We're in a Miserable Nap Phase
I've posted a couple times about life adjusting to our new dog. Quick context - adopted our rescue in February at 7ish months. Shelter and past life has given him some fear/anxiety. Foster family previous to shelter only crated him at night. We don't like crates; he's been gated in living room/dining room during the day, and our bed or couch at night.
90% of the time he does totally fine. We have some adolescent behavior currently (he still chews a lot of things he's not supposed to, especially when he's feeling spicy; he barks at absolutely everything ...)
I WFH two days per week. He all but REFUSES to nap on those days. He will literally sit on the couch, stare at me, chew his leg, everything but sleep - for 2-3 hours.
He is up early with us (5AM). Morning routine includes breakfast, some play (he doesn't always want to), and a 25-30 min sniffari. By 8AM this dog should be exhausted...
We have a crate in the bedroom, keep the door open, occasionally leave toys or treats in there. He goes in for like 2-5 minutes at a time and then right back out. Closing the door at any point results in whining and barking for at least 25 minutes. We have neighbors. We don't let this go on long. And, like I said, he hasn't been 'crate trained' for months now. We both work and cannot take two weeks off to reintroduce the crate to him.
I'm at my wits end. Less sleep = terrible behavior. Terrible behavior = me blowing my top at my dog. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a hard YELL for him to realize I'm serious and then he lays down all sad, but DOES sleep. That's not sustainable.
To cap it all off, I am this dog's "person." Despite the whole family playing with him, feeding him walking him, he chooses me every day, in every room, every time. So I am exhausted. Help.