The dog is on a schedule. He knows the only time we will reliably be home is between 11 at night and 6 in the morning. As such, he has decided this is "social time." He barks to wake us up at 2 to pee, at three to eat, at five to play, and at six to clean up the poop he did at four.
So, today I decided to lavish attention on him from six in the evening until ten at night.
I have never seen this dog so pissed off.
He hopped up in bed to take a nap while I did my early evening net-surf. I kept petting him, so he would know that now is when he gets attention, and so that he couldn't sleep now and later break the peace.
I nudged him with my foot.
"mmf!"
"Wake up, Mac."
After three of these nudges, he leapt to his feet, gave a short indignant woof, and marched off. Piiissssssed.
I coaxed him back. Then I kept nudging him. We went through the whole process three times tonight. I think he's only had about an hour of sleep all night. He marched off in the highest dudgeon about an hour ago.
I fully expect him to pee in my ear at two.
My dog bugs me all night for attention. He brings me toys, nudges me for petting and just sits staring at me until I cave. At my parents' house however, he gets so much attention all day long as a furry grandchild that he crawls behind a plant stand and sleeps most of the evening.
Posted by: Amy in StL | March 24, 2011 at 11:02 AM
One word: crate.
Posted by: Becs | March 24, 2011 at 02:14 PM
Kids respond to consistency. Keep doing it for three or four days. Then he can get pissed when you aren't home.
Posted by: Hot Mom | March 24, 2011 at 06:24 PM
It's not my dog, but she hates me and loves me at the same time.
I pretty much just hate having a dog. I don't hate *her* per se. It's like hating the sin, not the sinner.
Now that my dad is sick *again*, and I'm the only capable responsible adult in NJ that can help take care of him, I've had about 10 minutes that I was willing to share with the dog. I wonder how much poop is at the bottom of the basement stairs.
Posted by: Tami | March 25, 2011 at 11:38 AM
I like your drama queen dog!
Posted by: Neil | March 26, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Amy In StL - I did notice that after I was at home all day Friday he let me sleep all the way till 6 am.
Becs- Says the woman with cats in her bed!
Hot Mom - I have consistently praised him when he has pee and pooped outside for fifteen years. Doesn';t take. It's like Mom and Dave, she did everything right, didn't take.
Tami- "capable responsible adult in NJ that can help take care of him" - oh,I hear you. Hang in there.
Neil - He's a bitchy little pup. Entitled and spoiled.
Posted by: TheQueen | March 26, 2011 at 01:24 PM