How to Keep Puppies From Whimpering in the Kennel at Night

A kennel provides a safe puppy haven because it mimics a den, which is a dog̵7;s natural sleeping habitat. Many owners use the kennel as a potty-training aid, because dogs do not like to soil where they sleep. The kennel keeps the puppy out of trouble at night when you cannot directly monitor him. Despite these advantages, some puppies whimper to be let out at night because they are uncomfortable, bored, need to eliminate, want to play, or would rather sleep with you.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure the kennel is the correct size, as an improperly-sized kennel can cause the puppy to whimper at night. A kennel that is too small makes the puppy uncomfortable, while a kennel that is too large allows the puppy to remain active at night. A properly-sized kennel allows the puppy room enough to stand up straight, turn around and lay down on his side. If you do not want to replace the kennel after each growth spurt, you can rent a kennel from agencies such as the Humane Society or your local pet store. Alternatively, you can buy a kennel large enough to accommodate an adult dog but block off a section of the kennel using commercially purchased dividers or a stack of soft towels.

    • 2

      Create a comfortable sleeping area in the kennel. Place a puppy bed or a stack of soft towels in the kennel so the puppy can fall asleep. Make sure the material is soft but not so soft that the puppy will easily destroy it.

    • 3

      Eliminate boredom by placing one or two toys into the kennel. If the cause of the whimpering is boredom, the toys will distract the puppy until he is able to fall asleep. Entertain the puppy by hiding one or two treats in the kennel for him to discover later.

    • 4

      Place the kennel in your sleeping area to counteract loneliness. Sometimes being able to see or smell you will calm the puppy down, allowing him to sleep comfortably throughout the night.

    • 5

      Feed your puppy in the kennel to help him associate the kennel with pleasure. Allow your puppy to become accustomed to being in the kennel by closing the door when he is eating and opening the door before the puppy is finished eating. Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy is in the kennel to 3 to 4 hours, taking the puppy out of the kennel to go to the bathroom at regular 3 hour intervals. Only open the door when the puppy is calm and never in response to his whimpering.

    • 6

      Allow your puppy time to eliminate before putting him into the kennel at night. If the puppy begins to whimper immediately after being put into the kennel, ignore him. Remain calm, as your puppy can sense your level of anxiety which will only encourage whimpering. If the puppy persists in whimpering for long periods of time despite your following these steps, take the puppy to a veterinarian to rule out medical problems.