Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Hey, I have a question...doe s anyone know if a dog can sense/smell/hear something outside while they are inside a house and not looking out a window?
I ask this as my pyr wakes up in the basement every night at around 3:30 or 4:00AM and starts to whine to go outside. He doesn't have to go to the bathroom...he darts outside with his tail up sniffing the air. I have tried letting him whine and ignore him but he can go for 2 hours! Since he doesn't have to go to the bathroom I am wondering if he can sense an animal or something coming around the house and that is what wakes him up and makes him want to get outside so badly?? Out of whack? or could that be it? I can't make any sense of his actions otherwise and i am at a loss of what to do

Hi there,
Our Pyr used to bark at EVERYTHING! We got a citronella collar and it helped tremendously!! When he barks for the sake of it ie: not out of fear or alert but at the kids on the street biking, the leaves falling out of the trees, the wind etc... LOL then the spray seems to stop him. If someone drives in the driveway and he doesn't know the car, he will "take the hit" of the spray and empty the whole cannister and then keep barking - Which is cool in a way because it shows me he knows when he is barking for a reason and when he is not. He can't be bothered to take 10 sprays in the face for a leaf, or neighbour outside but will still protect his property regardless.

* if you try it out I suggest the scentless. Works the same for us and Marley's coat isn't as yucky if he gets sprayed.

As I have mentioned in other big paws threads, my husband and I have been contemplating adding a second dog to the family. We would love to rescue or adopt a dog in need of a loving forever home and are particularily drawn to Irish Wolfhounds after researching the breed. If anyone has any information on a IW in need a of loving home would you  be so kind as to pass it on to us? We live just outside of Ottawa, Ontario Canada.
Thanks and cheers!

welcome to the Pyr club! Digging...not listening...ru nning away from a leash...YUP you have a pyr! Marley just turned 2 and still does all the above. With this breed it isn't so much a puppy thing as a Pyr thing
Ditto about the pyr off a leash. Not a good idea. They get something in sight or a wiff of something that seems too good to pass up on and they are off...with you in thier dust running to catch them. That is pretty much a guarantee. I have ever only seen one pyr in a non fenced in yard (physical or electric) that stayed put and she was 8 years old with bad hips. It is just in them.
BUT all that being said, they are the most wonderful creatures to own  

she didn't eat for the 10 days!!!

Thanks everyone! that is so special!!! xoxoxox

Just curious... what behaviour does your pyr display as a single dog in the family? I frequently ponder getting some livestock or perhaps another dog...only because I think my pyr's independance or lying around a lot is boredom. My husband on the other hand thinks I think of him too much as a human not a dog and most dogs like to sleep alot when not playing... any thoughts?