Crate Training a Crying Puppy

A crate is a useful tool when potty training puppies, but getting the puppy used to the crate can often be a challenge. Young puppies especially often have a hard time adjusting to life without their litter mates and mother, and feel lonely in their crates. Crying is a normal puppy way of communicating loneliness and need, just as it is for human babies. A puppy that cries in its crate will usually outgrow the habit with a little help from a willing, caring owner.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Treats
  • Old towel or blanket
  • Dog toys
  • Leash
  • Treat dispensing toy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce the puppy to the crate the correct way, which is gradually. Do not expect the puppy to go into its crate happily and sleep all night. Create a positive association with the crate by feeding the puppy its meals and giving treats in the crate. Make sure the puppy is comfortable being in the crate for at least 30 minutes before leaving it overnight.

    • 2

      Make the crate a comfortable place for your puppy. Place an old, soft blanket or towel inside the crate for your puppy to lie on. Add your puppy's favorite toys to occupy him and keep him company.

    • 3

      Place your puppy's crate in a high-traffic area such as the living room. Consider bringing your puppy's crate into your bedroom at night so it will not be lonely, reducing the chances of crying.

    • 4

      Take your puppy outside on a leash if it is crying and has not had a recent potty break. Praise it when it uses the bathroom in the correct location and take it back to its crate.

    • 5

      Ignore any crying once you know the puppy doesn't need to use the bathroom. Do not let the puppy out of the crate or it will learn that crying means it can get what it wants. If you want to let your puppy out of the crate, wait until it stops crying before you do so.