It’s the middle of the night. Your new puppy is crying in the crate, and you’re wondering if this is normal—or if you’re doing something wrong. You’re exhausted, maybe even frustrated, and starting to question if you’re cut out for this. Don’t worry—this stage is completely normal and, thankfully, usually temporary.
We’ve been there, too. I still remember those first few nights with Bella—how her little whimpers would start just as soon as she was placed into her crate. It tugged at my heart, and I second-guessed everything: Was she scared? Was she lonely? Did she need to go out again?
The truth is, puppies cry at night because they’re adjusting to a brand-new world. They’re learning to sleep alone, in a strange place, without the warmth of their littermates or the familiar rhythm of their old routine. It’s a lot for a tiny pup to handle.
The good news? With a few small adjustments and a bit of patience, you can help your puppy feel safe, settle in, and start sleeping through the night—so you can finally get some rest, too.
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Common Reasons Puppies Cry in the Crate at Night (and What to Do)
1. They Need to Go Potty
This one is especially common with very young puppies who haven’t yet developed full bladder control. Puppies under 12 weeks often need to go out during the night at least once. To set them up for success, make sure to take your puppy out for a bathroom break about an hour before bedtime—and then again right before you put them in the crate.
Don’t rush these potty trips. Walk around a bit. Give them time to sniff and circle. I used to quietly pace the yard with Bella in the dark, waiting for that final squat. If they don’t go, they’ll likely be up again soon—and so will you.
If your puppy still cries after you’ve ruled out the need to go, move on to the next possible cause.
2. They’re Not Tired Yet
Just like kids, puppies need a routine that signals it’s time to wind down. If they’ve been napping all evening, don’t expect them to be ready to sleep just because you are. Start transitioning into bedtime mode about two hours before you plan to turn in.
Let them burn off energy with some active playtime, a short walk (if they’re old enough and fully vaccinated), or a mini training session using simple cues like “sit” or “down.” That combination of physical activity and mental stimulation helps tire them out in a healthy, balanced way.
Some puppies will do this naturally. In our case, every night before bed, Bella would tear through the house at full speed—zooming down hallways, leaping over pillows, and doing laps around the coffee table. We started calling it her “puppy pre-bed zoomies.” It looked wild, but it was just her way of burning off leftover energy—and it always helped her settle down more easily afterward.
3. They’re Overtired
On the flip side, sometimes puppies can become too tired. It may sound strange, but just like toddlers, an overtired puppy can have a hard time calming down. Instead of dozing off peacefully, they may become overstimulated—whining, pacing, or crying in a way that seems out of proportion, even if all their needs have been met.
If you suspect overtiredness, try creating a quiet “cool-down” period after playtime. Sit with your puppy, dim the lights, and keep things low-key for about 15 to 20 minutes before crating them. This can include gentle petting, a chew toy, or even cuddling on your lap if they’re calm.
Some nights, once Bella had settled into our home, she’d start to nod off in my arms. I’d gently transfer her to the crate like a sleeping baby. Soft background music—like a classical playlist or white noise—also helped signal that it was time to rest.
4. They’re Scared or Lonely
This is probably the toughest one emotionally, especially during the first few nights in a new home. Imagine being taken away from your siblings, placed in a brand-new environment, and expected to sleep alone in a crate. No wonder they cry.
Separation anxiety in puppies isn’t always long-term anxiety—it’s just part of the adjustment. Your puppy doesn’t yet know they’re safe or that you’re nearby.
Comforting Solutions for a Crying Puppy
If your puppy is crying because they’re scared or feeling alone, there are several things you can do to make them feel more secure—without undoing your crate training progress. These aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions, so you may need to try a few to see what works best for your pup.
Here are a few simple things that can make a big difference:
- Keep the crate in your bedroom, especially during the first week or two. Just being able to hear you breathe or shift in bed can help your puppy feel less alone.
- Raise the crate to bed level using a secure platform or low table so your puppy can see and smell you. That sense of closeness can be incredibly soothing.
- Sit beside the crate after you tuck them in. A calm voice and gentle presence can go a long way in helping them relax. If they’re still struggling to settle…
- Try sleeping next to them for a few nights. My husband did this with Bella during her first week home, and it made a noticeable difference in how quickly she settled down.
- Use a comfort item like a soft toy or blanket that smells like their littermates or the breeder’s home. That familiar scent can be a powerful source of comfort.
- Leave the crate door open while you’re awake, and lie in front of it, using your body to gently block the exit. This can help pups who are more afraid of being closed in.
Add Comfort Cues
- Use a nightlight so your puppy isn’t left in complete darkness. Just being able to see their surroundings (and you) can ease anxiety.
- Cover the crate with a light sheet or breathable cover to make it feel like a cozy den. Some puppies love this; others prefer to see out, so try both and see what your pup responds to.
- Add a soft blanket or crate mat for comfort, but be cautious if your puppy is still in the chewing phase. Safety first!
Use Calming Sounds and Tools
- Play soft music or white noise to help drown out unfamiliar household sounds that might startle your pup. Classical music or a calming pet playlist can work wonders.
- Try a heartbeat toy, like the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy. It mimics the warmth and pulse of a littermate with a soft, plush body, a disposable heating pad, and a gentle pulsing heartbeat. Many puppy parents swear by it, especially during those first tough nights.
- Establish a calm bedtime routine that includes gentle snuggles or petting. The more relaxed your puppy is before they go in the crate, the easier it will be for them to fall asleep.
Give It Time
These early days are all about building trust. Once your puppy understands that the crate is a safe place—and that you’re close by—they’ll start to settle more easily on their own. If nothing works right away, don’t worry. This phase doesn’t last forever. With a little patience and support, your pup will adjust to sleeping solo and feel more secure each night.
Did your puppy cry at night too?
Share what worked (or didn’t!) for you in the comments—your experience might help another tired puppy parent avoid the puppy blues. And if you’re just starting out, check out our related crate training tips to make those first nights a little easier.
Need to Keep the Kids Busy While You Train the Puppy?
Those first few weeks with a new puppy can be a little chaotic—especially if you’ve got kids at home too. Check out our dog-themed activity printables on Etsy! From seek-and-find puzzles to coloring pages, they’re a fun way to keep little hands (and minds) engaged while you focus on crate training your pup.
Explore the collection here: Happy Doodles Art Shop on Etsy