How to Stop Your Puppy from Crying in the Crate at Night
Few things tug at your heartstrings quite like the sound of a puppy crying in their crate at night. If you’re a new pet parent, it can feel like you're failing your pup or missing something vital. But rest assured, you're not alone. Nighttime crate crying is one of the most common challenges dog owners face, especially during the early weeks of adjustment.
The good news is that with patience, consistency, and the right techniques, you can teach your puppy to love bedtime in the crate.
Key takeaways
- It's normal for puppies to cry in the crate at night, especially in the early days of adjustment.
- Crying can be caused by separation anxiety, discomfort, fear, or the need for a potty break.
- Setting up a cozy, safe crate space with familiar scents and toys can ease anxiety.
- Gradual crate training helps your puppy build a positive association with the crate over time.
- A consistent bedtime routine can signal to your puppy that it’s time to wind down and rest.
- It’s important to balance comforting your puppy with allowing them to self-soothe.
- Persistent crying despite training efforts may signal a deeper issue that requires professional help.
- With patience, structure, and positive reinforcement, most puppies learn to sleep peacefully in their crates.
Read on to discover why your puppy cries in their crate, how to fix it, and when it might be time to seek professional help to create a happier home for you and your newest furry family member.
✔️ Reviewed by multiple licensed veterinarians
✔️ Updated with the latest medical data
✔️ Compiled from veterinary research
Understanding why puppies cry in their crates at night
Natural instincts and separation anxiety
Your puppy spent the first few weeks of life surrounded by warmth, constant companionship, and the familiar smells of their mother and littermates. So it’s no surprise that being alone in a crate, especially in a new home, can trigger distress and separation anxiety. Puppy crying isn’t manipulation; it’s a genuine response to an unfamiliar situation.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), early training and gentle desensitization can help puppies learn independence and develop confidence in the crate. However, the initial transition will often involve tears.¹
Need for bathroom breaks
Let’s talk logistics. Puppies have tiny bladders and don’t come pre-programmed with potty schedules.
A good rule of thumb is to expect puppies to hold their bladder for as many hours as their age in months, plus one. For example, a 2-month-old puppy will need a potty break every 3 hours, including overnight.
If your puppy cries in their crate at night and you haven’t ruled out the need for a potty break, try calmly taking them out for a quick bathroom trip and returning them immediately to the crate. No playtime, no snacks—just business.
Discomfort or fear
Imagine sleeping in a cold, hard room with strange smells and zero pillows. Your puppy may cry simply because their crate feels more like a cage than a den.
Crate training a puppy at night is easier when the space feels cozy and familiar instead of like a punishment. Unfamiliar noises, shadows, or even the smell of other pets in the house can also contribute to fear-based crate whining.²
Preparing the crate for a comfortable night
Choosing the right crate size and location
Your puppy's crate should be large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that they can potty in one corner and snooze in another.
Placement matters, too. Many experts recommend putting the crate in your bedroom or just outside your door during the first few nights. Hearing your voice or sensing your presence can reassure your puppy and may reduce the severity of nighttime crying.
Making the crate inviting
Want your pup to love their crate? Make it irresistible. Add soft bedding, a worn t-shirt with your scent, or a safe chew toy like a frozen stuffed KONG. These small touches create positive associations and encourage your puppy to see the crate as their personal safe space, not a punishment.
Pro tip: Try feeding your puppy meals in the crate to help build positive connections to the space.
Recommended Reading: New Puppy Checklist
Effective techniques to reduce nighttime crate crying
Gradual crate training
Introducing your puppy to the crate gradually helps create a positive association and reduces stress. Begin by placing the crate in a quiet, low-traffic area and leaving the door open so your puppy can explore it freely. Add soft bedding and a few treats or toys to make the space inviting without any pressure to stay inside.
Once your puppy is comfortable going in and out on their own, begin closing the door for short intervals—only a few minutes at a time—while you remain nearby. Reward calm behavior with praise or a small treat each time the door opens. Gradually increase the duration your puppy spends inside and begin stepping out of the room for brief periods to help them adjust to being alone.
