Helping Your Puppy Stop Crying at Night
Bringing home a new puppy is full of excitement, but those first few nights can be tough. Puppies often cry when left alone at night. It's perfectly normal—they're adjusting to being away from their mother and littermates, and everything feels unfamiliar.
Why Puppies Cry at Night
Puppies are social creatures. They rely on the presence of others for comfort and security. When they're suddenly alone in a new place, they may cry out for companionship, warmth, or simply because they need the bathroom. Their small bladders mean they'll usually need to go out once or twice overnight during the first weeks.
- Loneliness or fear: The absence of familiar scents and sounds can be unsettling.
- Bathroom needs: Young puppies can't hold their bladder for long; add one to their age in months for the number of hours they can wait (a two-month-old puppy needs a break every three hours).
Setting Up for Success: Comfort and Security
Your puppy will settle more quickly if you create a cozy, safe sleeping area. A soft bed or vet fleece works well—just make sure it's safe for chewing. For extra comfort, use an item with your scent or something from the breeder (like a worn t-shirt or bedding). Some puppies find warmth soothing: try warming their bedding or using heat pads (but keep hot water bottles out of reach).
A crate can help some puppies feel secure, especially if you cover it with a blanket to create a den-like space. Make sure it's big enough for your pup to stand up, turn around, and stretch comfortably.
The Importance of Routine
Puppies thrive on consistency. A regular bedtime routine helps signal that it's time to wind down. This might include:
- A calm play session
- A final bathroom break
- Quiet time before bed
Avoid feeding right before sleep—give the last meal a few hours earlier—and limit water intake just before bedtime to reduce nighttime accidents.
Responding to Nighttime Crying
If your puppy cries at night, don't rush in immediately—but don't leave them alone for long stretches either. Letting them "cry it out" is not recommended; it can increase anxiety and damage your bond. Instead:
- Wait briefly to see if they settle on their own.
- If they continue crying, check calmly if they need the toilet.
If you do take them out for a bathroom break, keep things boring: no playing or chatting—just quiet praise when they've finished, then straight back to bed.
Gradual Independence
You might want to let your puppy sleep near you at first—either in your room or by moving their crate close by. As they get more comfortable, gradually move their sleeping spot to its permanent location.
Crate Training Tips
- Introduce the crate slowly and positively: feed meals inside it and play crate games with the door open.
- Never use the crate as punishment.
If your puppy gets distressed when left alone in the crate, take things slow—start with short periods and build up as they gain confidence.
The Role of Daytime Routine
Tired puppies sleep better! Make sure yours gets enough exercise and mental stimulation during the day through playtime and training sessions—but avoid high-energy activities right before bed.
Avoid Reinforcing Crying
- Only let your puppy out of the crate or give attention when they're quiet (unless they're distressed or need the toilet).
Don't ignore persistent crying if all needs are met—especially with very young pups—as this could make them more anxious about bedtime.
Extra Soothing Aids
- Pheromone diffusers or collars (like Adaptil) may help some puppies feel calmer by mimicking comforting signals from their mother dog.
Heartbeat toys or ticking clocks can also provide comfort but should be used alongside good routines—not as substitutes for attention and care.
How Long Does It Last?
Crying usually fades as your puppy settles into their new home—some adjust in days; others take a couple of weeks. If distress continues despite these strategies (or if there are signs of illness), consult your vet or a professional behaviorist.
Key Guidelines Recap
- Create a warm, safe sleeping area with familiar scents.
- Stick to consistent bedtime routines and feeding schedules.
- Soothe gently without overexciting; avoid rewarding noise-making except for real needs.
- Ensure enough daytime activity so your pup is ready for sleep at night.
Puppies are individuals—patience and understanding go a long way. With time and gentle support, most will soon sleep soundly through the night in their new home.
