Miniature Pinscher crying.

by Isabelle
(Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)

Hello,

I have a 2 month old Miniature Pinscher and she cries every night (we had her for only 4 nights)
I've tried everything, in a crate, a separate room, in our room, loose, with my shirt (for the smell), in my other dogs bed...nothing works except in my arms.

She not only cries, but she screams so much she is waking my apartment neighbors. I've trained my 9 month old Boston Terrier and never had this problem.

I'm starting to be quite worried....




Hi Isabella
Although you didn't have this problem with your other dog, it's really very common. The majority of puppies will cry, complain, howl and generally make a nuisance of themselves when first left alone at night.

Four days probably seems like a long time to you, but it isn't in this situation. You have a disadvantage in that you're in an apartment, so have to be concerned about your neighbors, but even so you are going to need to let her cry it out for a few nights I'm afraid.

If she learns (which she probably has already figured out), that you will cuddle her if she's crying, she'll continue with this behavior. However, if you're consistent and firm in ignoring her (apart from one or two, short potty breaks during the night), she will soon realize that crying is a waste of time and energy.

NEVER take her out of her crate when she's complaining, unless she's been asleep for a few hours and wakes up and starts to cry. In that case she probably needs a potty break. Other than that, ignore her.

You may want to have a word with your neighbors and let them know what's going on. If you assure them that you'll do your best to muffle her noise, and that it will only last a few nights (or a week at most probably), they may well just grin and bear it!

You could put a heavy blanket over her crate at night. It will signal to her that it's bedtime, and will help to muffle the noise.

I'd recommend reading my Crate Training page for more tips and advice.

I know it's difficult to ignore a puppy who sounds distraught, and that when you're exhausted any means of getting some sleep seems worth it. But in this case it's best to be firm, put up with it for a week or so and she'll soon be sleeping through the night.

Best of luck!