How can I train my dog to sleep quietly in a crate when he misses his dog friend?

Question

Two weeks ago, we got my wife's dog in house after it lived with another dog and slept in a crate with that dog for 9 years.
Obviously we didn't sleep that well for the first few days. Now our dog is settling down, but he still does wake up and bark at night every now and then.
What we tried is having a cuddle in the crate for him and a T-shirt of my wife (he sees her as his boss.)
But he still whines and barks at night.
I assume he's missing his mate.
Do you guys have any tips to get him to sleep/be silent until I take him for a walk?

Vedant Chandra · Accepted Answer

I have had this identical problem with my dog. He pined all night long for his mate (who had passed away), and he wouldn't be quiet until I took him outside.

As harsh as it may sound considering the circumstances, I simply ignored him after lights-out. No matter how much he barked and whined, I didn't give him the attention he wanted (for the seven hours till we woke up). It was difficult for me of course, but it worked. Within a week, the entire household slept well, and he stopped missing his mate at all.

The fact is, your dog wants attention. It sounds so cruel to deny him that, but unfortunately you cannot sacrifice your life to replace his friend. I would suggest that you cuddle him, say goodnight, turn the lights off, and do your best to fall asleep. With time, he will too. :)

James Jenkins · Answer

Think about get him a new friend, It is lonely being alone. While neither of you may want to get a puppy, there are many mature dogs at local shelters that need a home.

Our local shelter will allow you (actually they insist) that the current dog and the potential new dog meet at the shelter to see if it will work out.

You may also want to consider a different type of pet, both cats and rabbits will enjoy spending time with your dog and both use litter boxes, which may or may not be a benefit to you.

Kevin · Answer

My specific solution was moving the crate too our bedroom and get him a hot water bottle in his crate. The hot water bottle on itself got him to sleep better but he still woke up too early. This morning I actually had to wake him up.

Putting this up as an answer because neither of the answers were the solution.

How can I train my dog to sleep quietly in a crate when he misses his dog friend?

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