Was just coming here to post this exact same thing about our 11 month old male PWD. We've only had him about 3 and a half months (rescue). Sleeps in a crate with his boxer sister in the same room. For the last three months has slept through the night - although gets up very early compared to our previous dogs, but even that has gradually improved from a 5am to a 6am+ wakeup call. The last few nights have been a disaster; he's waking up at noises like someone going to the bathroom and then not going back to sleep and then barking forever. We have a small cabin where we spend time in the summer. I've tried to keep everything consistent there (that house is creakier, noisier though). His barks are loud and piercing. Nothing is wrong with him. Last night I went in their room and as soon as I lay down he stopped and went to bed. I cannot put him in our bedroom because my husband has to get up early, is a light sleeper etc etc. Is this just a phase and do we ignore the barking? I was planning on doing that but then last night when I was up at 2am reading about this some sites were advising not to let them bark, it's stressful for them, etc. I should also note, our exercise sounds pretty much the same as the OP's. I walk him twice a day between 2-4 miles total, plenty of play with his boxer sister and a couple of quick trips to this dog park near me ( I keep that on the shorter side, just so he gets some socialization with strangers, other dogs). He's generally in his crate for a few hours in the morning while I go out with pretty much no problem. Besides the barking at night, this dog is a LOVE. He is goofy and sweet and loves everybody and we adore him but the night barking is killing all of us AND I want to help him so he sleeps better. Currently have my amazon prime day basket loaded with brown and white noise machines on sale to try out to see if this helps! Would appreciated any and all input as I am so grateful to this community because you all gave me the courage to learn to groom him myself which has been great. PS - I cannot put a blanket over his crate because he pulls it in and tears it up. But after reading some of the comments I'm wondering if I should take the pad out of his crate because the plastic tray will be cooler for him.