Puppy Crying in Crate? Here’s How you Can Help
Are you wondering why your puppy is crying in the crate? You’ve come to the right place. By the end of this article, you'll understand the reasons behind it and how to resolve the issue.
Sleeping Alone
Most puppies sleep with their mom and siblings up to when they get sold. Meaning that this is a big change and since they are not used to being alone they might whine and cry during the first few weeks.
To help them get used to not having their mom and siblings, you will need to slowly decrease how much time you spend with them. At the start you will want to spend a lot of time with them, getting to know them, helping them be comfortable with you. Once you feel like they are comfortable with you, let them play on their own for short lengths of time. Increase solo time throughout the first couple weeks or so until you know that your puppy is fine being alone.
Bathroom Breaks
One thing we’ve noticed is that puppies aren’t the best at communicating. So, when Puppies need to communicate, especially house-trained puppies, they communicate their needs in whatever way they can in order to avoid an accident. A common way puppies communicate is through crying, meaning if your puppy is crying they could just need to go to the bathroom.
It is your responsibility as a puppy owner to take your dog to the bathroom before, after and during crate time. Before you leave your puppy in the crate for a while make sure they have used the bathroom. Puppies need bathroom breaks at least every hour to two hours depending on the age of the animal. So, If you leave them in the crate for a long time make sure you come back and let them out for regular bathroom breaks. With that being said, make sure you are not leaving your pal in his crate for too long.
Too Long Of Crate Time
How long you leave your pooch in the crate can have a significant impact on their experience. Puppies left too long in one place tend to get antsy, those with abandonment issues might develop anxiety and mistrust. If you want your little guy to be comfortable with you make sure you do not leave them in their crate for longer then you should.
If you ever wonder how long you can keep your pup in the crate remember the rule, the age of the puppy plus one is how many hours a pup can be in a crate. For example, a two-year-old dog can be in the crate for three hours, a four-year-old for five, and so on. If you do leave your dog in the crate for a long time throughout the day make sure you and your pal get lots of playtime together when you come home.
Socialization
To make crate time less miserable and to keep your puppy from crying in the crate make sure your puppy is getting enough socialization in. Your pet needs at least three hours of socialization/playtime per day. Pets get lonely being in a crate for so long and dogs are such social animals it's very important that they get as much socialization as crate time. If your dog is not getting this that could be why they cry at night instead of sleeping.
Socialization for puppies comes in many forms, such as exercise through playing at home, going on a walk, playing with kids, and playing with other dogs. Exercising is one of the best things you can do for your pet, as it keeps them healthy and happy, dogs need lots of exercise. Exercising also helps puppies fall asleep faster at bedtime. Another way to socialize with your puppy is to simply cuddle with your furry friend.
Make the Crate Comfortable
Dogs are such sweet sensitive creatures, you can't blame them for not wanting to hang out in a cold unfriendly area. If your puppy is crying in the crate try adding something to make it a more fun or cozy place for them.
The crate should have a comfortable pillow or bed along with some soft toys for the doggo to play with. Avoid sharp toys that could hurt them while they sleep. Keep an eye on your dog and see if you can figure out what they prefer. Some puppies like to see through the kennel, while others prefer darkness and less stimulation from outside going ons. Adjust the crate to suit your puppy's needs.
Give Your Puppy Comfort
During this process, getting them to not cry in the crate you need to make sure you comfort them.
Some people think that comforting a dog will reinforce bad behavior or crying in the crate. What actually reinforces crying is if you do not wait for a break in the whines before comforting your pup. If you comfort a dog while they are whining that will reinforce the idea that crying gives them their way. But if your pup is genuinely upset, wait for a break in the cries and give them some cuddles and reassurance.
Never use the crate as punishment
Your puppy might cry in the crate if they associate it with punishment. Maybe they did something bad and you sent them to the crate or maybe you have been angry while putting them in the crate on separate occasions. If you often put them in the crate while you’re angry, they'll start to think of it as a punishment. Even if the anger is not directed towards them they will pick up on it and think that you are mad at them and that the crate means that they have been bad.
To ensure your puppy views the crate positively and to avoid anxiety, never use it as a punishment tool. The crate should be a place for sleeping or calming down, not a place of discipline. Also make sure to be happy and loving when you do put them in the crate.
Ignore the puppy
Your puppy might really be sad or they might just be testing you to see if you will come get them. To find out if the cries are real or not try ignoring the cries for two to three minutes. If your dog still cries after that time, go and give them some hugs and reassurance. As mentioned before, always wait for a break between cries before you get them. If the crying stops, it’s likely your puppy was just seeking attention, which you can provide later.
Proper Crate Training
Crate train your puppy by putting a treat in the crate and saying “crate” while they watch, if they go in and get it make sure you praise them. Continue doing this until they understand that crate means treat and praise. This step can take a few minutes to a couple of days, make sure to have patience with your fur baby.
The next step is to feed meals in the crate, leaving the door open during the first meal. Close the door during the second or third meal and open it immediately after they finish eating. This step may take a few days to a week. Once they are comfortable with the door being closed during meals, gradually increase the time they stay in the crate after finishing their food until they are calm being left for ten minutes.
When they are used to this, start calling them to the crate and using the keyword “crate”. Give them a treat and close the door. Don't do meals there anymore. Leave them in the crate while you're home for short amounts of time slowly increasing until they are comfortable
If you plan to leave them in the crate while you are out, ensure calm arrivals and departures. Leave quietly after putting them in the crate with a treat and a toy. When you return, avoid enthusiastic greetings that could increase their anxiety. Instead, snuggle them and have quality time, but wait to play until they are accustomed to you being home. If this process seems too time-consuming or complicated, you can enroll your puppy in training classes. Most training plans include crate training.
Key Takeaways
Now you know what not to do, such as leaving your puppy in the crate for too long or neglecting bathroom breaks. You also know what to do, like making the crate comfortable and properly crate-training your puppy. With these tips, you should be able to stop your precious puppy from crying in the crate.
