and dmd was spot on. We’ve inadvertently created bad food related habits off and on through our dog journey and it does take a few days but the dogs eventually “get it” and adjust. We had a very old big dog, however, who simply couldn’t go more than 3-4 hours without having to pee and at that point you just have to do what you have to do. This dog had lived two lifetimes and the last years were painful for the sleep habits but when you love them you do what you have to do. Puppies too, I remember with each dog setting the alarm for 3 in the morning to take the puppy out but that only lasts a month or so and then they are mature enough to get through the night and “house broken.” Just like with kids, routine and consistency seem to work best.</p>
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<p>Seems to me the answer to this is pretty self evident.</p>
<p>EDIT: Oops, posted before reading the entire thread. My bad.</p>
<p>I was pleasantly surprised - the old Irish Setter woke me up at 4:30 am Saturday, so I was afraid that would translate to 3:30 am today. However, he made it to 4 am, which would have been 5 am without the time change, which is when my alarm is usually set for.</p>
<p>Also, as I think about it, one reason I get up is that I’m a light sleeper. After the dog cries to go out, I am awake, and usually realize I need to use the bathroom. And if I need to use the bathroom, I guess it’s reasonable that the dog needs to go, too.</p>
<p>Good thing is that he goes immediately, and then comes in and goes back to sleep. Bad thing is that I usually can’t go back to sleep.</p>
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<p>anthropomorphize: ascribe human features to something.</p>
<p>c_q, I am not picking on you, but that made me laugh. So do older male dogs have to go more frequently at night? I do! 
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<p>Dogs can be great trainers of people. Our little dog has trained my wife to give her food, on command! She whines, and if that doesn’t work, she barks! Incredibly obnoxious. </p>
<p>I know I have related this story before, but will do it again: I was talking to a friend on the phone, and in the background his dog was whining horribly. I asked him how he could stand that dog whining constantly and he explained the dog only does that when he is on the phone… because dog knows he will receive treat in that situation to shut him up!!! Otherwise dog would get a reprimand of some kind.</p>
<p>NJres, maybe it’s just part of getting old for both people and dogs!</p>
<p>I do understand about dogs “training” us. Mine have some bad habits here and there. </p>
<p>On one occasion, H insisted we ignore the dog when he was being persistent about going out, because “he was just out.” (this wasn’t at 4 am) The dog, who NEVER has accidents, finally had a big one right by the door. I guess that’s “trained” me not to ignore him!</p>
<p>I would be sure neither dog needed to go out. If either dog woke me up, I’d say “Thanks for the reminder” and reach for the dog nail clippers. After clipping the nails on the offender, I might also do a couple on the other dog.</p>
<p>They will not persist in waking you to trim their nails.</p>
<p>LOL cottonwood. Brilliant!</p>
<p>Glad to help. </p>
<p>By the way, may sure there isn’t a burglar or fire first. Don’t be angry at the dogs, just do their nails and go back to sleep. Keep those nail trimmers on your nightstand.</p>
<p>And I thought it was bad that my girl hasn’t adjusted to the time change , and wants me to start the day at 5:00am
I have three and they sleep in crates downstairs. I hear her whine and carry on , but for her it is about food…it’s all about food with her
We recently added a puppy to our home and even he doesn’t whine to get me up</p>
<p>I used to let my girl sleep in the room with us , but then she got into a habit to wake me up to get up on the bed ( she is a corgi that can’t get up on her own ) This pattern began around 4am , but then she wanted to get up and down repeatedly , like if one of the cats was wandering and she thought it would be fun to chase them
Back to the crate she went and has been there ever since</p>
<p>If there were a burglar, there is nothing that would keep those dogs from barking. They bark at all strangers – and even some friends. Anyone who doesn’t belong is barked at. And I’m absolutely fine with that.</p>
<p>Good advice! A few years ago the dogs were barking one night, late at night. H told them to be quiet. In the morning we found someone had taken our pumpkin off the porch and smashed it. </p>
<p>If the dogs get annoying about asking for extra treats, I have been getting their brush out and offering to brush them. They leave the room pretty quickly! </p>
<p>The Irish has been doing better in the early mornings, especially considering the time change. He’s cried a little, but I’ve actually made it to my alarm clock the past two mornings!</p>
<p>Years ago, I did a new puppy session with an extended family. They told me the story of their German Shepherd, who was barking at the family relaxing in the kitchen. They were telling him to shut up and he would not. Later they realized there had been a burglar in the basement…while they were all home, telling the dog to shut up.</p>
<p>German Shepherds are very protective of their property and their people. When I was growing up we had a German Shepherd. He was a sweet, loving dog and we little kids played with him all the time.</p>
<p>One time we had a drunk intruder try to come into our house. Our German Shepherd turned into a snarling machine who moved like a rocket to the front door. I think he would have killed the guy if he’d made it into the house. I’ll never forget the image of our sweet buddy lunging with his teeth bared at the intruder. I think part of it was that we were scared of the man, and the dog could sense that.</p>
<p>Dogs are the best people.</p>