Settling puppy at night

by Olivia
(Newcastle)

Hi I gave a 8wk old boxer pup who I am having trouble settling at night.

I have tried crating him, but he just constantly screams the house down, tried him in the shed in a pen he climbs out and pees and poops every where then bangs at door screaming.

Just not sure what to do, please help

Regards, olivia





Hi Olivia
I know that new owners find this hard to understand at first, but actually what your pup is doing is perfectly normal... and understandable!

He's a tiny baby who has only just left his momma and siblings for the first time and is in a new home, with new people. He's scared, lonely, homesick and all his instincts are telling him that he needs to be close to his 'pack' (that's you and your family now). That's why he makes such a fuss at night.

Of course, because it's natural and normal, doesn't make it okay and acceptable in the human world, but you have to give him time to learn that he's safe, that you will return in the morning and that he doesn't need to cry and shout for help all night.

To do this you need to follow the tips and advice on my Crate Training A Puppy page, and as long as you know he doesn't need to pee/poop, isn't hungry or thirsty, and isn't in pain, you can let him cry at night. He will get over it within a few days. Obviously he'll need at least one potty break during the night time, so if he's been asleep and wakes up and cries... take him outside. But then put him back in his crate and ignore the fuss again.

It will pass I promise :)

Don't put him outside in a shed, he will be even more scared and it will NOT help with the potty training or crate training at all. It will make the whole process more difficult.

Just be patient, consistent and loving and he will soon be sleeping through the night. Best of luck with your pup.