When they’re young, our dogs sometimes cry for reasons that seem utterly mysterious. We shower them with affection and attention, and yet, something appears to be missing from their world.
Why does a puppy cry? How can you soothe a crying pup? Find the answers you need right here.
Why Does My Puppy Cry?
Often, a crying puppy can leave their owner feeling anxious and helpless. More times than not, the reasons seem baffling. Still, a young puppy who cries has their reasons: thrust into a new place, fearful of the night, overwhelmed by loneliness, or simply afraid.
The Puppy Is Adjusting to a New Environment
First few days with your new puppy, and the crying feels endless? Don’t panic! This is entirely normal.
Remember—your pup has just been wrenched from the world they’ve always known. Just like a child starting at a new school or moving homes, they haven’t established their bearings in their new surroundings yet.
It’s possible your puppy has never really been alone before and is now experiencing solitude for the very first time. That’s why a puppy who cries might appear anxious in your home those first days.
Read also: Welcoming Your Dog Into a New Home—The Right Way
Fear of the Night
Just as mentioned above, those initial nights can be filled with howls and whimpers from your tiny puppy. In the darkness, they panic. They stress, get disoriented—a wave of loneliness washes over them. Your crying puppy is calling for comfort, for attention, for reassurance. Their barks are pleas for your presence—a bid to be soothed.
Feeling Alone
The dog is inherently a social being. They become quickly bonded to those around them—deeply affectionate and loyal. Once adopted, you become both family and anchor. Day or night, if you’re out of sight, they’ll feel deserted.
Whether it’s a puppy or a fully grown dog, separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral problems in dogs. This struggle can reveal itself through various forms—from passive responses like whimpering and silence to more active, destructive behaviors or even self-harm.
Pain or Discomfort
It’s also possible your puppy is crying out from physical pain. If none of the above explanations fit, examine your pup carefully.
If you notice anything abnormal, or if you remain concerned, take them to the veterinarian for a thorough check-up.
How to Calm a Crying Puppy?
It’s vital to understand what’s making your puppy uncomfortable, which actions to take, and—perhaps more importantly—what not to do.
First Steps: Welcoming Your Puppy & Setting Firm Boundaries
Before bringing your puppy home, it’s best to visit them a day in advance to establish a first connection. This is essential for starting your relationship off right. Next, prepare their essentials—space, toys, all the basics. Once at home, walk them around their new dwelling, play together, and give them your care and attention.
Transitioning to your house, your puppy experiences a phase experts call olfactory transition.
To ease their adjustment, try bringing along blankets or cloth with the scent of their mother or littermates. Familiar smells offer comfort, making the adjustment less jarring.
Most new puppy parents know what to do—but many overlook what not to do.
From the very start, be gentle but firm with your puppy. Failing to do this may lead to bad habits that become tough—if not impossible—to correct down the line.
Tips for Soothing the First Cries
When your puppy cries, your instinct is to rush over, comfort, and give all your attention.
But remember—a mother dog doesn’t always react to her puppy’s demands. She knows she must eventually distance herself. This can be tough to witness, but it’s a natural and necessary process.
Be patient before responding to your crying puppy. They will often fall asleep or settle down on their own.
Sleeping with your puppy during the first few nights is strongly discouraged, as it can easily become a habit. If you must, let them stay in the same room, but keep their bed as far from yours as possible.
Teach Your Puppy to Spend Time Alone
If you want to prevent your puppy from crying when you’re gone, gradually train them to be comfortable alone. Begin with short periods—5 minutes, then 10, then 20—incrementally extending the time. Step by step, your puppy will get used to your absence.
Read also: How to Teach Your Dog to Be Home Alone
Even while you’re home, get them accustomed to some boundaries. Keep certain rooms off-limits; this ensures peace when you need it.
Before leaving your puppy alone, check there’s nothing dangerous within reach. Remove all hazardous objects to guarantee their safety.
Avoid Departure and Arrival Rituals
It’s only natural to say goodbye when leaving or to greet excitedly when coming home. But, to keep your puppy from crying, avoid making visible or emotional displays when you leave. Likewise, when you return, take your time settling in before greeting them.
Never leave your puppy alone for less than four hours at a time. If you’ll be gone longer, ask a friend or a professional to check in.
Be the One to Initiate Contact
Carefully manage the affection you show your puppy. Don’t always respond to their demands for cuddles or play; this helps their development. As with children, overindulging fosters poor coping with denial—which can lead to tantrums.
Similarly, ignore their attention-seeking whimpers. They’ll eventually lose interest—usually within 5 to 15 minutes. Once their mind’s elsewhere, initiate the interaction yourself: call them over, start a game, and offer your affection on your terms.
