It's no secret that puppies are adorable, but the constant crying can be annoying, and you may find yourself asking, How to stop a puppy from crying?
Luckily, it's not difficult to do as long as you pay close attention to your dog's needs and find ways to meet them. You will have a good night's sleep. A happy puppy will leave you with peace of mind instead of a headache, so follow this guide to stop your puppy from crying.
Tips For Settling New Puppies Day & Night
The first few nights can be a roller coaster for some new puppy parents. As young puppies who left their dog foster home, familiarizing themselves with the untouched territory and family members will be hard work. Most puppies might cry or whine when they are tired, scared, or hungry.
So, here are ten essential puppy tips for settling new puppies crying at night:
1. Understand The Different Types of Puppy Cries
On the first night a puppy cries, it can often be difficult for you to understand what they're trying to communicate. You may know they're sad or in pain but figuring out why can be confusing when you have little experience with dog behavior.
The next time your puppy starts whining, try talking with a dog trainer or veterinarian and ask them if they can help you determine what type of cry your pup is using. Knowing what type of puppy cry your pet is making will make it easier for you to identify solutions that work best.
For instance, puppies use different types of cries when hungry than when they are lonely. If you don't know how to tell which one your pup is using, then you won't be able to fix their problem as effectively.
2. Establish A Feeding Schedule For Your Pup
In the wee small hours of the mourning, most puppies cry when hungry and want their next meal. Establishing a feeding schedule for your new puppy will help eliminate unnecessary whining.
If you feed your dog three meals per day, then plan on providing him every eight hours (or at least every 12 hours).
If your puppy eats twice in one day—for example, breakfast and dinner. Then plan on leaving out an afternoon snack as well. This way, your puppy learns to be content and won't feel like he has to whine all day because of his empty stomach!
How many times daily should a puppy eat?
No hard and fast rule states puppies should eat a certain number of times per day. However, as a general principle, a puppy must consume 2-4% of its body weight daily. So, if your dog weighs 10 pounds (4.5 kg), you should feed him 0.2-0.4 pounds (0.1-0.2 kg) daily over several small meals throughout the day.
It will ensure he gets all of his nutrients without becoming too full. When it comes to feeding your puppy, if you're unsure, ask your vet for advice on what would be best for his specific situation.
3. Provide Water (And Lots Of It!)
Too much thirst can cause a puppy to cry. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water, and give it a bowl of water with ice cubes in it. It will help keep your pet's mouth cold, relieving pain.
If you have a predominantly young or tiny dog, ensure they always have access to water while eating. You don't want them choking on their food because they didn't drink enough water beforehand.
4. Teach The Puppy What You Want
Let's be clear: You won't stop your puppy from crying on the first night, but you can teach him what you want. The first step is to identify what you don't like about his behavior.
- Is he chewing on furniture?
- Howling for attention?
- Whining when he wants out of his crate?
Whatever it is, start by teaching him a new behavior that gets him closer to where you want him to be instead of doing what he currently does.
For example, if he's chewing on furniture, teach him to chew on his toys instead (if your dog isn't crate-trained yet and needs one, do it now). You'll learn more about how to start crate training as you read on.
If he's howling for attention, teach him an alternative way to get your attention, like sitting or lying down, rather than barking or whining. In addition, you can book a doggy school class for your puppy. It will help your pet socialize with its kind and kill boredom.
5. Use Chew Toys Instead Of Shoes Or Furniture As Teething Toys
If your puppy lacks playtime, he might start chewing on shoes and furniture. It's not just boredom; it's a need for stimulation. Give your puppy lots of chew toys as substitutes for shoes and pillows.
You can chew toys out of cardboard boxes, tennis balls, and even old socks. Just ensure they're sturdy enough that your dog won't be able to tear them apart easily. (And don't forget: always supervise your pup when it has a new toy.)
If you notice him chewing on something he shouldn't have, like furniture or shoes, don't yell at him or hit him with a newspaper.
It will only frighten him and make him afraid of you. Instead, remove whatever is from his reach and offer him an appropriate chew toy.
6. Learn About Puppies Crying At Night Time
What is the cause of your puppy crying at night? Is your puppy hungry, thirsty, lonely, or scared? The cause of your puppy crying at night can determine how you solve his problem.
- If it's hunger or thirst, feed him, and he should stop.
- If it's loneliness and fear, make sure there are no other pets in the same room that could scare him (such as a cat).
