If your puppy does wake up and cry, first make sure they don't need the toilet (many young puppies won't be able to hold their bladder through the night yet). Then gently settle them back down in their bed. Try not to give them too much fuss and attention – just enough to make them feel comforted.
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 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! This is when you can swap the pen for a bed-sized crate.
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.
Never ignore a puppy during these first few days, as their crying is more likely to be caused by stress or fear which shouldn't be neglected. Ignoring a puppy may also teach the puppy that you aren't there to help them when they are distressed, causing further fear and distress.
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.
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.
They need to learn that barking at night isn't behaviour you approve of, or want them to display. Even talking to them with soothing words in an attempt to comfort them can encourage the barking to continue, so it's best to stay quiet and ride through the pain.
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. If they look like they may need to go to the toilet after you've settled them in their bed, take them outside.
They could be bored, or they may not be getting enough social interaction, physical activity or mental stimulation, which may make them act out. These problems are often lumped in with puppy separation anxiety but can be addressed with more exercise.
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.
One of the most common mistakes new pet owners make is to give their puppies too much attention or to let them out once they start whining. It is important to allow a puppy crying in their crate to self-soothe a bit to ensure they do not whine and cry every time they are confined to receive your attention.
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.
It's important to start introducing your dog to 'alone time' right from the outset - especially as a pup. Start with just a few minutes and then gradually extend the length of time if your pet remains calm while you are out of sight. Your dog can be in their crate, special area or on their own in the house.
Leaving a puppy to cry it out is a risky strategy. Many puppies will to cry long enough that they need to toilet again. Then you have a crying and a bed wetting problem on your hands. The answer is to build your puppy's ability to relax on their own in a crate, in stages.
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.
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.
This doesn't mean your puppy has separation anxiety… Usually, it means they haven't been taught how to self-soothe just yet. Yes, they will cry but we have to teach them how to self-soothe and remain calm and relaxed in your absence.
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.
And puppies are especially crazy during the Witching Hours: roughly between 5-8pm every night. It's 100% normal and common.