Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. One common concern that many new puppy owners face is nighttime crying. Whether it’s the first night or several weeks in, hearing your puppy cry at night can be stressful for both you and your puppy. But don’t worry, this behaviour is normal, and with the right approach, you can help your puppy settle into a peaceful nighttime routine.
In this blog, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about why puppies cry at night, how to address it, and what steps you can take to ensure your puppy sleeps soundly through the night.
Key Takeaways
• Normal crying is often a response to adjusting to a new environment, but excessive crying after a few days may signal a behavioural issue.
• Avoid responding immediately to crying, as this reinforces the behaviour. Let your puppy learn to settle on its own.
• Crate training with a comfortable, secure setup is essential for helping your puppy sleep peacefully through the night.
• Age matters; younger puppies may need more frequent breaks, but as they grow, they’ll gradually learn to sleep through the night.
• If crying persists or your puppy shows signs of distress, it’s time to consult a Bark Buster trainer for guidance.
Why Do Puppies Cry at Night?
The real reason puppies cry at night is often due to a combination of loneliness, fear, or a need for comfort. Here are the most common reasons why puppies cry:
• Adjustment to a New Environment
Moving to a new home can be overwhelming for a puppy. They’re separated from their mother and littermates, and everything around them is unfamiliar. This change can trigger feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and fear, causing your puppy to cry at night.
• Need to Toilet
Puppies, especially young ones, often need to toilet during the night. If your puppy hasn’t had a chance to relieve itself before bedtime, it may cry to let you know it needs to go outside.
• Seeking Attention
Just like human babies, puppies sometimes cry to get attention. They may want to be close to you, feel comforted, or even be petted. This behaviour can be frustrating, especially if they’ve already been fed and toileted, but it’s important to address this behaviour properly to avoid reinforcing it.
Understanding the root cause of your puppy’s crying will help you decide on the most appropriate way to address it.
What’s the One Thing New Puppy Owners Do That Actually Makes It Worse?
One of the biggest mistakes new puppy owners make is rushing to their puppy immediately when it cries. While it’s natural to want to comfort your puppy, responding too quickly can reinforce the crying behaviour, leading your puppy to learn that crying gets attention.
Instead, make sure your puppy’s physical needs have been met before bed; this includes feeding, toileting, and providing a comfortable space to sleep. If your puppy cries after that, try to wait for a few minutes before responding. If your puppy settles after a short period, that’s a sign that it can self-soothe and settle on its own. If the crying persists for more than 30 minutes, it’s time to check if there’s something else wrong.
What’s the Difference Between Normal Adjustment Crying and Behavioural Problems That Need Professional Help?
There’s a difference between normal adjustment crying and crying due to behavioural problems. Normal adjustment crying typically happens during the first few nights or weeks as your puppy adjusts to its new home.
On the other hand, behavioural problems arise if your puppy continues to cry excessively after they’ve adjusted to their environment, and if this behaviour doesn’t decrease with time. If your puppy is consistently unable to sleep, has trouble settling, or exhibits extreme distress, it may be time to seek help from a professional dog trainer.
In most cases, though, nighttime crying is temporary and related to adjustment. But if the crying doesn’t subside after 30 minutes by the end of the first few nights, or if other behaviours like constant chewing or aggression emerge, it is time to call a Bark Buster trainer.
What Is the Complete First-Night Setup for Success?
Setting up your puppy for success on its first night is crucial in reducing nighttime crying. Here’s a simple and effective setup:
• Crate Training: Use a crate that’s just big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A crate provides a cozy, secure space that can make your puppy feel safe, especially if you cover it with a soft blanket to create a “den” environment.
• Comfort Items: Place a soft bed or blanket inside the crate to make it comfortable. Consider adding a piece of your clothing so your puppy can smell you and feel comforted.
• Toileting Break: Ensure your puppy has a chance to go outside to relieve itself before bedtime. A puppy under four months may need one or two toileting breaks during the night. Take them out before bed and set up a puppy pad in case of accidents.
Overall, dogs tend to like small, dark and cozy spaces for sleep.
What Age-Specific Differences Should Owners Know?
Puppies’ nighttime needs change as they grow, and it’s important to adjust your approach as your puppy matures:
• 0–4 Months: Puppies at this age typically need to toilet 1-2 times a night. They may cry because they don’t yet know how to settle in their crate on their own.
• 4–6 Months: At this stage, most puppies can sleep through the night with one or no toileting breaks.
• 6+ Months: By six months, most puppies are able to sleep through the night without needing a toileting break. If your older puppy is still crying, it may be a sign of separation anxiety or other behavioural issues that may need professional attention.
Conclusion
Nighttime crying is a normal part of puppyhood, but with the right approach, it can be minimized. By understanding why your puppy cries and taking steps to address it, you can help them adjust to their new home and get the sleep they need. If your puppy’s crying continues or if other behavioural issues emerge, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Bark Buster dog trainer for help.
Why is my puppy crying at night?
Puppies cry at night for several reasons, including adjustment to a new environment, the need to toilet, or seeking attention. It’s common for puppies to cry because they are separated from their littermates and mother, and everything in their new home is unfamiliar. Additionally, puppies may cry because they need a bathroom break or simply want your attention. Understanding the cause can help you address the issue more effectively
How long will my puppy cry at night?
It’s normal for puppies to cry at night during the first few nights or weeks while they adjust to their new home. This typically lasts for 1–2 weeks. However, if your puppy continues to cry beyond this period, it could be a sign of separation anxiety or other behavioural issues that may require professional help from Bark Busters trainers.
Should I respond immediately when my puppy cries at night?
No, it’s important not to rush to your puppy immediately when it cries. If you respond too quickly, you may unintentionally reinforce the crying behaviour. Instead, ensure your puppy’s basic needs (such as toileting and comfort) are met before bed, and allow them to self-soothe if they cry. If the crying continues for an extended period, it may be time to check if something else is wrong
How do I crate train my puppy for bedtime?
Crate training your puppy for bedtime involves making the crate a positive, comfortable space. Choose a crate that is the right size and add soft bedding inside. Place the crate in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home, and ensure your puppy’s toileting needs are met before bedtime.