Stop puppy crying during the night by making the space a safe and comfortable one. We often hear that crate training is one of the best training methods out there, and it’s true. Dogs are naturally den animals. The have an instinct to curl up into balls and they find small spaces comforting. It’s a throw back to their wolf ancestry. However, in the beginning, they won’t enjoy being away from you overnight or when you’re away. That’s why it’s important to make sure you ease them into it. You can stop puppy crying overnight or while training by crate training the right way.
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Stop Puppy Crying With the Right Training
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The best way to stop puppy crying when they’re in the crate is to approach training in the right way. Your puppy will eventually fall in love with their crate, but it’s going to take a little time and a little finesse on your part. Just putting your puppy into the crate won’t cut it. It has to be a friendly process that allows them to feel safe and secure, and you have to be prepared to weather the storm of crying even when you do everything right. I’ve covered crate training in the past, so I won’t get into all of those specifics, but I have some tips to make the crate training process easier.
1. Make His Crate Friendly
First and foremost, your puppy’s crate needs to be a safe, friendly place. Make sure the crate is out fitted with a doggy bed
2. Add Familiarity
Another excellent way to stop puppy crying is to put an unwashed shirt that you’ve worn for a day or two into his crate. He’ll be surrounded in your scent which will ease his anxiety over being in his crate while you’re away or when it’s time for bed.
3. Never Use Crates for Punishment
Your puppy’s crate should never ever EVER be used as a punishment. The crate is not for time outs or as an immediate consequence for bad behavior. You want the crate to be a joyful place, not one associated with mom and dad being mad.
4. Don’t Overuse the Crate
Dogs are social beings and one of the best ways to stop puppy crying is to only use it for its intended purpose. The crate should be left open during the day so your puppy or dog can go to it when they FEEL like it. The only time that the crate should be mandatory is if you’re leaving or it’s time for bed. It should never be used as a way to get your dog out of your hair for any reason.
5. Prepare Him for Bed Time
Just because it’s your bedtime doesn’t mean it’s his. One of the best ways to stop puppy crying overnight is to ensure that he’s actually ready for bed. Make sure he’s done all of his business immediately or as close to bedtime as possible. It’s also strongly recommended that you give him a HUGE amount of physical play as bed time approaches. Remember a sleeping dog is a quiet dog.
6. Let Him Cry It Out
Just like with babies, sometimes the only way to stop puppy crying at night is just to let him cry it out. He wants to be near you, and doesn’t like that he’s not. If you’ve made his crate a comfortable space and you’ve tended to all his needs before bed – including going potty and play time – let him cry it out. DO NOT go in to check on him. This only serves to reinforce to him that crying is an excellent way to get your attention.
Stop Puppy Crying with These Tips
The best way to stop puppy crying when the crate is involved is to take steps to ensure that the crate is a space your puppy loves. It’s also key to ensure that you do not teach your puppy that crying will not work. So make sure you set up the crate as a friendly space, get your pup nice and tired and all pottied out before bed, and never ever go back in if he cries. If you do that, you’ll stop puppy crying in short order.
