Should You Ignore Your Puppy When It Cries?
Bringing a new puppy home is a joyful yet challenging experience. One of the most emotionally testing parts is handling a puppy's crying, especially at night. Many new dog owners wonder: should I ignore my puppy when it cries? The simple answer is no, especially during the early days. Puppies cry for a reason—they’re communicating discomfort, fear, or needs such as hunger or the need for a bathroom break.
Why Do Puppies Cry at Night?
Puppies often cry at night due to:
- Separation anxiety from their mother and littermates
- Fear of unfamiliar surroundings
- Need for comfort and companionship
- Bathroom needs due to small bladders
Understanding these reasons is the first step to responding appropriately. Puppies are social animals and need time to adjust to being alone. Their crying shouldn’t be viewed as misbehavior but as an attempt to communicate a need or distress.
Should You Let a Puppy 'Cry It Out'?
No, letting your puppy cry it out is not advisable. Ignoring a crying puppy entirely can increase their anxiety and hinder the formation of a healthy bond with you. Puppies need reassurance. This doesn’t mean you should rush to their side at every whimper, but responding appropriately is vital.
How to Respond When Your Puppy Cries
- Wait a Moment: Sometimes puppies settle themselves after a brief cry.
- Assess Their Needs: Do they need a bathroom break, food, or water?
- Provide Reassurance: Use a calm voice or gentle touch to soothe them.
- Toilet Breaks: Take them out without fuss or play—then return them to bed promptly.
- Minimize Interaction: Avoid turning nighttime checks into playtime.
Offering quiet comfort can help reduce crying over time. A consistent, calm routine reinforces security.
Creating a Comforting Sleep Environment
A secure and comforting sleep setup is critical for reducing nighttime cries.
- Use a crate: Properly introduce crate training with positive reinforcement.
- Keep the crate near you: Initially, have the crate or bed near your own to provide a sense of presence.
- Provide familiar scents: Bedding from the breeder or worn clothing with your scent can help.
- Mimic warmth and heartbeat: Special toys or a ticking clock can soothe your puppy.
- Ensure comfort: Provide soft, chew-safe bedding and consider a covered crate for a den-like feel.
Establish a Soothing Nighttime Routine
Routines signal bedtime to your puppy and decrease anxiety.
- Set regular mealtimes: Avoid feeding large meals close to bedtime.
- Have a final calm play session: This helps your puppy release any residual energy.
- Take a toilet break: Ensure your puppy relieves themselves before bed.
- Quiet time: Reduce stimulation with soft voices and lower lights.
A structured approach helps puppies learn when it’s time to wind down and sleep.
The Role of Crate Training
Crate training helps puppies feel secure. Introduce the crate gradually:
- Feed meals in the crate.
- Use treats. Reward any voluntary crate entry.
- Start with short durations. Slowly extend crate time as your puppy becomes more comfortable.
- Keep the door open at first. Encourage exploration without pressure.
Never use the crate for punishment—doing so creates negative associations.
Daytime Activity Supports Nighttime Sleep
Puppies with sufficient exercise and mental enrichment during the day tend to sleep better at night.
- Engage in short walks and play sessions.
- Use puzzle toys and training games.
- Provide chew toys to relieve teething discomfort.
- Avoid high-energy play close to bedtime.
Each puppy has unique energy levels, but mental and physical stimulation helps regulate their sleep cycle.
When Is it Okay to Ignore Crying?
Once your pup is more settled and their basic needs have been met, briefly ignoring non-urgent crying may be appropriate—this helps avoid reinforcing the behavior. However, always differentiate between cries of distress and minor fussing.
Can Products Help?
Some tools may ease the transition:
- Pheromone diffusers or collars: Like Adaptil—mimic mother dog’s calming scent.
- Heartbeat toys: Simulate comfort of sleeping with littermates.
- Warmed bedding: Provide warmth without using hazardous heat sources.
These aids should complement—not replace—a soothing routine and hands-on care.
Time and Patience are Essential
Most puppies cry the first few nights but settle as they grow accustomed to their new environment. For some, this takes just a few days; others may require weeks. With patience, a structured routine, and lots of love, your puppy will learn to feel safe and sleep peacefully.
If crying persists or seems related to pain, illness, or severe distress, consult a veterinarian or a certified canine behaviorist.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t ignore a crying puppy completely—assess and respond appropriately.
- A comfortable environment and consistent routine aid in reducing anxiety.
- Use crates, scent objects, and calming aids as supportive measures.
- Reinforce quiet behavior and avoid making crying a way to receive attention.
By addressing their needs with care and consistency, your puppy will gradually adapt and gain the confidence to sleep soundly on their own.
