Puppy Crying in the Crate at Night? Here’s What to Do

Is your puppy crying in the crate at night? First, check that they don’t need to potty. Then keep the crate close, stay calm, and don’t open the door for noise alone. Most puppies settle within 2-4 days when you stick with it.

I have trained dogs in Salt Lake City for about 18 years. The first few nights with a new puppy are hard on everyone. The good news is that crate crying is normal, and it usually gets better fast.

New to the crate? Start with my simple plan for how to crate train a puppy. This post is about what to do when the crying starts.

Why Puppies Cry in the Crate

Your puppy is not being bad. Crying is how a young puppy talks. Most of the time it means one of these things:

• They need to potty. Young puppies can’t hold it very long.
• They miss their family. Your puppy just left their mom and littermates. Being alone is new.
• They have extra energy. A puppy who hasn’t played enough will fight sleep.
• They learned it works. If crying got the door open before, they will try it again.
• They are uncomfortable. Too hot, too cold, or a crate that is the wrong size.

Step 1: Rule Out Potty First

Take your puppy out right before bed. If they wake up and cry in the middle of the night, a young puppy may truly need to go.

Keep night potty trips short and boring. Carry or walk them out, say nothing, let them go, and put them right back in the crate. No play. No treats. No lights on if you can help it. You want your puppy to learn that night time is for sleep.

As your puppy grows, they will need fewer night trips. Many puppies can sleep through the night by night 3 with the help of a trainer, but every puppy is different.

Step 2: Keep the Crate Close at Night

For the first few weeks, put the crate next to your bed. Your puppy can hear you, smell you, and know they are not alone. You can also rest a hand near the crate if they get upset.

Once your puppy sleeps well, you can slowly move the crate to where you want it long term. Some families keep it in the bedroom for good. That is fine too.

Step 3: Tire Them Out the Right Way

A puppy with pent up energy will fight the crate. About an hour before bed, play with your puppy. Tug, a short game of fetch, or a sniffing game all work well.

Then slow things down. Give them a chew, dim the lights, and keep the house calm. Play gets the energy out. The calm time after helps your puppy learn to switch off. At our school, we call this building the off switch, and it is a big part of impulse control.

Step 4: Make the Crate Comfy and Safe

• Use a soft bed or towel, if your puppy doesn’t chew it up.
• Remove bedding or toys your puppy can destroy before you leave them alone in the crate. Swallowed pieces can be dangerous.
• Take off collars and tags in the crate so nothing can get caught on the wire.
• Try a light cover over the top and sides, or the front. Just leave some part open so air can flow. Some puppies like the den feeling. Others don’t. Watch your puppy and see what works.
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

Step 5: Don’t Reward the Crying

This is the hard part. If you open the door every time your puppy cries, you show them that crying is the key. The crying will get louder and last longer.

So wait for a quiet moment, even just a few seconds, before you open the door. If you think your puppy needs to potty, take them out calmly, then right back in. Try not to talk to them, pick them up to cuddle, or let them out to play while they are crying.

Expect the crying to get a little worse before it gets better. That is normal. It means your puppy is testing whether the old trick still works. Stay steady.

When Crying Is More Than Normal

Most crate crying is just a puppy getting used to something new. But some signs mean you should stop and look closer:

• Your puppy is drooling a lot, shaking, or panting hard.
• They try to chew or dig their way out and hurt their mouth or paws.
• They potty in the crate over and over, even after a recent trip outside.
• The crying does not get any better after a couple of weeks.

If your puppy seems sick or hurt, call your vet. If it looks like real panic, talk to your trainer before you keep going. Pushing a scared puppy too fast can make things worse.

Want Help With Your Puppy?

We are a school, not a boot camp. We show you and your puppy how to work as a team, with play, connection, and impulse control. Crate habits, potty training, and calm nights are all part of our puppy training program.

We also stand behind our work with the Dependable Dog Guarantee: “All pups who train with us will reach their goal or we will add additional sessions FREE until the pup is finished.”

Tired of sleepless nights? Book a free training session or call us at 801-516-4012.

Puppy Crate Crying FAQ

How long will my puppy cry in the crate at night?

Most puppies cry less each night and settle within 3 nights with our trainer’s help. Staying steady is what makes it shorter.

Should I ignore my puppy crying in the crate?

Not at first. Rule out potty and comfort. Once those are covered, don’t reward the noise. Wait for a quiet moment before you open the door.

Should I let my puppy sleep in my bed instead?

That is your choice. But the crate helps with potty training and shows your puppy how to settle on their own. Many owners start with the crate and decide about the bed later.

What if my puppy cries in the crate during the day?

Daytime crying often means the crate time is too long or the puppy has extra energy. Go back to shorter crate times and more play first. My crate training plan has a sample daily schedule.