Consistency and patience are key. Incorporate crate time into your daily routine during low-energy moments, like after meals or play sessions. Over time, your puppy will come to view the crate as a safe, familiar place to rest rather than something to fear.
Establishing a bedtime routine
Like human kids, puppies thrive on routine. Stick to a consistent bedtime schedule that helps them wind down. Start with a short play session to burn energy, followed by a potty break, then calm cuddle time before lights out.
Avoid rowdy games and big meals immediately before bed. The calmer your puppy is at bedtime, the more likely they will fall asleep peacefully.
Responding to crying
How do you know when to comfort a crying puppy and when to let them self-soothe?
If it’s been a few hours since the last potty break, try taking them out.. But if you know your puppy’s needs have been met, it’s OK to let them cry for a few minutes. Rushing to the crate every time your puppy whimpers may teach them that crying gets them attention.
Still, you should never ignore signs of distress like frantic scratching, trembling, or yelping. These can indicate fear or discomfort that needs to be addressed, not dismissed.
When to seek professional help
Identifying signs of severe anxiety
“In my experience, anxiety is used as a blanket description for anything that the dog does that the owner doesn’t like,” said Dr. Katherine Houpt, the James Law Professor Emeritus of Behavior Medicine in the Cornell University Department of Clinical Sciences.³
It’s normal for puppies to cry occasionally. But if the crying persists for hours, happens despite thorough crate training, or escalates into destructive behavior, you may be dealing with canine anxiety. Rushing the crate-training process or using the crate as a punishment can lead to a crate aversion in sensitive dogs.
Signs like drooling, panting, and attempts to escape the crate may indicate an issue deeper than mere discomfort.
Consulting a veterinarian or canine behaviorist
Talk to your vet if standard training techniques don’t work for your puppy.. A vet visit can help rule out medical conditions that may cause nighttime distress or accidents, such as a UTI. If you still need help after your pup gets a clean bill of health, reach out to a certified dog trainer or canine behaviorist.
You can also read our tips on how to find affordable vet care if the cost of a veterinary visit or behavioral consultation is a concern. At Pawlicy Advisor, we believe getting help shouldn’t be out of reach.
Your new puppy may be small — but their vet bills might not be.
Save big on costs with pet insurance, so you can protect your puppy while protecting your wallet.
Frequently asked questions about how to stop your puppy from crying in their crate
Why do puppies cry in the crate at night?
Puppies may cry when they feel lonely or scared, need to potty, or are uncomfortable in their crate setup.
How long should I let my puppy cry in the crate?
A few minutes of whining is okay if you know your puppy doesn’t need anything, but persistent crying may indicate a problem.p.
Should I ignore my puppy when they cry in the crate?
If the crying is minimal and your puppy’s needs have been met, wait a bit before responding to encourage self-soothing.
At what age do puppies stop crying at night?
Most puppies stop crying overnight after a few weeks of consistent training, often by 12 to 16 weeks of age.
Does letting a puppy “cry it out” cause long-term issues?
Letting your puppy whimper briefly is OK, but extended, ignored crying can build anxiety.
How do I know if my puppy is crying due to fear or need?
Puppies who cry frantically despite having recently eaten, exercised, and pottied may be suffering from fear, anxiety, or stress.
How do I teach my puppy to self-soothe at night?
Gradually increase your puppy’s crate time, reward calm behavior, and avoid immediately comforting your puppy in response to mild whining to help them learn to self-soothe.
What should I do if my puppy cries every time I leave the room?
Practice short absences and reward calm behavior to build your puppy’s confidence gradually.
Looking for more puppy parenting advice? Explore helpful resources like how to take care of a puppy, how much a puppy costs, and how to puppy-proof your house to set your pup up for success.
DVM, FFCP
Dr. Angela Beal has worked in private practice and taught veterinary technicians for 15 years. Angela is a veterinarian who loves using her writing to help pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. Since 2020, she has worked full-time within the veterinary education writing and editing industry. Angela lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, two sons, and their spoiled Chihuahua mix, Yogi.
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