- If it's because of a medical issue like pain from teething or an ear infection, check him out by a veterinarian to help you treat his condition.
On the condition none of the above is the cause of your puppy crying at night. Try getting a puppy home for him and putting it in your bedroom. It will give your puppy a sense of security and should stop any crying at night.
If none of these work, consult with your veterinarian. There could be other reasons why he is crying at night, such as separation anxiety or something else.
7. Crate Training Can Help With Separation Anxiety And Destructive Behavior
Dogs are very social animals, and when they're left alone for long periods, it can lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing up furniture or floors. You may want to crate-train your dog to combat this undesirable future behavior.
Crate training is also a good way for your pup to get used to being home alone at first—before you leave him for a few hours. In addition, studies show that dogs who are crate trained have less separation anxiety than dogs who aren't!
tips to help crate training
Here are a few tips for crate-training your dog:
I. Buy a Crate Right For Your Dog (Size, Material, etc.)
When buying a crate, you want a puppy crate that will fit your dog perfectly. A smaller crate will make your puppy feel cramped and uncomfortable.
Too big, and they could use one end for a bathroom break and fall asleep at the other. Ensure you measure your dog before buying a puppy crate to get what you need!
II. Don't Use It as a Punishment
Many people use a puppy crate to keep their dogs out of trouble, but it can backfire if you don't do it correctly. You want your dog to think of his crate as a safe space where he can relax and avoid distractions, not something that makes him feel bad when he goes there.
III. Make Sure Your Dog is Comfortable in his crate before leaving him alone for a Long Period.
This portion is probably one of the most critical parts of crate training your dog. It's great to get your pup comfortable with its crate before leaving it alone for extended periods.
IV. Leave Your Dog Alone for Short Periods and Gradually Increase It Until He's Comfortable Being Home Alone for Longer Periods.
You can start by leaving your dog alone for five minutes, then ten, and so on. Until your puppy is comfortable being home alone while you're gone all day at work or running errands, leave him with a few toys or treats so he doesn't get bored!
Also, see our Ultihow blog How To Make Dog Poop Outside – A Simple Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy, to learn how to train your puppy.
V. Don't Punish Your Dog if He Has an Accident in His Crate
When your dog is discovered to have an accident in his cage, don't punish him! Instead, give him a treat or toy and move on with your day—he won't make that mistake again! It's normal for dogs to have accidents while still learning to be home alone.
Does putting a light blanket over a dog crate help?
Some puppies will settle into their crates when you put a blanket over them. It helps them sleep and provides a barrier between them and whatever's happening around them that they don't want to deal with.
Puppies feel more secure when covered up in their crate. If your pup is using its crate as a security blanket, cover it up!
But it's important to note that putting a blanket over your dog's crate is not a permanent solution. If you leave it there for too long, your puppy will become used to being covered and may begin crate whining when you take it away.
Hence, if your puppy makes his crate as a security blanket, it's best to cover it up for just a few minutes. Then slowly increase that time until your puppy is used to being in his crate without any covering.
8. You Need To Spend Time With Your Puppy
To stop a puppy from crying, you must be there for them. It means taking them for walks, playing with them, and spending quality time when possible. If you're not spending time with your puppy, they'll get bored and find ways to entertain themselves (usually by getting into trouble).
When you are around, give your puppy plenty of attention; your puppy must learn how to act in social situations. If you have friends over, try bringing out their favorite toys or treats so they can spend time with everyone.
Suppose you work long hours and don't have time to spend with your puppy during the day. Consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter if possible. In this way, your puppy won't feel neglected when left alone for extended periods.
How much attention do puppies need a day?
Most people have difficulty quantifying how much time they can spend with their dog in the early days of the master-pet relationship. Puppies' standard amount of attention is roughly 1.5x what adult dogs need. Your puppy needs three hours of socializing, training, and playtime daily.
If you're unsure how much time you can devote to your pet daily, consider all your commitments before bringing home a new puppy friend!
9. Reward Good Behavior
This one might sound obvious, but it's easy to forget. Many new puppy owners don't consider or take advantage of positive reinforcement when training their dogs. Instead, they rely on punishments like yelling and hitting, which often cause many puppies to cry.
If you catch your puppy being good, whether sitting in quiet mode when told or not peeing in your laundry basket for a few days, give them a treat as soon as possible.
Dogs thrive on attention, so make a point of rewarding good behavior instead of punishing bad. It's not only how you train your puppy but also how you build a bond with them. The puppy will be easier to train, but it'll be happier and more self-confident. You'll both benefit!
