Puppy Crying in the Crate at Night
Puppy Crying in the Crate at Night? Why It Happens & What to Do
You finally get into bed, turn the light off… and the soundtrack begins: whining, crying, barking, little paws scratching at the crate.
Totally normal. Also: totally exhausting.
This guide breaks down why puppies cry in the crate at night, what’s normal in those early weeks, and how to help them settle without teaching them to scream for everything.
Why Your Puppy Is Crying at Night
A few big reasons:
- They’ve just left their mum and littermates
- New house, new smells, new sounds
- They’re not yet used to sleeping alone
- They might need the toilet
- Or sometimes, they simply don’t know the routine yet
It’s less “manipulation” and more “I have no idea what’s happening, please help”.
Step 1: Set Up the Crate in the Right Place
For the first weeks, most puppies do best when they’re:
- In a crate or bedside crate in your bedroom, or
- Close enough to hear and smell you
Benefits:
- They’re less scared
- You can hear genuine toilet cues
- You don’t have to trek across the house at 2am
You can always move the crate further away later.
Step 2: Make Bedtime Predictable
A simple pre-bed routine helps a lot:
- Toilet trip
- Calm play or cuddle, no wild zoomies
- Light snack or chew if appropriate
- Toilet again
- Into the crate with a cue (and a little treat)
Keep lights and noise low—it should feel like wind-down, not party time.
Step 3: Handling the First Hour of Crying
The first 10–60 minutes can be the hardest.
Tips:
- Stay calm and quiet
- If you know they’ve just toileted and aren’t distressed, give them a chance to settle
- Softly shushing, a hand near the crate, or quiet reassurance can help—especially in the first few nights
You’re aiming for “comforting presence” without turning it into a game.
Step 4: Night-Time Toilet Trips (Without Drama)
In the first few weeks, most puppies will need 1–2 toilet breaks overnight.
When you hear crying that sounds more urgent or persistent:
- Take them calmly to the toilet spot
- Minimal talking, no play
- Once they’ve finished, praise quietly
- Straight back to the crate with a calm “bedtime”
Keep lights low and energy soft so they learn: night = sleep, not midnight rave.
Step 5: When to Wait, When to Respond
Respond quickly if:
- It’s the very first few nights
- You suspect a toilet need
- The cry sounds panicked, not just frustrated
Wait a moment if:
- You’ve just taken them out recently
- They’re doing an on-off “testing” whine
- They’re pausing to see what you’ll do
Ideally, wait for a brief quiet second before opening the crate, so you’re rewarding calm, not the loudest yell.
Step 6: Daytime Crate Training Helps Night-Time
Night will always be harder if the only time your puppy is in the crate is bedtime.
During the day:
- Do short positive crate sessions
- Feed some meals in the crate
- Use chews and toys in the crate with the door open and closed
The more normal and safe the crate feels by day, the less scary it is at night.
Step 7: Red Flags to Watch For
Check in with your vet or a trainer if:
- Crying is extreme and doesn’t improve over days
- Your pup is panicking (throwing themselves at the crate, drooling, trembling)
- They seem unwell, lethargic, or have stomach upset
Some crying is a normal adjustment. Raw panic or sudden behaviour changes are worth a professional look.
The Good News: It Does Get Better
Most puppies:
- Cry more in the first few nights
- Settle faster once they know the routine
- Often start taking themselves to bed once they love their crate
With a good setup (like a comfy Paws & Willow crate near you), a simple bedtime routine and a bit of patience, those noisy nights turn into quiet snores—and proper sleep for everyone.