Dog Yapping and Whimpering

MnV

Aki is yapping and whimpering at night. I cannot ignore her because of other family members and neighbors. I have to wake up at least 2 times to tend to her in addition to my usual schedule of taking her out for potty.

It's taking a toll on me as I'm getting sleepy and tired at my business.

Any good suggestion?

Leonberger

I would say, as difficult as it is, to ignore her. Explain to your neighbours and family members that she's a puppy and she need to get used to her situation. By tending to her when she whimpers you're letting associate the whimpering with attention. That's just what she wants. So, it might be better to have a few difficult days now (she won't keep it up for very long if it doesn't pay of) that dealing with a smart Akita that knows how to push your buttons.

Hope it helps.

tjbart17

Does she have to go to the bathroom? or does she just want out? Koda did this for a couple of weeks where he HAD to go. It sucked, but I got up let him out then straight back to the crate. No playing, no loving, just doing his business. Then he would go back to sleep.

MnV

Yeah, we would ignore her in rare occasion when no other family member is around. Most experts advice the same as you, Rui.

Tara, She's on a scheduled 3:30 am potty break. The yapping is in addition to that. She has not had any accidents overnight.

Her yapping can be so piercing sometimes that it's hard for me to let others in our home suffer through it. The distressing sound is quiet disheartening.

tjbart17

Could you move her crate into your room for a bit? Trust me, I know that yapping. Koda still can't sleep in a different room than me. He has to be with me or all heck breaks lose and there is no stopping him!

If she's in your room, doesn't have to go potty, then she's testing you. Stinks, but Rui is right.

ShikokuSpirit

I'd suggest you do more of the crate training during the day so that you CAN ignore all that crying without having to disturb your neighbors. When Aki is quiet for 20 minutes or so...take her out and play with her! After a long play session...put her back in the crate for a longer period. Only rewarding after a lengthy "quiet" period.


Time everything out...make sure you feed earlier and potty a couple of times (both pee and poo!) before putting Aki in the crate for "the night". Perhaps even put a towl over the crate (if it's safe to do so - i.e. no puppy eating it). I'm not sure if your schedule allows, but basically...put Aki to sleep later at night and wake up earlier in the morning. Do this for a few days and gradually increase time span - putting Aki to sleep later and then waking up later. Then increase time span again - put Aki sleep early and wake up later.


Eventually it should just become apart of her daily routine. Do rotations throughout the day between "outside" and "crate time" until she is comfortable sleeping at night.


I know it's kinda of a pain...but I had to go through the same thing with Shoushuu...he was the worst! Chloe is just as bad too when I have her over...but she eventually "gets it" and will be quiet for me (while not so much at her home because they cater to her every whine).


In the end...it's for the best. You might want to try napping after you come home from work . Ahh...puppies! Aren't they super cute? LOL.

Heidi

I would exercise her more during the day, maybe give her an interactive toy in her crate (but be aware that eating sometimes increases energy levels, so go light on the edibles). Other than that, honestly, I could put her crate in a distance part of the house, maybe push cushions or blankets around it for a sound barrier, put on some white noise, hand out ear-plugs... and just ignore her.