How to Stop a Puppy Crying on the First Night

You've brought your new little furball home; they are wide-eyed and uncertain, navigating a world of new scents, strange sounds, and a bed that isn't the warm, comforting cuddle they're used to. Unfortunately, none of this is conducive to a good night's sleep.

It's important to keep in mind that this is likely the first time your pup is spending a night away from their original fur family. Cue the waterworks - and we mean both yours and theirs. The emotional rollercoaster of night one can be difficult for everyone involved, but navigating your first step of the puppy-parenting plunge doesn't have to be complicated. Let's explore how to hush those puppy cries on that unforgettable first night and turn those whimpering woes into sweet dreams for everyone in the house.

Understanding Why Puppies Cry on the First Night

When you find yourself asking the internet, "Why is my puppy crying?" know that you're not alone. Puppies cry for many reasons, particularly on that nerve-wracking first night. Until now, your little pupper has been nestled snugly with their mom and siblings, and the first night in your home features new smells, strange sounds, and an eerie absence of familiar fur faces. Cue the waterworks.

Your puppy is navigating uncharted territory, and separation anxiety might just be the start of their melodramatic night. However, before you mistake every whimper for a case of separation anxiety, it can help decipher the puppy code. Early-night cries are likely anxiety, but middle-of-the-night howls may mean nature's calling.

Preparing for the First Night

Creating a cozy space for your puppy is vital to conquering the first-night jitters. Enter the crate – the puppy's very own safe space. The crate offers security and is a valuable tool in shaping good behaviour and aiding in-house training.

Include some treats or serve meals inside the crate

Introduce a collection of toys to keep them entertained

Keep familiar smells in the crate

Create a positive association with their personal space

Include a soft dog bed or cozy blankets

Important note: Never use the crate as a penalty box.

Establishing a Bedtime Routine

Timing is everything for your pre-snooze checklist, especially regarding your puppy's culinary delights. Schedule their last meal around 5 p.m., allowing ample time for digestion and a final bathroom break before the bedtime bell tolls. Consistency is key when figuring out how to get a puppy to sleep at night without crying; ensuring a regular feeding schedule keeps your pup's bowels in check and aids in-house training.

Engaging in stimulating activities a few hours before bedtime helps tire out your pint-sized companion. While games like tug of war, hide and seek, and puzzle toys are fantastic for keeping your pup mentally and physically active, it's crucial not to overstimulate them just before bedtime. Aim for a gradual wind-down in the hour leading up to lights out, allowing your furball to transition smoothly from play to sleep.

Pro tip: Embark on a just-before-bed potty break. This short excursion gives your pup one last opportunity to relieve themselves before settling in for the night. It's a preventive measure against midnight bathroom emergencies, ensuring you and your little companion enjoy an uninterrupted rest.

How to Stop Your Puppy Crying at Night

Resisting the urge to turn into a night-time guardian angel is important. While it may feel like an emergency siren, your puppy's crying is more of a theatrical performance than a genuine plea for help. Providing comfort and cuddles may seem like the right thing to do, but beware – you might unintentionally become your pup's midnight audience, night after night.

Technically, all your pup needs for a restful night is some soft bedding and a secure environment. Fresh water is a must, but leaving a bowl in their quarters might lead to soggy mishaps or chilly pup encounters. If the night-time serenade persists, check for drafts, ensure ample warm bedding, dim the lights and play some gentle music. Be sure to eliminate any potential night-time nuisances, as well. If the cries persist beyond a few days, it's time for a vet visit. Rule out injuries or signs of illness, and remember, patience is a virtue in the quest for silent nights.

When to Check on Your Puppy

For the first few weeks, especially with a young pup up to 12 weeks, anticipate the need for nighttime potty breaks every two hours. Remember, the frequency might vary based on breed and individual differences. It's a commitment, but those sleepless nights are a temporary passage to a well-rested future.

Now, for those midnight cries. Is it a plea for attention or a genuine call for help? If your pup starts the serenade immediately upon being placed in the crate, it's likely an attention-seeking strategy. Puppies are smart and quickly learn that a whimper can summon a comforting human. In such cases, resist the temptation to rush to the rescue.

However, if the crying persists beyond the initial moments of crate confinement, it's time for a compassionate investigation. Genuine distress may manifest as continuous and escalating cries, accompanied by signs of restlessness or discomfort.

How to Stop a Puppy Crying When You Leave the Room

Gradual desensitisation makes everything easier when it's time to leave. Adopt a nonchalant departure and return without fanfare, making your comings and goings routine to help your puppy acclimate to the natural ebb and flow of daily life. With a series of small, solo tasks, you can gently introduce your pup to being alone.

Showering, using the restroom, or tossing clothes in the wash can be perfect opportunities. As your pup masters these brief stints, reward them with a tasty treat, creating positive associations with solo activities.

Start with short intervals of separation – a mere 5 minutes apart

Slowly increase this time, extending it to 10, 15, and eventually, 30 minutes until your pup becomes comfortable with longer stretches of solitude

The key is to take it slow, ensuring your pup feels secure during these periods

Provide a safe area with toys that can be filled with treats to keep them engaged and distracted

With patience, consistency, and a little creativity, you can transform tearful goodbyes into confident solo adventures for your new four-legged friend.

FAQs

How do I get my puppy to settle at night?

To help your puppy settle, employ gradual desensitisation and crate training techniques, engage in short, solo tasks, reward your pup with treats, and slowly increase alone time intervals, using a safe area with engaging toys. Consider crate training to provide a secure space and rule out other issues like boredom or lack of stimulation.

Do puppies grow out of crying at night?

Yes, puppies often grow out of crying at night with the proper management. Night crying can be a way for puppies to seek attention and comfort; for example, a wagging tail accompanying the crying may indicate a desire to play. This behaviour is considered normal, and as your puppy matures, they are likely to outgrow this phase, especially with consistent training and care.

Should I ignore my puppy crying at night?

You should not ignore a crying puppy, especially during their first few nights. Leaving them to 'cry it out' can lead to increased anxiety and stress, potentially worsening the situation. Puppies, particularly in their initial weeks, may feel uneasy without their canine family and need gradual guidance to build confidence and independence. While limiting direct interaction during the night is recommended, providing a reassuring presence, such as taking them out for a toilet break, can help them settle without associating crying with negative attention. It's crucial to teach them independence rather than gradually ignoring their distress.

Fostering a peaceful night's sleep

The transition to solo slumber may come with some cries, but with time, strategic training, and a steady dose of understanding, this will transform into blissful silence. However, if the nocturnal noise persists beyond what feels like a reasonable timeframe, do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Just as each puppy is unique, so are their needs and challenges.