August 31, 2024

How to Stop Your New Puppy from Crying at Night

If you’re reading this, you’re probably struggling with a crying puppy at night, don’t worry – you’re not alone, and there’s hope!

When I first brought home my Labrador puppy, Max, I was over the moon with excitement. But that first night, reality hit hard. Max cried the entire night, and I was clueless about how to soothe him. After several sleepless nights, I knew I had to find a solution – not just for my sanity, but for Max’s well-being too.

This guide will walk you through the reasons your puppy might be crying and offer practical, tried-and-true tips to help both of you get a good night’s sleep.

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Why Is Your Puppy Crying at Night?

Before we lay out the solutions, it’s important to understand why your puppy is crying. Puppy night time crying can stem from various reasons. Puppies are like babies – they’re adjusting to a new world without their mother and littermates, which can be overwhelming.

1. Separation Anxiety

Puppies miss the warmth and comfort of their littermates and mother. Being alone in a new place can trigger separation anxiety, causing them to cry or even scream in their crate for hours. Studies show that around 20-40% of dogs suffer from separation anxiety, which can manifest as crying or whining when left alone.

2. New Environment

Your home is unfamiliar territory. The sounds, smells, and even the silence might be unsettling to a puppy who’s used to the hustle and bustle of a litter.

3. Need to Relieve Themselves

Puppies have tiny bladders and might need to go out several times during the night. Crying could be their way of letting you know they need a bathroom break.

4. Hunger or Thirst

A hungry or thirsty puppy will cry to let you know they need food or water.

5. Loneliness

At night, when everyone’s asleep, your puppy might feel lonely and seek comfort by crying out. If your puppy screams in their crate for hours, loneliness might be the root cause.

Help Your Puppy Sleep Through the Night

Now that we know why your puppy might be crying, let’s outline how to help them (and you) get a peaceful night’s sleep:

Crate Training at Night
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Gradually Adjust to Sleeping Alone
Use Calming Aids
Ensure Your Puppy Is Tired
Be Patient and Consistent

1. Crate Training at Night

You should create a confortable sleeping space for your puppy. A crate mimics the den-like environment they’re instinctively drawn to, offering them a sense of security. Line the crate with soft blankets or a bed to make it comfortable. If your puppy is still very young, consider adding a warm water bottle or a ticking clock wrapped in a towel to mimic the heartbeat and warmth of their mother.

Crate training a puppy overnight is a process that takes patience, but it’s worth it.

When I first tried crate training at night with Max, he resisted, but after a few nights, he began to see it as his personal safe space. I also left a worn t-shirt of mine in the crate, which seemed to comfort him with my scent.

2. Establish a Bedtime Routine

Just like children, puppies benefit from a consistent bedtime routine. This helps signal to your puppy that it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep.

Playtime: Engage in some playtime before bed to help your puppy burn off excess energy.
Potty Break: Ensure your puppy has a chance to relieve themselves right before bed.
Wind-Down Time: Spend some quiet time together, maybe with gentle petting, to help them relax.

Max responded well to a simple routine: a quick game of fetch, a potty break, and then some belly rubs before bed. Over time, he started to settle down much faster at night.

3. Gradually Adjust to Sleeping Alone

If your puppy is struggling with separation anxiety, you can ease them into sleeping alone. Start by placing their crate in your bedroom, so they know you’re nearby. Over time, gradually move the crate farther away from your bed, eventually transitioning them to sleep in another room. This is an essential part of crate training a puppy overnight.

When I started doing this with Max, I noticed a huge difference. He felt secure knowing I was close by, and gradually, he became more comfortable sleeping on his own.

4. Use Calming Aids

There are several calming aids available that can help soothe your puppy at night. Consider trying:

Adaptil Diffuser or Collar: These release a synthetic version of the calming pheromone that mother dogs produce to comfort their puppies.
Soft Music or White Noise: Some puppies find comfort in soft music or white noise, which can help drown out unfamiliar nighttime sounds.
Calming Treats or Supplements: Natural calming supplements, like those with chamomile or melatonin, can help relax your puppy before bed.

I found that playing soft music in the background helped Max sleep better, especially on nights when there were loud noises outside, like thunderstorms or fireworks.

5. Ensure Your Puppy Is Tired

A tired puppy is less likely to cry at night. Make sure your puppy gets plenty of physical and mental exercise during the day. Play games, go for walks, and provide stimulating toys to keep them engaged.

Max’s crying significantly decreased after I started incorporating more playtime into our daily routine. We’d have a fun game of tug-of-war or a short training session before bed, and it made a world of difference.

6. Be Patient and Consistent

Whenever your puppy cries in their crate, resist the urge to let them out immediately. Instead, wait until they’re quiet before letting them out, to teach them that calmness gets rewarded. Remember, this is a big adjustment for your puppy. They’re learning a lot of new things, and it will take time for them to get used to their new environment.

Be patient and consistent with your approach, and avoid giving in to the crying, as this can reinforce the behavior.

There were nights when I was tempted to let Max sleep in my bed just to stop the crying, but I stuck to the routine, and eventually, he adapted.

How Long Will a Puppy Cry at Night?

The answer varies based on the puppy’s age, temperament, and how you respond to their cries. Puppy night time crying might last for just a few minutes or extend into the early hours of the morning, depending on your pup’s adjustment period and the steps you take to comfort them.

When to Seek Help

Puppy screaming in crate for hours may indicate underlying health issues or severe anxiety that needs to be addressed. In my experience with Max, it took about five nights before the crying subsided completely. So, it might be worth consulting with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer, especially if you’ve tried all the methods for calming them but the crying persists for weeks.

Conclusion

Dealing with a puppy crying in their crate at night can be challenging, but with patience, consistency, and a little creativity, you can help your new furry friend adjust to their new home and establish a peaceful nighttime routine. Remember, this phase won’t last forever, and soon enough, you’ll both be enjoying restful nights together.

So hang in there! Before you know it, those sleepless nights will be a distant memory, and you’ll have a happy, well-adjusted puppy who sleeps soundly through the night. And who knows – you might even miss those little nighttime whimpers someday.