How Long Do I Let My Puppy Cry In Her Crate At Night?

It can be an incredibly difficult decision for pet owners when their puppy starts crying in her crate at night. On one hand, you want to comfort your pet and give them the reassurance that they are safe and secure. On the other hand, you don’t want to reinforce the behavior of crying in the crate by responding too frequently. So, how long should you let your puppy cry in her crate at night?

The answer to this question is not necessarily easy. It depends largely on the individual pup and the kind of training you are seeking to provide. In general, however, it is important to understand why your puppy may be crying in her crate so that you can determine the best approach for your pet.

Understanding Why Puppies Cry in the Crate

Puppies are social animals and naturally crave companionship. When you leave your pet in a crate at night, they may feel alone and anxious. This can lead to whining and barking, which is their way of showing that they need attention and comfort. In addition, puppies may cry in the crate if they are uncomfortable or scared.

As such, it’s important to make sure that your pup’s crate is a safe and comforting environment. Make sure the space is large enough for your pup to move around comfortably and provide a soft bedding or blanket for them to burrow into. Additionally, consider getting a crate cover to help block out noise and light, as this can help them feel more secure.

Establishing a Crate Training Routine

Before you can decide how long you should leave your pup in the crate at night, you need to establish a crate training routine. Start by introducing your pup to the crate during the day. Place treats and toys inside the crate, so that your pup can associate the space with something positive. Once your pup is comfortable in the crate during the day, you can begin to transition them to sleeping in the crate at night.

At first, you may need to stay with your pup for a few minutes while they adjust to the crate at night. Give them lots of praise and rewards when they enter the crate calmly. Once they have settled down, you can gradually increase the time before you come back to check on them.

How Long Should You Leave Your Puppy In The Crate?

Once you have established a crate training routine, you can start to determine how long your pup can be left in the crate. As a general rule of thumb, puppies should not be left in the crate for longer than four hours at a time. If your pup is still a young puppy (under six months of age), they should not be left in the crate for more than two hours at a time.

It is important to note that your pup should not be left alone in the crate if they are still crying. If your pup has been in the crate for the recommended amount of time and has not settled down, it is best to take them out and try again when they are calmer.

Conclusion

Determining how long to let your puppy cry in her crate at night can be a tricky decision. It is important to understand why your pup is crying and to make sure that their crate is a comfortable and safe environment. Once you have established a crate training routine, you should not leave your pup in the crate for longer than four hours at a time. If your pup is still crying after the recommended amount of time, it is best to take them out and try again when they are calmer.

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