New Puppy Crying In Crate At Night [Tips]
Have you ever brought home a new puppy and found that they were crying in its crate at night?
It can be a stressful experience, but understanding why your puppy is crying and how to fix the situation can make all the difference.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why new puppies cry in their crates at night, as well as some tips and tricks for helping them adjust to their new environment.
So if you’re having trouble getting your puppy to settle down at night, read on to learn more!
New Puppy Crying In Crate At Night
It is normal for puppies to cry in their crate when they are new to it, as they may be feeling anxious or lonely.
To help your puppy adjust to the crate, you can make sure it is comfortable by providing a bed and toys, ignoring any crying, and tiring them out with regular exercise and play.
Additionally, make sure you take your puppy out regularly for bathroom breaks and do not leave them in the crate for too long.
With enough patience and positive reinforcement, your puppy should eventually adjust to the crate and stop crying.
Let’s break it down further…
Reasons why puppies cry in their crate at night
Here are some common reasons why puppies cry in their crate at night:
They are not used to being alone
If they are not used to being alone or separated from their littermates, puppies may cry in crates at night.
To help your puppy acclimatize to being alone, gradually increase the amount of time they spend in their crate during the day.
Start with little intervals of time (a few minutes or less), then gradually lengthen them over the course of several days or weeks.
To make your puppy feel more at ease and secure in their crate, you may also give them a cozy bed, plush blankets, and toys.
It’s critical to keep in mind that crate training is a process that necessitates consistency and patience.
They are bored
Puppies require a lot of mental and physical stimulation due to their high energy levels.
It may indicate boredom if your puppy is crying in their crate at night.
Ensure that your puppy has access to a lot of toys and playtime throughout the day, and think about getting them puzzles or interactive toys to keep them entertained in their kennel.
To keep things interesting and new, you may also try switching up the items they play with.
They want attention
Because puppies are sociable animals, they may cry when they need company or attention in their crate at night.
The impulse to give in to their pleas must be resisted, as doing so could encourage the habit.
Instead, make an effort to give your puppy attention and connection throughout the day and make sure they have enough play and exercise.
Giving your puppy a special toy or treat to enjoy while they’re in their crate may also make them happier.
They are scared
Puppies may experience fear or anxiety when they are in their crate at night, especially if it is a strange place for them.
Introducing your puppy to their crate at night gradually will make them feel more at ease.
To encourage your puppy to explore, leave the kennel door open during the day and fill it with food or toys.
To make your puppy feel more secure, you can also put some of your clothing inside the crate.
To assist calm your puppy and block out any outside noises that might be worrying it, you should also think about playing gentle music or using a white noise machine.
They need to use the bathroom
Because of their small bladders, puppies sometimes need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.
This is particularly valid for young puppies who might need to go potty more frequently.
Prior to going to sleep, take your puppy outside to relieve themselves, and make sure they don’t drink too much water after dark.
It may be an indication that your puppy has to go potty if they whimper in their crate at night.
It’s critical to attend to your puppy’s screams as soon as possible and take them outside to use the restroom in order to avoid accidents.
They are hungry
Puppies must eat regularly since their stomachs are small, especially when they are young.
Crate weeping by your puppy at night can indicate that they are starving.
Feeding your puppy on a regular schedule and avoiding feeding them too close to bedtime will help to prevent this.
By doing this, you can assure that your puppy won’t be ravenous when it’s time for bed.
They are cold
Because they are more sensitive to the cold than adult dogs, puppies may cry if they are cold in their crate at night.
By giving your puppy a soft, fuzzy blanket or bed, you can ensure that their kennel is warm and comfy.
To add even more warmth, you can think about using a heating pad or a hot water bottle that has been wrapped in a towel.
Make sure your puppy’s crate isn’t excessively hot or cold by keeping an eye on the temperature.
They are in pain or discomfort
When puppies are in pain or discomfort, such as when teething, they may cry in their crate at night.
Make sure to look for any injuries or illnesses in your puppy, such as limping, vomiting, or diarrhea.
It’s crucial to take your puppy to the vet for a checkup if you think your puppy may be in pain.
Uncomfortable sleeping environment
If their box is too hot, too cold, or uncomfortable in another way, puppies may cry at night.
Ensure that your puppy has a soft, snug bed to sleep on and that their crate is in a peaceful, pleasant area.
Learn more about dogs hiding under bed.
Tips for helping a new puppy adjust to their crate at night
Here are some tips to help your new puppy adjust to their crate at night:
- Choose the proper size crate: Your puppy should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the crate. It shouldn’t be so large, though, that your puppy may use one end for sleeping and the other for urinating.
- Introduce the crate gradually: Gradually introducing your puppy to the crate is a good idea. Put it in a space where your dog spends a lot of time, keep the door open, and fill it with cozy bedding. Praise your dog when they enter the crate and encourage them to explore it.
- Use positive reinforcement: When teaching your puppy to sleep in a crate, always utilize positive reinforcement. When they enter the crate freely, praise them or give them cookies or toys as a reward.
- Build a welcoming atmosphere: Make your dog as comfortable as you can in the crate. To keep them occupied, you should include comfortable bedding, a cozy blanket, and a few toys.
- Maintain a routine: Establish a schedule for your pup’s crate time. When you put them in the crate, make sure they’ve used the restroom and have had enough activity.
- Gradually extend the time: Begin by putting your dog in the crate for brief intervals, then extend it. This will make it easier for them to adjust to spending more time in the crate.
- Avoid punishment: Never use the box as a means of corporal punishment. This will make your puppy associate the crate negatively and make it more difficult for him to acclimatize.
- Use calming scents: Employ calming scents to help your dog unwind in the crate. Try calming scents like lavender or chamomile. To add these scents to the crate, use a diffuser or spray.
- Avoid giving too much water before bedtime: Limit your puppy’s water consumption a few hours before bedtime to reduce frequent nighttime bathroom trips. Avoid giving your pet too much water before bedtime.
- Cover the crate: Some puppies feel more secure in crates that are covered. You can put a blanket inside the crate to keep it warm, but watch out that it doesn’t get stuffy or overheated inside.
- Make the crate a positive space: Make the crate a happy place by putting treats, toys, or food inside to help your puppy see the crate as a happy place. This will enable children to connect the container with pleasant memories.
- Don’t force your puppy: Resist shoving your puppy into the kennel by not doing so. This may make them associate the crate negatively and make the adjustment more difficult.
- Employ a command: To get your puppy to enter the crate, use a command like “crate” or “bed.” The crate will become clear to them as a safe place for them as a result.
- Be patient: Last but not least, always exercise patience. Some puppies may take longer than others to acclimatize to crate training, and it can take some time. Your dog will ultimately become used to the crate if you stick to the schedule and use positive reinforcement consistently.
Learn more about how to stop a puppy from crying in a crate.
Conclusion
Bringing a new puppy home can be a challenging but rewarding experience.
There will be a period of adjustment for both you and your puppy as you work to settle them in their crate at night.
However, by understanding why your puppy is crying, providing them with a comfortable and secure environment, and establishing a consistent routine, you can help your puppy adjust to their new home and settle happily in their crate at night.
With patience and dedication, you and your puppy will soon be sleeping peacefully through the night.
