Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience, but it can also be challenging, especially when your furry friend keeps crying in the crate at night.
As a new pet owner, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do to comfort your crying pup and ensure that everyone in the household gets a good night’s sleep. Don’t worry, though!
In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you get through those early, sleepless nights and start bonding with your new furry family member.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to tackle the issue of a new puppy crying in the crate at night!
Why Is My New Puppy Crying In Crate At Night
There are a few reasons why a new puppy may cry in their crate at night.
First, they may be feeling anxious or stressed in their new environment and may need some time to adjust.
Second, puppies have small bladders and may need to go out for a bathroom break during the night.
Third, they may want company and reassurance, especially if they are used to being around their littermates.
Finally, they may be uncomfortable in their crate, perhaps due to the bedding or the temperature.
It’s important to address these issues to help your puppy feel more comfortable in their crate and ultimately sleep soundly through the night.
Reasons For A New Puppy Crying In Crate At Night
The following are some common reasons for your new puppy crying in crate at night:
1. Lack of crate training
Some pups may be unaccustomed to being in a crate and may whimper or whine in discomfort.
It is critical to properly crate train your puppy so that he or she feels comfortable and secure in their box.
Begin by introducing your puppy to the crate gradually and rewarding them with food and praise when they enter.
Allow your puppy to explore the crate on their own at first by leaving the door open.
Then, progressively increase the length of time your puppy spends in the crate by closing the door for small periods of time.
Make sure your dog has lots of toys and goodies to keep him or her entertained while in the crate.
2. Your puppy is hungry or thirsty
Puppies require a lot of energy and must feed regularly throughout the day.
If your puppy is whimpering in their box at night, it is possible that they are hungry or thirsty.
Make sure your puppy is getting enough food and a snack before night.
If your puppy appears hungry at night, consider giving them a little quantity of food or a treat shortly before putting them in their crate.
Avoid overfeeding your puppy, since this might lead to intestinal problems.
3. Your puppy needs to go potty
Puppies have tiny bladders and may need to go pee in the middle of the night.
If your puppy howls in his or her kennel, it might be an indication that he or she needs to go outdoors.
To avoid accidents, take them out to potty shortly before sleep, then set an alarm to wake them up and take them out again if required during the night.
Maintain a regular toilet training program and reward your dog for excellent behavior.
4. Your puppy has separation anxiety
Puppies are gregarious animals that can get lonely when removed from their littermates and mother.
If your puppy is sobbing in his or her box at night, he or she may be suffering from separation anxiety.
To calm them, leave a blanket or toy with your fragrance in the crate.
Also, spend as much time as possible with your puppy during the day to make them feel less lonely.
To assist relax your puppy, consider using a pheromone spray or diffuser.
Learn more about other signs your dog is suffering separation anxiety.
5. Your puppy is too cold or hot
Puppies are temperature sensitive and may cry if they are too cold or too hot.
To avoid this, place your puppy’s kennel somewhere comfy and safe, away from drafts and bright sunshine.
Give them a warm blanket or a cooling pad to help them regulate their temperature and be comfortable.
You may even modify the temperature of the room to keep your puppy comfortable.
6. Your puppy is anxious or scared
Puppies may experience anxiety or fear in their box as a result of being in a new environment.
To convey their pain, they may weep, whine, or bark.
Provide your dog with a familiar blanket or toy that they may identify with warmth and security to make them feel more at ease.
To assist relax your puppy, you may also use a pheromone diffuser, such as Adaptil.
Allowing your dog to explore their kennel and praising positive behavior can gradually adapt them to it.
7. Your puppy is lonely
Puppies are gregarious creatures who thrive on company.
They may feel terrified and worried when removed from their littermates and kept in a box alone.
They may cry and whine in order to convey their distress and seek consolation.
Place your puppy’s kennel in your bedroom or a neighboring room so they can hear and smell you to make them feel more at ease.
This will make them feel safer and less alone. To promote warmth and familiarity, you can also place a soft blanket or a beloved toy inside the crate.
8. Your puppy has too much energy
Puppies have a lot of energy and require a lot of exercise and fun during the day to exhaust them.
If your puppy is not sleepy enough, he or she may have difficulty sleeping in their box at night and may whimper or whine.
To wear out your puppy, make sure it receives lots of activity and fun during the day.
You might also give them a soothing treat or play soothing music to help them relax and go to sleep.
