Puppies are adorable, but they can also be a lot of work.
If your puppy is crying in their crate, you might be wondering what you can do to make it stop. Crate training can be a great way to potty train your puppy and help them feel secure, but it can be very frustrating if your pup is constantly crying.
We’ll discuss 7 ways to stop your puppy from crying in their crate in this post. We’ll also look at why puppies cry in the first place, and the biggest mistake people make when crate training their puppies.
Understanding Why Puppies Cry In Their Crate
At its core, your puppy is crying in its crate for 1 of 2 reasons. The first reason is that they’re unfamiliar with being alone in a crate, and the second is pent-up energy.
If your puppy is used to being around people or other animals all the time, being crated can be a very scary and confusing experience. This is why it’s important to slowly introduce your puppy to their crate and make sure they have plenty of positive experiences before starting to use it for extended periods of time.
As already mentioned, the other main reason puppies cry in their crate is because they simply have a lot of excess energy. This is especially true when they haven’t had enough time to burn off their built-up energy prior to going in their crate.
It’s also possible that your puppy is crying because they need to be let out to go to the bathroom. However, if you’re making sure to let them out every 1-2 hours for a potty break, it’s not likely they need to be let out and more that they want to be let out.
Top 7 Ways To Stop Your Puppy From Crying In Their Crate
1) Help Make Being In Their Crate a Positive Experience
The first thing you want to do is help make being in their crate a positive experience. This means slowly introducing them to it and adding in things like treats and toys.
Whenever your puppy goes into their crate, give them a treat or toy and make sure to praise them. You want them to associate their crate with good things.
You can also try adding a bed, blanket, or towel in there for them to snuggle up with. Also, adding something like a sweater or t-shirt that smells like you can be especially comforting for your puppy.
If your puppy is resistant to going into its crate, don’t force them. This will only make the problem worse. Instead, do your best to make it more inviting using the strategies above. The more you can do to create a positive experience for them while in their crate, the less likely they’ll be to cry when inside.
2) Give Your Puppy Plenty Of Exercise Before Crate Time
Most puppies have a seemingly endless amount of energy which means they need plenty of physical activity to help them behave more calmly. If your puppy has a lot of energy, one of the best things you can do is make sure they get plenty of exercise before it’s time to go in their crate.
A tired puppy is a quiet puppy, and if they’ve had a chance to run around and play before being crated, they’ll be much less likely to cry.
If you have a backyard, letting them out to play there for a while is ideal. But if you don’t have a backyard, taking them on a long walk or playing some games with them inside will also work.
Just be sure they’re getting enough exercise so that when it’s time to go in their crate, they’re tired and ready to rest.
3) Let Them Cry It Out
This method is definitely not for everyone, but some people find it effective.
The idea is that you let your puppy cry in their crate for a set period of time and then you let them out after they’ve settled down. The hope is that they’ll eventually realize that crying doesn’t get them what they want, and they’ll stop doing it.
It’s important to note that this doesn’t work for every dog. Some will simply continue to cry and cry and cry, which isn’t good for you or them. However, some will learn that crying isn’t getting them anywhere and decide to stop.
The next tip is especially good for dogs who simply won’t stop crying.
4) Boring Potty Breaks
When you let your puppy out to go to the bathroom, make sure it’s boring. This means no playing, no talking, and no treats.
You want them to understand that being let out after crying is not for ‘fun’ time and that they should only be doing it if they need to go to the bathroom.
If you decide to start playing with them or give them any special attention in general they’ll start to think crying is the right thing to do when they want to be let out and play. Which means they’ll continue crying to get that same treatment.
So when you let them out, do so quietly and without making it particularly exciting. Then once they’ve done their business, immediately bring them back inside and put them back in their crate. Or simply wait 2-3 minutes and regardless of if they’ve done their business or not it’s time to go back in their crate.
5) Consider Their Crate Placement
Where you place your puppy’s crate can have a big impact on how much they cry. If it’s in a room where there’s a lot of activity, they may cry more because they want to be part of the action.