10. Hire A Professional Trainer If Necessary
If you've done all you can and your dog is still crying, it's time to hire a professional trainer. Trainers are an investment; they know how dogs think and act and how best to solve their problems. Pro trainers will help in ways that you can't. It's money well spent.
It's especially true if you have very young puppies or a puppy that is extremely challenging to handle (by most standards).
Keep in mind: trainers do not come cheap. You should expect to pay between $50 and $200 an hour for their services, depending on where you live and how many hours they'll be working with your dog. But it's still worth it if the puppy's crying ends and it learns how to behave appropriately.
Should You Ignore A Crying Puppy?
When you hear a puppy crying, your first instinct may be to ignore it, but that's not always the right decision. A puppy may cry for many reasons, and if you don't address what's causing it, it could develop anxiety or stress.
It's up to dog owners to recognize each situation as unique and act accordingly. So how do you know when ignoring your puppy is okay? And when should you intervene?
Here are some common reasons why puppies cry, along with advice on what to do about it:
If a Puppy is Crying For Attention
If a pup cries for attention, it's usually best to ignore them until they quiet down. It will help them learn that puppy whining doesn't work and that they should rely on other ways to meet their needs.
Nonetheless, if their cries are particularly loud or constant, it may be best to comfort them so they can settle down more quickly.
If a Puppy is Crying Because they Need to go Outside
When puppies cry to go outside, you should immediately take them out. It's important not to punish your dog by ignoring their cries, as you don't want them to learn that whining gets them nowhere.
You can find the right automatic ball launcher for your puppy in the Ulti Best Products category Get The Best Automatic Ball Launcher For Small Dogs.
Why Is Raising A Puppy So Hard? - Tips To Make It Easier
Raising a baby puppy can be a lot of work, but it's also rewarding! This process can be overwhelming sometimes if you don't know what you're doing or aren't prepared. But there are ways to make this process much easier and enjoyable! Here are some tips on how to raise a puppy.
What to Consider Before Getting a Dog
Here are some factors to consider before getting a dog:
- Do you have time to devote to your young dog each day?
- Do you live in an apartment or house with a yard?
- What breed of dog do you want, and what size will they be at full maturity (i.e., do you want a Great Dane but don't have the space)?
- Can your pet get enough exercise where it lives now, or does it need to be walked every day for an hour or more at a time?
- Are you allergic to any breeds?
- Is this pup from a breeder or rescue organization, or is it coming from a shelter?
- How much will you spend on food and veterinary bills over your lifetime? -If the puppy goes potty in your home, can you clean it up without too much trouble?
- Do you live alone or with others who can help care for your new pet? -What's your lifestyle like-do you work long hours outside the home?
- Would your new puppy feel safe if left alone during the day?
- Do family members in your household want a dog?
All these are good questions to ask yourself before getting a new puppy. But if there's no doubt in your mind that owning a dog is right for you, go ahead and adopt one! If you're unsure whether you should get one, then maybe wait until your situation changes.
Training Your Dog's Brain
The first thing you do when you bring a pet home is to start training the puppy's brain. Basic training will make it easier to train the behavior later on. The more hard work you put into teaching your basic dog commands, the easier your pet will learn. We've covered the details of this fact earlier in the article.
Preparing for Health Problems
Puppies need a lot of care, but it's worth it because they grow up to be loving companions. Another great tip is that puppies are prone to specific health problems. They should have their shots and be sterilized or neutered when they're young.
You can also protect your puppy from worms by giving them monthly heartworm-preventative medicine. Finally, brush your pup's teeth at least once a day and feed them the right food to stay healthy and happy!
To Conclude
There are many reasons why puppies cry, and you must take the time to investigate and address each one. If a puppy is crying excessively, this may be a sign of neglect or illness.
If your puppy only cries when awake, it may be caused by anxiety or fear. If your puppy does not have access to food, water, or a place to go potty, then it is most likely that they will cry until these needs are met.
If you crate your pup for too long, its muscles may ache, making them uncomfortable. You should ensure that your puppy gets enough exercise and playtime with other dogs to avoid excessive whining.
You can also give your dog extra attention before leaving for work if it has separation anxiety due to being home alone all day while you work. You'll feel much better knowing you're doing what's best for your puppy if you learn how to stop crying today.
FAQ
Is It Okay To Leave A Puppy Crying In A Crate?