9. Your puppy has medical issues
If your puppy’s sobbing continues, it may have a medical problem that has to be handled.
Take your puppy to the veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical concerns, such as an infection or a digestive issue.
Your veterinarian can also advise you on how to handle any medical difficulties your puppy may have.
Learn more about the signs your dog is in pain.
10. Uncomfortable bedding
If your puppy’s bedding is too unpleasant, he or she may refuse to sleep in their crate.
Check the bedding for softness and coziness, and consider adding a couple of additional covers if required.
You may also keep your puppy engaged by placing a toy or chew in the kennel.
Avoid giving your dog anything that might cause a choking danger.
Learn more about the signs of depression in dogs.
How to help your puppy sleep well at night in a crate
Here are some common ways to help your puppy sleep well at night in a crate:
- Use a comfortable crate: Make sure that the crate you are using is comfortable and appropriately sized for your puppy. The pup must also have enough room to turn around, stand up and lie down comfortably.
- Make the crate inviting: Make the crate a cozy and comfortable den for your puppy. You can add a soft bed, a few toys, and a blanket to make it inviting.
- Keep the crate in a draft-free, quiet place: Choose a peaceful location in your home for the crate, such as a quiet corner of the bedroom.
- Establish a routine: Establishing a bedtime routine for your puppy can help establish a routine that tells your puppy it’s time to sleep. Activities can include a last bathroom break and a bedtime story or cuddle session.
- Use a calming scent: A calming scent such as lavender can help soothe your puppy, helping them relax and sleep better.
- Exercise during the day: Regular physical activity during the day can help to tire out your puppy, which will make it more likely that they sleep through the night.
- Don’t change the sleeping arrangements: Consistency is key when it comes to crate training your puppy. Once you have established a routine, stick to it.
- Gradually increase crate time: Initially, your puppy may be uncomfortable in the crate for extended periods. Gradually increase your puppy’s time in the crate each day leading up to bedtime.
- Avoid late-night feedings: Late-night feedings can disrupt your puppy’s sleep pattern, making it more likely that your pup will have to go potty at night. Avoid feeding your puppy within a few hours of bedtime.
Learn more about different ways of bonding with your dog.
FAQs
Why is my new puppy crying in their crate at night?
It is natural for puppies to cry in their crate at night, especially if they are not used to being alone in a crate.
This behavior is often a sign that they are scared or uncomfortable.
They may also be crying because they need to go potty or because they are hungry or thirsty.
Learn more about some common signs of a sick dog.
How can I help my puppy feel more comfortable in their crate at night?
To help your puppy feel more comfortable in their crate at night, try placing a soft blanket or towel inside for them to sleep on.
You can also leave a piece of clothing that smells like you in the crate to provide comfort and reassurance.
Additionally, be sure to provide your puppy with plenty of toys and treats to keep them busy and entertained.
Should I let my puppy out of their crate if they start crying at night?
If your puppy is crying in their crate at night, it can be tempting to let them out to comfort them.
However, it is important to resist this urge as it can reinforce bad behaviors and make it harder to train your puppy in the long run.
Instead, try comforting your puppy from outside the crate by speaking to them in a calm and soothing tone.
How long should I expect my puppy to cry in their crate at night?
It is normal for puppies to cry in their crate at night, but this behavior should gradually decrease as they become more comfortable with their new environment.
Some puppies may cry for a few nights, while others may take several weeks to adjust.
Be patient, consistent, and don’t give up on training your puppy!
Is it okay to give my puppy treats or toys in their crate at night?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to give your puppy treats or toys in their crate at night to help keep them occupied and comfortable.
Just be sure to choose toys that are safe and appropriate for your puppy’s age and size.
When should I seek professional help for my puppy’s crying at night?
If your puppy’s crying at night persists for several weeks and shows no signs of improvement, it may be a good idea to seek professional help from a veterinarian or dog trainer.
They can help you identify the cause of your puppy’s crying and provide guidance on how to address the issue effectively.
Learn more about why dogs bite their owners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a new puppy crying in its crate at night can be a difficult and stressful experience for both the pet and its owner.
However, with patience, consistency, and understanding, it is possible to help your furry friend adjust to their new environment and feel safe and comfortable in their crate.
Remember to provide enough exercise, attention, and affection during the day, as well as plenty of positive reinforcement for good behavior, and have faith that your puppy will eventually learn to love their crate and become a loyal and loving companion for years to come.
