Helping new dog settle at night

[Zach'smom]

5 days ago we adopted a 5 year old lab from the animal shelter to join our 2 year old lab/shepherd mix and 2 cats. 

He had a couple accidents in our house.  They were my fault- not noticing he needed to go out and letting him go places I shouldn't have when he is nervous, stressed and not knowing the rules.   He hasn't had an accident in the house for the last 3 days.  We are keeping him confined to the family room/kitchen area and taking him out at short intervals. We are up to every 2 to 3 hours during the day and then he goes out between 11 and 12 at night and I take him out between 6:30 and 7:30 in the AM.

The problem is night time.  We have been gating him in the upstairs bathroom (so he is near us) at night.  It is very stressful for him.  He is awake a lot at night panting, acting agitating and trying to get out.  We thought he would settle after a few nights, but he hasn't.

Last night he got his paws under the gate and ripped up a piece of the hallway carpeting.  So needless to say I think we need to find new sleeping arrangements for him.  I don't think he is ready to have freedom in the house yet.   Any ideas for a stress free nights sleep for the him? 

[sagewinna]

Can he sleep on the floor of your bedroom? He probably feels insecure being away from you guys. You can tether him to your bedframe, put a pillow or blanket down for him and he should quickly get the idea that he needs to stay in that area. You could also crate train him and have the crate in your room. Dogs are pack animals, they don't like to be separated from the security of their pack!