Golden Retrievers’ Tired Faces Over Puppy Who Won’t Sleep Are Like Human Parents
If you're a parent, this video that Kip and Kaan's humans posted on Sunday, April 21st will crack you up because it is so relatable! The video shows the two Golden Retrievers, who are both new parents to an adorable puppy, lying on the couch trying to catch some ZZZs. Unfortunately for them, the puppy is not interested in a nap at all!
While mom and dad look exhausted (totally relatable), the puppy wants to play and wants mom and dad to join in (also relatable). Bedtime is the last thing on the pup's mind (I know exactly how this goes). I'm tired just watching this all happen!
I have been there, done that too many times to count! Puppies (and toddlers) have boundless amounts of energy...especially when bedtime rolls around! Kip and Kaan commenters also know the feeling and agree that the video is relatable. @Arveen Paresram summed it up quite simply, "Pawsome."
Related: Tiny Puppy Tucking Himself in for a Nap Is So Precious
How To Get a Puppy To Go To Bed
Dog owners are pretty divided when it comes to crate training. Our first dogs were West Highland Terriers who never had their own crates (we didn't even own a crate!) but we recently adopted a rescued puppy and we planned to crate train her. Imagine our surprise when we brought her home and she wanted to go into her crate at night...she was already trained!
There are pros and cons for crate training but based on our experience with doing it both ways, I recommend giving it a shot. But be prepared for some bumps along the way. Start as early as possible, the first day you bring the puppy home. Place the crate where they'll be sleeping. If you plan to have the crate available to them during the day, you might have to move it between rooms or have more than one crate.
Tell them to go into the crate with whatever cue words you'll be using, 'crate time' or whatever you plan to call the crate. Use a cheerful, neutral voice so they don't see it as a punishment. They may be hesitant at first, but by placing treats or a toy in there, they'll eventually venture in to check it out. Keep the door open throughout the day and allow them to get used to it. You may need to add a little incentive, like making a game of it. Throw a ball in for them to fetch and bring back to you. Prop the door open so it doesn't accidentally close, leaving them feeling like you trapped them in there. In time, they'll start spending time in the crate on their own...make sure you reward them for it.
If you're dog gets in trouble and you need to crate them, do not do it out of anger or yell at them as you put them in their crate. Once they calm down (quit crying, whining, etc.) make sure to praise them for correcting their behavior. Remember, dogs repeat behaviors that they are rewarded for.
It may take some time, but it is worth it in the long run. I've never met a dog parent who regretted crate training.
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