When you bring a new puppy home, you will also bring home a multitude of changes. You will have to consistently take her outside to go to the bathroom, and you will quickly learn to not keep valuable items within reach of the puppy. However, the task of crate-training a puppy at night can feel daunting as pet owners begin to learn.
By following these suggestions for crate-training puppies at night, you will soon have your adorable furry companion fast asleep. It may take some time for the crate to become their preferred sleeping spot, but with patience and a positive approach, both you and your pup might find this process to be effortless. Here is the information you need to know:
5 best tips for crate-training a puppy at night
Don’t leave your puppy in the crate too long
When introducing any dog to their new crate, it is a good rule of thumb to remember that puppies require more frequent breaks. This is because their small bodies need to eliminate more frequently compared to adult dogs. As a result, you may find yourself taking your puppy to go potty multiple times during the night. However, there is no need to worry as she will eventually outgrow this behavior.
Start with a slow introduction
Instead of forcing your puppy to enter her new crate, it is advisable to encourage her to sniff and explore it on the first day. You can try enticing her into the crate by leaving a trail of her favorite treats. However, if she goes inside successfully, it is important not to close the door as doing so could scare her and undo the progress you have made.
To prevent young pups from being easily frightened and learning to fear the crate, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) suggests keeping the crate’s door securely open during your dog’s initial introduction. This will avoid any swing of the door that could potentially hit her.
Create a positive association with the crate
In order to assist your puppy in developing a fondness for her crate, ensure that each interaction, particularly the initial one, is enjoyable. Remember to communicate in a calm and cheerful manner, and remember to provide treats.
The HSUS explains that the crate should not be used as a form of punishment because it can confuse your puppy and prevent her from developing a positive association with the crate. It is important to note that a single negative experience could potentially scare away a dog. Remember, you are doing your best but it’s important to recognize your own limitations.
Feed your dog in her crate
One way to create positive associations with the crate and acclimate your pup to this space is by using the crate during mealtimes. However, this can only be done once your furry companion can enter the crate when instructed and does not dislike staying there (as a stressed dog will not eat) for the duration of her meal.
It is your decision whether to close the crate door, but keep in mind that doing so too early may scare your puppy. The aim is for her to feel safe, not confined!
Keep the crate nearby — at least for now
Placing your puppy’s crate in or near your bedroom can provide a sense of security as well as alleviate any concerns about being apart overnight, making it an effective trick for almost any dog.
If desired, you can gradually relocate your puppy’s crate to its preferred spot, but avoid doing so abruptly and overnight. Making a significant change all at once is likely to perplex and distress your puppy, particularly if you are constantly together during the day. Instead, try moving the crate a few feet each day to help your puppy become accustomed to having her crate in a new location without feeling as though she has been left alone.
7 Reasons To Lock Your Puppy In A Crate At Night
When you crate your puppy at night, it assists in their potty-training, prevents them from being destructive, and ensures you get a restful night’s sleep. Crates utilize a dog’s instinctual desire to find enclosed and dim spaces, resembling dens found in the wild.
Crate crate-trained dog considers the crate as their den and a smaller version of their home. Below are seven reasons why it is beneficial to crate your puppy during nighttime.
1. Crating A Puppy At Night Invaluable Potty-Training Tool
As dogs have a natural instinct to avoid soiling their sleeping area, they will typically refrain from using their crates as a bathroom. When welcoming a new puppy into your family, one of your initial responsibilities will be to begin the process of potty training.
Using crate-training for your dog significantly reduces the time it takes to train them to go to the bathroom outside of the house. Puppies who are older than four months can hold their urine for longer periods during the night since they are sleeping. It is essential, however, to refrain from giving them food or water in the two hours leading up to bedtime and to ensure they go to the bathroom right before going to sleep.
If puppies are less than four months old, it is necessary to set the alarm every 4 to 5 hours in order to take them outside for potty breaks.
2. Keeps Puppies From Creating A Mess At Night Or Getting Into Trouble
If puppies are allowed to roam freely in your house while you’re not there, they may explore and create a mess, but they won’t hesitate to do so. However, if they are crated, their movement will be limited, which will stop them from getting into the garbage or chewing on your furniture while you’re asleep.
3. Improves Your Sleep
Pawrents who have dogs that are active in the mornings and tend to wake up too early can understand the frustration of having their sleep abruptly disturbed. Ensuring that a puppy is placed in a crate helps reduce any disturbances that may occur during the night, such as barking or engaging in other activities.
If you potty train your dog using the crate earlier, the likelihood of them sleeping through the night significantly increases. You need not be concerned about your dog becoming dehydrated, as they are capable of going without water overnight.
4. Helps Your Dog’s Anxiety
Dogs, who are considered to be man’s best friend, also experience anxiety. A research on anxiety indicated that the most common form of anxiety in dogs is noise phobia. Canines suffering from separation anxiety greatly benefit from being trained to use a crate as they find comfort in these enclosed areas.
If your dog sleeps in their crate in your room, it will help alleviate their anxiety as they will feel near to you.
5. Helps Puppies Prepare For Overnight Vet Visits
If your dog has severe medical issues, they may need to stay at the veterinary hospital for life-saving treatment. Being in a different environment with unknown individuals and other animals may be challenging for dogs who are not crate-trained, while those who are will probably handle the situation with more composure.
6. Trains Your Dog To Stay Put In Case Of Emergency Situations
In cases of emergencies such as fire, earthquakes, and tornadoes, it is important to act quickly but also exercise caution. If, unfortunately, your dog becomes trapped in such situations, their ability to remain still when they cannot escape can make the difference between survival and fatality. Dogs that have been trained to stay in a crate are more likely to remain calm, regardless of how frightening the circumstances may be, until assistance arrives.
7. The Crate Helps Establish Routine And Structure In Your Puppy’s Life
Similar to children, dogs benefit from having a routine and structure instead of chaos and unpredictability. A specific bedtime, as part of their routine, provides predictability in their lives, fostering a sense of security in young dogs.
