Rock-a-bye, puppy: 5 tips to stop pup's crying at night

‌Remember that your puppy has just been separated from their littermates and mother, and you are now their family group.

If you shut your puppy downstairs to sleep, they’re probably crying because they want to be near you. This doesn’t mean you have to let your puppy sleep in bed with you — unless you want to — but allowing them to sleep on their own bed in the same room as you is likely to stop their crying.

A tired puppy is more likely to sleep soundly. If your pup is old enough to be walked and has been vaccinated, a pre-bed walk can help to tire them out.

Otherwise, a vigorous play session will help. Try throwing a ball or other toy for your puppy to fetch, either in the house or yard or engaging in a long game of tug.

Puppies usually head off to their new homes at around 8 weeks old, but most dogs can’t go through the night without a potty break until they’re at least 12 weeks old. If your puppy is crying at night, they may need to go out and do their business.

Just like you might expect nighttime wakings with a newborn baby, you should expect to get up once or twice in the night to let your puppy go potty. If you really can’t drag yourself out of bed, place pee pads where your puppy can use them during the night.

If puppies are crying in the night because they’re bored and want some attention, giving it to them will only reinforce the behavior, and they’ll learn that crying gets them what they want.

Never punish your dog for crying in the night, either; it doesn’t work to change behaviors.

If your puppy seems perfectly well during the day, it’s unlikely that their nighttime crying is caused by a health problem. However, it’s worth checking out if the crying persists after you’ve explored all other avenues.

Take your puppy to see a vet right away if you see signs of illness, injury or allergies, such as itching, runny eyes, limping, loose stools, loss of appetite, abnormal breathing, vomiting or lethargy.

Make sure that you aren’t the only readily available chewable object, and puppy-proof your home.

Provide an assortment of acceptable toys for your puppy to chew on.

Keep the toys in places where you can easily reach them so you can quickly offer a proper alternative when the puppy feels a need to chew. If your puppy chews you or an inappropriate object (your shoes), give him one of the acceptable toys to chew on.

If your puppy nips and bites too hard, teach the puppy that this is not OK by ending the interaction. You can pull your hand away, say, “OW!” and leave the puppy for a few minutes. Then try again so your puppy has a chance to act appropriately.

Brush your dog’s teeth

Using flavored enzymatic toothpaste specially formulated for dogs and a doggie or child’s toothbrush, brush your dog’s teeth on a daily basis. Brush her teeth like you would your own and focus extra attention on the gum line.