So while you want your puppy to initially settle and not be let out immediately upon whining, it is important that you do respond if your puppy wakes a couple hours later.
If you spend enough time with dogs, you’ll no doubt notice how much of what they do comes naturally to them, whether or not they are aware of it. For example, we think that pawing and spinning before lying down are adaptations from when their ancestors had to flatten underbrush to create a cozy bed. An innate territorial behavior, scent marking is thought to stake a claim to a territory and deter other dogs from it. A survival instinct that dates back to when dogs had to bury food for later consumption is the act of burying a bone in the ground. Could there be an instinctual basis for wanting the solitude and comfort of a crate?
If your adult dog occasionally prefers to nap under your desk, other furniture, or perhaps burrow under blankets, these actions could all be interpreted as instinctively seeking out a den. Have you ever noticed how a pup likes to seek out smaller, secure areas to lie down? Making a den is a very strong instinct for dogs. For the ancestors of our dogs, a den was a haven of safety and comfort. It was a place to hide from predators. A pregnant female dog was more likely to create a den to have a secure place to give birth to her pups and protect them while they were growing. As a result, a puppy’s first encounter with the outside world occurred in a warm, safe, and cozy little den under Mom’s supervision.
Therefore, it makes sense that a puppy would naturally seek out a warm and comfortable cubby, or rather, a comfortable little crate, to retreat to and unwind. Giving your whiny puppy a crate may be one of the kindest things you ever do for her. These small puppies are entering a brand-new world, which is undoubtedly a little frightening. There are many benefits of crate training a puppy. She will tend to spend more time outside the crate as she gets older and more secure, but she will always be aware that when she is tired or the world seems a little crazy (during the holidays, for example), she has a cozy place to retreat to. Dogs actually prefer the solitude a crate offers because it allows them to process their sensory input or slow down their responses.
How To Get A Puppy Used To A Crate
If your dog cries in his crate at night or at any other time:
If you’ve done everything possible to meet your dog’s basic needs, think about putting him to sleep with a chewable treat or an extremely durable toy. This should occupy your puppy and exhaust him enough for him to fall asleep.
Why Is Your Puppy Still Whining?
You have completed the first steps in crate training, but your dog is still whining. It could be that you rushed the process. Try again more gradually. Don’t go to your dog or pay attention to him if he keeps crying. Although it may be tempting, resist the urge to try to ease your puppy’s discomfort. Puppies quickly discover that whining gets you to pay attention, which causes you to have a serious problem.
Arden Moore, a dog expert and author, advises: “You need to break the whine cycle by ignoring them when they are whining for whining’s sake, just like parents must do with fussy toddlers.” She continues, saying that once your dog understands that whining doesn’t get her any attention from you, she’ll realize that remaining quiet is the best strategy. More of her advice can be found in The Dog Behavior Answer Book.
Your puppy can be left alone in his crate, and it will actually be good for his behavior and temperament in the future. It will encourage independence and help prevent separation anxiety in the future. Having said that, you can’t abuse the crate or turn it into a place of punishment.
Why do puppies cry or whine when left in their crate?
With all the potential benefits, and your efforts to make it nice and pleasant, you might assume that your pup will instantly enjoy spending time in their crate. Or at least, you would expect them to come around to it after a few weeks of gentle persuasion. However, sometimes that’s not the case. Whether they’re bored, lonely, scared, uncomfortable, or wanting attention, there’s usually a reason why your puppy won’t settle in their crate.
FAQ
How long is too long for a puppy to cry in crate?
You shouldn’t leave your dog sobbing in the crate for longer than 10-15 minutes, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. After this time, if they’re still crying frequently, step back and focus more on crate desensitization activities to create a positive association with the crate.
Should I let my puppy cry it out in the crate?
To prevent them from whining and crying each time they are confined to get your attention, it is crucial to let a puppy who is crying in their crate take some time to soothe themselves. A crying puppy in their crate will teach you how to train them if you react to them too much.
How long should you let a puppy cry in a crate at night?
When A Puppy Cries In A Crate, How Long Should You Leave Him There? If your puppy appears to be very upset, you should leave him there for no more than 10 minutes. You may leave him unattended for up to thirty minutes if he is sobbing more subtly. Most puppies settle in their crates within 30 minutes if you have gotten them used to them.
Is it OK to let puppy cry in crate at night?
Your natural inclination will be to comfort your puppy if he cries in his crate at night, and that is the right thing to do. Although some people worry that removing him from the crate might cause him to start crying, you shouldn’t let that stop you. In fact, you want him to know that if he’s crying, you’ll come to his aid.