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My new puppy cries all night in his crate. How can I stop it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Toy Poodle | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 9 days old | 3.6 lbs

This is the third day I have had my 10 week old puppy. He is in his crate right now, whining and crying at the top of his lungs. He has been doing this for 3 nights straight, with a total of maybe 20 minutes where he stops spreadout throughout an 8 hour night. I know because I haven’t slept in over 2 days. I have not risen to his bait of the whining. I know he just wants attention, he doesn’t need to go the bathroom, and he is in no pain. Is there anything f I can do to stop this?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 26th, 2018

Just give it more time. He is getting used to a new place away from constant company of other puppies. It may take several more days or even weeks for him to learn to sleep through the night. You may need to take Leo outside at least once in the middle of the night. A good rule of thumb for how long puppies can "hold it" is the age in months plus 1. Leo is 2 months old, so you should only expect him to hold it for 3 or 4 hours. Set an alarm and wake up to take him outside on a leash. No play time, no talking, just outside and walk in circles until he goes then straight back into his kennel. Good luck! Puppies are a lot of work but so worth it!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 6th, 2017

    Welcome to owning your new puppy! Not all puppies follow the rule book, but I can make a few suggestions. As far as potty training, consistency is key. I recommend taking your puppy out every few hours. A good rule of thumb is your puppy's age in months 2. So, if puppy is 2 months old, you should take her out every 4 hours. This means getting up once in the middle of the night. When you go outside, place him on a leash and do nothing but walk in the grass and repeat a phrase, like "go potty, go potty, go potty." When he potties, pet him, play with him, give him a treat. In other words, a big old puppy party! I will include a link to a helpful article below. Crate training is excellent for your puppy, but remember to never use it as punishment. Also, I would recommend not keeping toys in there at night as he needs to get on the same sleeping schedule as you keep, toys may distract him if he wakes up in the morning. There is no right or wrong with how long they should cry. Some people will completely ignore any whining, and the puppy will learn that night time is not the time for attention. If you comfort him in the middle of the night, you run the risk of training him that you will come whenever he asks! https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-rules-for-effective-housetraining

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 26th, 2017

    With him being so small, he likely needs to go outside to pee/poop at some point throughout the night. Unfortunately this may continue for a few more months. I would take him out and then straight back into the crate. Don’t play with him or talk to him as This just stimulates him more. He will likely cry but he should get use to this after a few nights. Also, make sure he plays a lot in the evening before you go to bed. Try to get him to go to bed later. Finally, you can pick up his food and water about an hour before you go to bed so he has the opportunity to go to the bathroom before you go to bed. Don’t leave any water in his crate. You are doing a good job. It just takes time and being consistent. I hope This helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 4th, 2019

    This is not unusual puppy behavior. There are some things you can do at home which may help. With time, this behavior generally passes. Here is a great link with information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/new-puppies-sleep-tips-for-bedtime/ You can also try moving the crate into your bedroom. You can try a vigorous play session right before bed. Lastly, to to create a positive association by feeding Pluto in the crate and hiding treats in there for him to find. Best of luck.

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