On the other hand, if it’s in another room where they feel isolated, they may cry less because they feel lonely or scared. A good rule of thumb is to put their crate in a room where there’s some activity but not too much. This way, they’re not completely alone, but they’re also not feeling overwhelmed by everything going on.
You may have to experiment with different placements to see what works best for your puppy.
6) Blocking Vision
Blocking your puppy’s vision can also be very effective in helping calm them down. This can be done by either putting a blanket over the crate or a special crate cover. The idea is that if they can’t see what’s happening, they’ll be less likely to get worked up. It also helps make their crate a little darker, which makes them more interested in sleeping.
You should only cover the top and sides of the crate while leaving the front and back uncovered so it’s not pitch black inside and there’s enough airflow.
7) Be Consistent
This is probably the most important tip on the list. If you’re not consistent with your puppy, they’ll never learn what’s expected of them.
If you let them out of their crate one time when they cry and then make them stay in there the next, they’re just going to get more confused and frustrated.
So it’s important to be consistent with whatever method you’re using to stop the crying. Take note of what seems to be working and be consistent with it until your puppy has become more comfortable being in its crate.
Biggest Mistake People Make When Starting To Crate Train
The biggest mistake people make when they start to crate train their puppy is they don’t take the time to familiarize their puppy with the crate. They just put them inside and expect them to be okay with it. But for most puppies, being in a crate is an uneasy experience, and they need some time to adjust.
You want to gradually increase their time in and around their crate without forcing them to be in it. If their only experiences being in their crate are bad ones, it’s no wonder they keep crying.
The more enjoyable their experiences are with their crate from the get-go, the better. Feeding treats, toys, comfy blankets/beds, and items that smell like you all create a positive crating experience for your pup.
If you use these tips and stay consistent, your puppy will quiet down and start enjoying their crate time in no time.
Crate training a puppy can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the puppy’s age, temperament, and previous experience.
How long does it take to crate train a puppy?
Generally speaking, the younger the puppy is when crate training begins, the quicker it will be able to adjust to its crate. Crate training can also be an easier process if the puppy has been raised in a crate or lived with crate-trained dogs in the past.
However, some puppies may simply take more time to adjust, which should be considered when setting aside time for crate training. Ultimately, putting in enough time and effort and crate training your puppy can be a quick and successful process.
Over time, as your puppy learns to see their crate as a safe and comforting place, you can gradually increase the amount of time they spend in it each day. In the end, crate training a puppy takes patience and consistency, but with careful attention and dedication, it is possible to successfully train even the most stubborn little pup!
Crate Training FAQS
Q: What is crate training?
A: Crate training is the process of teaching your dog to be comfortable in and around a crate. This can be useful for various reasons, such as potty training, traveling, and more.
Crate training is an essential part of raising a happy and well-adjusted puppy. Crate training involves providing your puppy with a cozy crate or kennel where she can retreat to when she needs rest or wants privacy.
Dogs are naturally denning animals, so crate training helps to mimic this instinct and provides your puppy with a safe haven in your home. Additionally, crate training is useful for managing potty accidents and preventing destructive behaviors.
It can also help to establish healthy routines, such as eating meals at regular intervals throughout the day. By teaching your puppy proper crate manners and establishing good crate practices early on, you can be sure that she will grow into a well-mannered adult dog.
Q: Do all dogs need to be crate trained?
A: Technically, no, not all dogs need to be crate trained. But many dog owners find it to be a helpful tool, especially when potty training a new puppy.
Crating a puppy can be an important step in shaping their behavior and acclimating them to their new home. While crate training may involve some initial discomfort for the puppy, it has many benefits in the long run.
Crate training helps puppies learn to control their impulses and respect boundaries, which can help prevent issues such as separation anxiety or destructive habits. Moreover, crate training also gives owners peace of mind knowing that their puppy is safe while they are out of the house.
Overall, crate training is essential for helping your puppy grow into a well-behaved and balanced dog.
So, if you’re asking yourself, “Do I have to crate train my puppy?” the answer is yes – it is an important step in raising your furry friend!
Q: Is crate training cruel?
A: No, crate training is not cruel. When done correctly, it can provide your dog with a safe space of their own that they can enjoy.
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