Why is my puppy crying and what should I do?

When they are small, our dogs sometimes cry for reasons that are beyond our control. We think we surround them with love and attention, but sometimes they are missing something.

Why does a puppy cry? How to calm him? Find the answers to your questions in this article.

Why is my puppy crying?

In the majority of cases, a crying puppy stresses its owner. Often, the reasons seem incomprehensible. However, a puppy has many reasons to cry: he is in a new place, he is afraid of the night, he feels lonely…

He just changed environment

These are the first days with your puppy and he cries all the time? Don't worry! This situation is not abnormal.

Understand that he has just been separated from his familiar surroundings. And just like a child who changes schools or homes, when he arrives at your home, he has not yet found his bearings.

He may also have never been alone in his previous environment, which is why he is upset to be alone for the first time in his life. It's also why your crying puppy won't feel comfortable in your home for the first few days.

Also read this article: How to welcome your dog in his new home?

He's afraid of the night

Exactly as explained above, the first few nights can be a series of howls and cries for your small dog. During the night, he panics, stresses, and feels lost because he's lonely. Your crying puppy needs attention and reassurance. He will bark or howl to make you come back and reassure him.

He's lonely

Dogs are known as social beings par excellence. They quickly become attached to their surroundings and very affective. After his adoption, you become his family and his landmark. Whether it is during the night or the day, he will feel lonely when you are out of his field of vision.

For both puppies and adult dogs, separation anxiety is the most common behavioral disorder in canines. It is expressed in different ways ranging from passive (crying, howling or simply silence) to active behaviors (destroying objects or self-mutilation).

He's suffering

Your puppy may cry and howl with physical pain. If none of the above seem to explain your canine friend's crying, examine him.

If you notice something unusual or if you still have doubts, take him to a veterinarian for a proper examination.

What should I do to calm a crying puppy?

It's important that you know the reasons why your puppy is uncomfortable, what to do, and especially what not to do.

Prerequisites: welcome your puppy and be firm with him

Before adopting a puppy, it's best to visit him a day earlier to initiate the first contact. This is very important in establishing the relationship. Then prepare the objects he will need (space, toys…). Once at home, introduce him to his new home, play with him and offer him your attention.

Be aware that when your puppy moves into your home, he goes through a stage called the olfactory transition.

Also, to prevent him from crying, if possible, bring back cloths on which he was lying when living with his mother or siblings. Smelling the scent of his origin will comfort him while he adjusts to your home.

Most people who adopt a puppy know what to do, but in most cases don't know what to avoid.

From his first days in your home, be firm with him (without ever being aggressive). If you don't, he may develop bad habits and it becomes very difficult to correct him later on.

Tips for calming the first cries

A crying puppy will disturb you and you'll want to comfort him or give him your attention.

However, be aware that his mother does not always respond to his requests because she knows that sooner or later she will have to move away from him. This process, although uncomfortable, is quite natural.

Also, be patient before going to see your crying puppy. He will eventually fall asleep or calm down.

It's strongly recommended that you don't sleep with your puppy for the first few nights, as he'll develop this habit. Eventually, leave him in the same room, keeping his basket as far away from your bed as possible.

Get the puppy used to being alone

To prevent your puppy from crying when you're not with him, get him used to being alone because you're not going to be with him all the time. But take it one step at a time: at first, leave him alone for 5 minutes, then 10, then 20 and so on. Gradually, your puppy will begin to get used to your absence.

Even when you are at home, get him used to keeping a certain distance. Don't hesitate to forbid him to go into certain rooms of your house to give you peace of mind when you need it.

When you leave your small dog alone, make sure the room is safe for him. Keep dangerous objects out of his reach.

Avoid the usual rituals

It is quite normal for you to make certain gestures when you go out or when you get back home. But to prevent your puppy from crying, when you leave home, don't say goodbye with gestures that show you're leaving. When you come back, take your time to change and get rid of your things before you say hello to your dog.

It is advisable not to leave your puppy alone for less than four hours. After that time, let a friend or a professional help you to take care of him.

Be the contact initiator

Measure the attention you pay to your puppy, don't systematically respond to his requests for cuddles or games, because you won't be helping him in his learning process. Just like humans, a spoiled puppy won't tolerate deprivation. This will lead to fits of whims.

Likewise, if he asks for attention, don't respond. He'll turn away after 5 to 15 minutes. When his attention is diverted, initiate contact. Call him, start playing with him and give him your attention.