Expert: Jannie Balliett - 8/31/2009

Question
please help my boxer is a 9 month old male he is so loyal and loving he gets lots of exercise, excellent at all his commands sit stay etc he is not keen on the crate but will sleep in it at night but he wakes very early mornings 4am and barks continuously until i get up  he does not need toilet but once i have let him out i cannot get him to go back in the crate many thanks from a very tired owner

Answer
He is only 9 months old- he has to use the potty but might not because to anxious to get out- but he can't hold it for hours and hours.

What time are you putting him in the crate?

If he is barking at 4am every morning, like clockwork, then it is possible he has spent too many hours in, and wakes up and wants out.

You need to consider allowing him to sleep in your bedroom on a doggie bed, or opened-door crate, and puppy-proof your bedroom, and keep your door shut.

He has graduated to that point.