When a puppy is crying, a once peaceful day can easily turn into a noisy and unpleasant situation. To calm them down, lets talk about the best way to soothe a crying puppy.
Determine Why Your Puppy Might Be Crying
Identifying the root cause of your puppy’s crying is crucial, as it is impossible to address the issue without knowing what it is. Consider your puppy’s routine and try to understand their emotional and physical needs.
For new pet owners, there may be a learning curve, but taking the time to understand your puppy now will build a strong partnership in the long run. It can be useful to be aware of common reasons for a puppy’s crying, and if any of them apply to your pet, take the necessary steps to address the issue.
Are they Hungry or Thirsty?
Puppies may cry simply because they are hungry or thirsty. If it’s approaching mealtime, your puppy might be testing the waters, even if it’s not quite time for breakfast or dinner. However, it’s essential not to reinforce this behavior by giving in to their crying. Your puppy should always have access to enough food and water to thrive, but if they whine around mealtime, wait for them to calm down before offering their meal.
When your puppy is quiet for a moment, reward them with their food. This teaches them that being silent, not crying, results in being fed. If your puppy is frequently crying for food, consider adjusting their feeding schedule. Good nutrition is essential for their growth and development, and their dietary needs will change as they age.
While many feeding guides use age and weight to determine how much to feed a puppy, other factors may impact their dietary needs. Consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your puppy.
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To keep puppies engaged, they require a lot of entertainment and mental stimulation. If they don’t receive enough stimulation, they will seek ways to entertain themselves, leading to destructive behaviors such as chewing wires or scratching furniture.
If your puppy is crying, they may be seeking a source of entertainment or a distraction. They may want you to play with them or need a toy to occupy themselves.
Bathroom Break
If your puppy is crying, they may need to use the bathroom just as they might be hungry or thirsty. Consider the last time you took your puppy outside and keep in mind that puppies are still learning how to hold their bladder and bowels.
Puppies need to go outside more often than adult dogs, at least every two hours, to avoid accidents indoors. By taking your puppy out frequently, you can anticipate their needs and prevent them from crying. This also helps to build trust and a strong bond with your pet, showing that you will always take care of them.
Frequent bathroom breaks are essential for successful potty training and will reduce crying in the process. By doing so, you’ll avoid accidents, and your floors and ears will thank you
Your Pup Misses You
Loneliness could be another reason for your dog’s crying. Dogs, especially puppies, can experience separation anxiety due to being used to being around their littermates before coming to their new home. Going from constant interaction with many other puppies to being in a quiet home can be overwhelming.
Your dog may not be accustomed to being alone, and this can be a daunting experience. New puppy owners may not realize that their pets need to be trained to feel comfortable being alone.
Crate training is an effective way to teach your dog how to be alone and feel confident about it. We’ll talk about helpful advice on how to make crate training your puppy a smooth process.
Understanding When to Ignore and When to Engage with Your Dog
As pet parents, it can be tough to ignore our furry friends when they’re crying. We want to provide them with the best care possible, and seeing them in distress can be heartbreaking. However, sometimes ignoring them can be the best thing for everyone involved.
If your puppy is crying, chances are they’re doing so for one of two reasons. Firstly, they may be seeking your attention, testing to see if crying will prompt a response. Alternatively, they may already know that crying will get your attention and are doing so for that reason.
It’s crucial to determine whether your puppy’s crying is based on a genuine need or not. If you’ve given in to their cries in the past, they’ll likely continue to do so in the future. Understanding their motivations will help you make the best decision on how to respond.
Although it may be difficult, it’s important to remember that sometimes ignoring your puppy is the best course of action. With time, they’ll learn that crying won’t always result in a response, and they’ll become less likely to do so in the future.
Crate Training Your Puppy
Crate training is an important aspect of a puppy’s development, and it can benefit both the pet and the pet parent. When you crate train your dog, you provide them with a safe space that is entirely their own. It is a place where they can feel secure and peaceful, without any fear or anxiety.
By consistently and positively reinforcing your dog’s crate training, they will eventually associate their crate with a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. There are several ways to build these positive associations, such as:
– Feed their meals inside their crate
– Pick the right size crate for your puppy (a large crate may require a divider)
– Give your puppy a treat for entering the crate on their own
– Hide treats in the crate
Make Their Crate Homey
Incorporating these tips can help make crate training a positive experience for your puppy. To further enhance their comfort, make their crate as cozy as possible to encourage their natural denning instincts.
You can achieve this by providing a comfortable crate pad for them to sleep on and adding soft blankets and their favorite toys to create a welcoming environment.
Get Your Puppy Plenty Exercise During the Day
Not getting enough exercise is a common reason why puppies tend to get bored. Providing adequate physical activity can help tire them out, making it easier for both you and your pup to get some rest. Activities such as walking, and playing fetch can keep your furry friend healthy, happy, and mentally stimulated.
Exercising with your pup can strengthen your relationship and create a deeper bond between you two.
Establish a Routine
Dogs and puppies, are similar to human children. They thrive on a consistent routine that provides a sense of security and confidence. To make the most of their day, it’s important to establish certain elements of this routine that remain constant for all puppies and their pet parents.
For example, taking your pup outside to relieve themselves right after waking up and before bedtime can ensure you both get a good night’s sleep. Additionally, it’s essential to determine your puppy’s feeding schedule, including how much, when, and at what intervals to feed them. Consult with your veterinarian and take into consideration your pup’s feeding routine before joining your household.
Once these essentials are in place, there is plenty of time for fun activities like playing, cuddling, and spending quality time with your furry friend. By providing a consistent routine for your puppy, you can help them feel safe and comfortable, and foster a strong bond between you and your beloved pet.
Always Stay Calm Even When You’re Frustrated
There may be times when you’re tempted to stay in your cozy bed, but your crying puppy demands your attention. While this can be frustrating, it’s important to remain calm and avoid losing your temper.
Reacting negatively to your puppy’s crying can reinforce the behavior, as any reaction can be perceived as attention. Dogs are also highly attuned to our emotions and can sense when we’re upset, which may make them more anxious and vocal. In fact, a frightened puppy may cry even more, resulting in the opposite of the desired effect.
Instead, try to soothe your puppy with gentle words and comforting gestures. Gradually, your pup will learn that crying won’t get the attention they seek, and they’ll be less likely to cry in the future. By remaining patient and consistent, you can help your puppy feel secure and build a positive relationship with them.
One Last Thought
If you take the time to understand why your puppy is crying, it shouldn’t be difficult to calm them down. However, if you’re unable to determine the cause of their distress or they continue crying despite your efforts, it may be time to consult with your veterinarian for further guidance.