Yes and No. Never leave a puppy or dog in the crate for more than an hour. It needs time to explore and get used to the surroundings. It can take up to two hours for them to feel comfortable enough with their new home before settling down and returning to their crate.
So, make sure they have plenty of time out of the crate. You may consider leaving your pup with another family member or friend if you'll be gone longer.
How Do You Tire Out a Puppy?
When a puppy cries, they are often just looking for attention and needs some interaction with its owners. Here are some strategies on how you can tire out your pup and make them stop crying:
- Give the pet a lot of exercise. Take your dog on long walks or play in the yard with them. Ensure you are playing in an area with no distractions so the puppy doesn't get distracted from playing with you.
- Let the puppy play with other dogs outside.
- Get a toy filled with food and let the puppy chew on it so it has something to do and eats simultaneously.
Should You Play Tug of War With Your Puppy?
Playing tug of war is an excellent way to get your pup's attention and teach them not to bite humans. However, it would be best if you played the game with puppies younger than eight months old.
If your pup is still teething and has needle-sharp teeth, they may take the game too far and accidentally hurt you or your clothes.
Furthermore, older dogs are less likely to end the game when they've had enough and will continue playing until they're tired or distracted by another activity.
References
Why Does a Puppy Cry So Much?
Golden Hearts: 9 Reasons Why Your Puppy Is Crying (And How To Get Them To Stop)
Do All Puppies Cry When Left Alone?
American Kennel Club: Can Dogs Cry? Do Dogs Cry Tears?
Understand The Different Types of Puppy Cries
Insider: 10 sounds your dog makes and what they mean.
Establish A Feeding Schedule For Your Pup
PetMD: Puppy Crying: Why it Happens and How to Help
American Kennel Club: How Often Should Dogs Eat?
Provide Water (And Lots Of It!)
America Kennel Club: Is Your Puppy Drinking Enough Water
Teach The Puppy What You Want
RSPCA: Is it important to train my dog? What sort of training would you recommend?
Use Chew Toys Instead Of Shoes Or Furniture As Teething Toys
The Humane Society: How to stop your dog's chewing and biting problem
Learn About Puppies Crying At Night Time
Insider: 10 sound your dog makes and what they mean
Crate Training Can Help With Separation Anxiety And Destructive Behavior
The Humane Society: How to crate train your dog or puppy
MSPCA: How to crate train your dog or puppy
Five-barks: Covering A Dog Crate With A Dark Blanket: Is It Safe?
You Need To Spend Time With Your Puppy
Mad-paws: How Much Time Should Dogs Spend With Their Owners?
Reward Good Behavior
SPCA: What reward-based training is
Hire A Professional Trainer If Necessary
Pet Play: Why Should You Hire a Professional Dog Trainer?
Should You Ignore A Crying Puppy?
PetMD: Puppy Crying: Why it Happens and How to Help
If a Puppy is Crying For Attention
The Honest Kitchen: 6 TIMES IT’ S A GOOD IDEA TO IGNORE YOUR DOG
Richards Dogs: Don’t Ignore A Puppy That’s Crying At Night, This Is Why
If a Puppy is Crying Because they Need to go Outside
Emerald Life: How to manage your puppy crying at night
How Long Does It Take For My Puppy To Stop Crying?
Pets Care HQ: Puppy Crying At Night How Long Does It Last? A Complete Guide
The Importance of Training Dogs Early On
Hearts in Harmony: Early Dog Training: The Benefits of Training and Socializing Your Puppy Early
AMA Animal Rescue: The Importance of Training Your Dog
What are the 7 Basic Dog Commands?
Good housekeeping: 7 Essential Commands Your Dog Needs to Know
At What Age Should a Baby Puppy Know Basic Commands?
The Puppy Academy: Complete Puppy Training Schedule by Age!
Do Puppies Sleep During the Night?
American Kennel Club: How to Make Sure Your Puppy Gets Enough Sleep
Should Puppies Sleep in the Dark?
Journey Dog Training: What’s Up With Light Chasing In Dogs?
Should A Puppy Sleep In Your Room?
Blue Cross: How to get your baby puppy to sleep through the night
What to Consider Before Getting a Dog
PMCA Online: Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog – 2022 Guide
Training Your Dog's Brain
Puppy Academy: Complete Puppy Training Schedule by Age
Preparing for Health Problems
Pet Insurance U: Common Health Issues In Puppies
American Heartworm Society: Heartworm Prevention for Dogs
