The non-stop crying at night for the first few weeks is what prevents quite a few people from taking in new puppies, and can you blame them?
Bringing a new puppy home is always an exciting moment for any family, but as soon it’s time to sleep and the excitement goes down a notch, the crying kicks in and it can be overwhelming for a new and unprepared dog owner.
If the first few days are not handled correctly the puppy could still be crying at night after 3 weeks which is generally as long as it should last for most cases.
A puppy still crying at night after 3 weeks is not normal behavior; it means he is not getting the needed comfort and care to go through the change of environment and is generally not feeling at home. The puppy is missing his mother and siblings, and you need to provide a safe and personal space for him to grow a bond with you and eventually become his new family.
Why do puppies cry at night?
Puppies cry at night for multiple reasons, when left alone for too long without company, when they feel hungry, when they need a potty break, or if sick and not feeling well.
On the other hand, new puppies, tend to cry at night during the first few days mainly due to the change of environment and, because they miss their mom and siblings.
The change in their life can make them feel unsafe around new people and sometimes other pets, which could be overwhelming for such little creatures.
That is why the first few days are important in making a new puppy feel at home and making a bond with him in order to make yourself their new family, they feel safe around.
Dogs are generally alert at night by nature, and that’s when the feelings of loneliness and unsafety kick in and puppies express it the only way they know, crying.
Puppy still crying at night after 3 weeks.
Two to three weeks is as long as a new puppy should still be crying at night, past that it means that they are not adjusting well to their new home, in other words, you’re not doing a good job making that bond.
Young puppies feed on attention and care, they do spend most of their time sleeping, but when they wake up you need to be there, that’s why it’s always a good idea to plan for your new puppy’s homecoming and preferably have a few days off work or have someone availble at home.
During the day new puppies adapt well and won’t cry as much as they do during the night when left alone, that’s why they need to feel safe and comfortable in their new home as soon as possible.
Dedicate time for the puppy even at night and comfort them when crying and most importantly prepare a safe and intimate space for them.
Generally, we recommend crate training from the start because the crate will provide that personal space, even if left open at night.
Is it normal for a puppy to cry at night after 3 weeks?
Three weeks is enough time for a new puppy to adapt to his new home that’s why a puppy still crying after three weeks might be a good indication to look for potential reasons.
Sometimes the presence of other dogs or pets can make a new puppy feel unsafe or uncomfortable, if that is the case you need to use a playpen to provide a personal space for your puppy.
Perhaps the puppy bed is not placed in a calm and intimate area, and he’s not feeling comfortable at night when left alone.
If the crying won’t stop night and day then a visit to the vet might be in order, but after you’ve ruled out every other potential reason.
How long does it take for a puppy to stop crying at night?
In general, a week is how long it takes for a puppy to stop crying at night, of course, the crying won’t stop once and for all, since it’s the only way young puppies know how to express themselves.
puppies will cry when hungry, for a potty break and to seek attention so it’s normal especially in the first couple of weeks when they feel lonely at night.
As they grow puppies learn to manage their fears and adapt to their new homes and bond with their owners, it’s in their DNA so it usually doesn’t take too long especially if you do a good job helping them.
How to stop a puppy that cries at night?
As we’ve explained puppies cry to communicate, and their needs are usually simple and easy to guess, so making sure they’ve had food, water, a potty break, and some quality playtime before bedtime will significantly reduce the crying to the minimum.
Preparing a comfortable and safe space for your puppy will also be a great way to make them feel safe when they wake up at night.
Puppies sleep up to 18 hours a day when young so playing with them will make take down their energy and help them sleep through the night.
All in all, feeling your presence at night when they wake up is enough to comfort your puppy and make him stop crying.
Should you worry if the puppy is still crying after 3 weeks?
A puppy still crying after 3 weeks is not unusual, most new dog owners will struggle to find a good balance for their puppies.
However, if you suspect a physical reason for the crying don’t hesitate to seek professional help, change of diet can sometimes give abdominal aches to new puppies and make them uncomfortable.
If the crying is only occurring at night, most likely it’s fear and adaptation so all you have to do is make sure the puppy feels your presence by their side that’s why having their bed close to yours is a great idea.
Is crate training a good way to stop a crying puppy at night?
Crate training a new puppy is always a great idea, the younger the better, and if it’s possible the first night is even better.
A new puppy will cry at night no matter what, so using it to crate train at the same time and provide a safe personal space for your puppy is perfect.
A puppy that has been crate trained from the start will most likely be easier to train, especially with potty training.
Using a wire crate is what we recommend for multiple reasons as it provides an open view, and multiple doors and can be adjusted in size.
Crate training a new puppy will in most cases make the crying at night stop sooner than regular training, especially if you place the crate in your bedroom.
