Most pups will cry for around half the time. By the third night it should be just a few hours, and an average pup is quiet for the fourth. Once they are settled, you will actually need to go in at least once overnight to take them out to toilet!
The good news is that most puppies start sleeping through the night from the time they're around 16 weeks old, but they will need a hand from you to help them get there.
Dog experts recommend not letting your puppy cry at night. It's likely to make their anxiety worse and could lead to behavior problems. Not only will you hear it, but your neighbors will hear crying, too. Even if you live in a soundproof home or have a mansion, the noise will be audible even if they're alone.
Most of the time we recommend that your pup be settled for 5 or more minutes before being let out of their crate. The most ideal scenario is that your pup cries for a bit, but settles in under 30 minutes and falls asleep.
Some people find that if they leave a puppy to cry it out, they do eventually stop. This may well be the case, but it won't necessarily be in the best interests of your puppy. What's best for your puppy is for them to know that you are close by.
Settling your puppy at night
Once they've had their last toilet, pop them in their bed or crate next to you. They may be restless or whine for the first few nights - this is perfectly normal. Keep calm and carry on going. The adjustment period can be difficult, but you'll get there with persistence.
Separation anxiety is a serious condition that creates high levels of stress for your puppy and often results in abnormal behaviour when left alone. Puppies may cry a little when you leave the house, but separation anxiety is usually explained by more extreme behaviours, such as: Destructive or disruptive behaviour.
Dogs are a naturally social species and it's normal for them to stay close to their social group which is why they can become anxious when left alone. When a puppy is first separated from their mother and litter mates, their usual response will be to whine, whimper or bark while trying to get back to them.
In general, an 8-week old puppy will need to sleep 18 to 22 hours a day. Don't forget; it's totally common for your new puppy to cry at night but with some time, patience and attention, you'll be able to ease this problem reasonably quickly.
Although initially you may experience plenty of sleepless nights, it is better to ignore any barking or whining at night from the get go. As long as your dog is comfortable, it will come to no harm and this attention seeking behaviour should only last for a short time.
Do not ignore your puppy's whines or cries, and try to know the cause of their distress. It is important to provide puppies with the comfort they need in the first few days you bring them home, and to later give them the proper training to address any specific behavior issues or to add to their communication skills.
Yes, they will cry but we have to teach them how to self-soothe and remain calm and relaxed in your absence. Otherwise, you're never going to get your puppy over their anxiousness when you're not home.
If you notice your puppy crying or whining frequently, be sure to take it to your veterinarian. Increased crying is a common symptom of most neonatal problems. If a puppy is crying, it may be overheated, becoming ill, experiencing pain, or not getting enough to eat.
Puppies who are simply learning to be alone usually calm down after a short period—within five to ten minutes. Think of it as taking a few minutes to “settle in”— vocalizing or pacing before relaxing with a toy or falling asleep.
Your puppy doesn't feel well
If your puppy doesn't stop whimpering or crying, this could be a tell-tale sign that they're not feeling well. Therefore, you should reach out to a trusted vet to get their opinion on what could be the problem. In addition, you should keep a watchful eye out for other symptoms of illness.
Puppies typically learn to sleep through the night by the time they're about sixteen weeks of age. However, puppy owners can expedite the process by employing some tried-and-true dog training techniques, such as crate training. Don't be alarmed if you bring home a new dog and they struggle to sleep through the night.
Why Do Dogs Whine In Their Crate? Dogs will whine in their crate for a number of reasons including boredom, loneliness, fear, anxiety, or they need to be let outside. All of these reactions are perfectly normal, and it is your job as an owner to make your pup feel comfortable and get used to their new crate.
It may help to start with having your dog sleep near you and then gradually move them further away. For example, instead of having them in your bed, try putting their crate or bed on your bedroom floor, then move it to outside your open door, then keep moving it slowly each night, until it's where you want it to be.
Dogs mark their territories, and by howling or crying at night, they might be trying to inform their companions or other dogs about their whereabouts. A dog's cry can also be understood as a sign of alertness to its owners about outside threats or trespassers.
Know That Your Puppy Will Cry. It's very common for puppies to cry their first few nights—or weeks—at home with you. Up until now, they're used to being surrounded by their mom and siblings all night, every night. When put into this perspective, it's easy to see how they could be anxious and lonely their first night.
That being said, many people find the first few months of a puppy's life to be the most challenging. During this time, puppies are learning how to behave and interact with their environment, and they require a lot of attention, socialization, and training.