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Why does my puppy cry all night? Can crate training help her sleep?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Toy Poodle | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 6 days old | 1.3 lbs

I have just got a 2 month old teacup poodle (3 days ago) I made a large enclosed area in my front room with plenty of toys and an area were she can do her toilet . I also have 2 beds in there 1 which is a covered house and another a standard bed. My problem is the dog just keeps crying When I leave the penn. she is fine when playing. Should I put her in a crate at night as she just cries all night in the penn I sleep on the sofa but it does not help. Please advise Sleepless in Japan

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 1st, 2019

I would try putting Co co in a crate at night. Keep in mind she's quite young, and it will take time for her to adjust to being in a new home away from her mother and siblings. It's truly like having a newborn baby in the home! But the good news is that puppies will get better at sleeping at night faster than babies. If you are comfortable with it, you can have her sleep with you at night in your bed. That might make her feel more comfortable. I hope you get some sleep!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 12th, 2017

    It can be hard for puppies to adjust to being alone if they have been with their littermates or other dogs their entire lives, and hard if they have never been crated before. I would spending lots of time getting her used to the crate when you are in the room with her, so it becomes a happy place. I would suggest getting a kong toy filled with treats to give her while she is in the crate to make a happy association. You can put peanut butter inside the kong or fill it with wet dog food and put it in the freezer for a bit so it freezes and she will really have to work to get the food out. This will provide her with something tasty as well as take her some time to get the food out so she is distracted for longer. I would start by giving it to her when you are still in the room (perhaps you can put her in the crate with the kong while you are watching tv in the same room or something similar, so it is a time you will be around). Then once she is very comfortable and occupied in that situation, start leaving the room for very short periods of time (try to leave for a short enough time that she doesn't start crying- this may just be seconds or a minute). Try to return BEFORE she starts crying and then reward her with praise or by letting her out for a bit. We want her to learn that being quiet in her crate is a good thing. You can also consider getting an Adaptil collar or diffuser for her in case this is a bit of separation anxiety. These can be purchased at your vet on online and they release pheremones that momma dogs make that can be calming to a dog.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on July 8th, 2017

    It's common for puppies to cry at first if they are left alone overnight, as this feels very unnatural and scary for them - usually, they would be sleeping in a big comfy pile with their mom and littermates at this age :) To help make her more comfortable and minimize crying, I would recommend placing her crate right beside your bed. You can even put it on a low table or ottoman if needed, so that she is at eye level with you - this way, she feels safe because you are nearby where she can see you and smell you. If she fusses during the night, talk gently to her or stick your fingers through the crate bars so that she can smell you. Most puppies adjust fairly quickly to sleeping in their crate overnight. Once she is no longer having any problems, you can gradually transition the crate to another location if you wish.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 25th, 2020

    I'm guessing from Luna's weight and breed that she is still a puppy. It's a tough adjustment moving into a new home and she is a baby. It's normal that she cries when you leave and doesn't want to be in a crate alone. If giving her a treat helps her sleep through the night, that's fine. It's also fine to give her lots of love and attention.

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