My puppy barks excessively all night in his crate. How can I stop it?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on

  Here are a few things you can try: First off, tiring him out before bed with an extra long walk, some games of fetch, or even just intense tug of war may help him relax and calm down enough when it is bed time. He may also still need to get up and go potty in the middle of the night, so scheduling a potty break right before bed, or getting up once at night may help relieve his bladder (and his stress). Placing him in his kennel with something that smells like you, or playing a calming talk radio show near his kennel at night may also help keep him calm throughout. Also make sure the kennel is only used for good things, and never punishment, so that he associates being in it with a positive, and not a negative experience. If he's still having issues after making some adjustments, speaking with a trainer or behaviorist in your area about crate aversion may be helpful for formulating additional things you can try.

  

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  Answered By Bette Isacoff

  Dog Trainer

  Published on December 1st, 2017

  If he's fine in the crate when you are there it's not a crate issue . . . its a behavior problem. I am wondering if you go back to him when he whines, or call to him to stop it, or anything like that. If you are acknowledging the barking in any way--even negative responses--he will keep it up because it gets him the attention he wants. You need to ignore him completely if he starts up. I know it may mean a few sleepless nights, but the behavior will stop once it's no longer rewarded by a response from you. Just be prepared because initially he may go louder and longer--his theory being that if his racket worked in the past it should work now, so if it's not working he'll amp it up a little. Be patient. If you don't give in (not even once!!!) he will be quiet soon.

  

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  Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on December 4th, 2016

  It would help to know more about what Skinny's sleeping arrangements are, but the most common reason that puppies bark at night is that they are lonely and anxious - dogs are very social animals, and it's not normal for them to be alone at night. I would recommend having Skinny sleep in a crate beside your bed, so that he's near you at night. If he whines or barks, you can talk softly to him or rest a hand on top of the crate so that he knows you're nearby. Providing him with something to chew on in his crate at bedtime, like a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter, can also help encourage him to settle.

  

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  Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on July 2nd, 2017

  It's common for young puppies to bark and cry if they are alone at night - more space is not likely to make any difference. I would recommend having Toby sleep in a crate right beside your bed at night. This way, you can talk to him or rest your hand on the crate to reassure him if he fusses.

  

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