How to stop your puppy crying at night: simple steps

You aren't alone if your puppy is crying at night. Trust us: we've all been there, and you can make it through these sleepless nights. It's part of being a pet parent, and brand new owners often complain about their 8 week old puppy crying at night. It's one of the reasons why crate training can get difficult; a puppy that won't stop crying in a crate at night happens a lot, and the reasons can get complicated when you factor in all a puppy has to learn. But it won't last forever, and as a caring pet parent, you can use this time to form stronger bonds with your new family member. Here, we share practical tips, as well as the reasons why puppies cry at night, so you can finally sleep soundly. Oh, and make sure to read our nighttime puppy routine guide too, which can help with other sleep issues. Why puppies cry at night A puppy crying at night can happen for lots of reasons. Usually, it's due to one or more of: Crying doesn't always mean something's wrong, though. It can just be your puppy vocalising and figuring things out. But you should check on them if they've been crying for over a minute or so. If something is up, puppy insurance can help get your pup the care they need. First night home: what to expect Crying in the night is a normal part of a puppy's life. It's especially common for younger puppies around eight weeks old to cry at night. Crying may last a few nights, but as long as you follow the right steps to guide your pup through this learning phase, it should lessen with time. During their first night with you, you can expect your puppy to: The important thing in the first few nights is to make sure your puppy is comfortable and happy, to act consistently and only check on your puppy crying if they've done so for a few minutes or if it sounds distressing. Keep nighttime interactions as boring as possible, with no cuddles or playing, and minimal talking. This will stop your puppy from associating barking or whining with getting your attention. How to stop puppy crying at night: seven tried-and-true tips Our nighttime routine guide can really help with this. But these seven quickfire tips should get your started: Create a comfortable sleep environment Gradual crate training Don’t reinforce crying Establish a bedtime routine Toilet break strategy Try a comfort item or white noise Don’t overdo alone time too soon What if my puppy won't stop crying in their crate at night? Before worrying too much, let's go through a troubleshooting checklist first: Assuming everything looks fine, you may need to experiment with some options, like: If your puppy still cries through the night and you've seemingly tried everything, speak to your vet or a registered behaviourist. When to worry: is my puppy crying too much? Excessive crying can indicate issues like: See a vet if you're worried, symptoms become worse over time or become severe. Your vet will ask you about your puppy's behaviour as part of their routine check-ups anyway, but it's always worth seeing one as soon as possible for anything that raises serious alarm. How puppy insurance helps Remember: the crying phase is temporary, and you can get through this. Think of it as an opportunity for you and your puppy to learn more about each other and bond. Routine, comfort and time are the best remedies. But occasionally, crying through the night can mean something else is going on, so get your puppy checked out if you are worried. Thankfully, puppy insurance can help with unexpected health issues, and our Complete Care plan has behavioural treatment cover up to the vet fee limit when referred by a vet to treat a condition. Here's hoping you and your puppy both sleep soundly soon.

How to stop your puppy crying at night: simple steps

Content

How often should a puppy poop?

Caring for disabled pets: the complete guide

Dog massage, explained: benefits, techniques, and safety tips

Dr. Rebecca MacMillan

Cruciate ligament surgery for dogs

How much is an emergency vet appointment?

How much is a vet visit in the UK?

12 best low-maintenance dog breeds for easy-going pet owners

A guide to dog and cat vaccinations costs in the UK

Our plans

Resources

Company

Follow us

Country