Waking Up Early

Our 4 year old staffy Ralph has started waking up early and will wine and bark, as in 4am, when you go to him thinking he needs the toilet and let him out he does nothing, we then thought he was hungry so we increased his evening meal size, same problem, he doesn't seem cold but that's the next thing for us to try. If any members have got any ideas please let me know, so tired, but hes worth it.

Could this simply be a habit? He's waking up and wants company maybe. I know it's hard to do but what happens if you ignore him (other than upsetting the neighbours).

Ian, he's only been doing this for the past 3 weeks, think you could be right in trying to ignor him and see what happens

It's worth trying, as long as the neighbours don't get too upset. There is an alternative, share yer bed

I think that's what I'd try as well. Dogs get into habits very quickly, especially if there's something in it for them, e.g. attention.

Staffy's don't like attention, I cant imagine that to be a problem

he may want to wake up early if he can not see you when he wakes up

Your dog is training you

lexii wrote:Your dog is training you

I perfectly agree with this theory.
Nifty is trying to get me out of bed between half an hour to an hour earlier than planned.
I’m not getting up at 4:30 am !

Perhaps let him out later at night may help a simple no sternly may suffice , i used to say to mia its too early and she would cuddle back in reluctantly