How to Stop Your Puppy Crying at Night: Expert Tips for Peaceful Sleep
Bringing a new puppy home is filled with tail wags, cuddles, and exciting firsts — but also the odd sleepless night. If your puppy is crying at night, you’re not alone. Many new dog parents face this challenge during those early weeks. At Petdirect, we get pet, and we’re here to help you and your pup sleep soundly with practical advice tailored to New Zealand dogs and lifestyles.
This guide covers why puppies cry, what it means, and most importantly, how to stop your puppy crying at night — gently and effectively. With patience, consistency and the right setup, peaceful nights are within reach!
Why Do Puppies Cry At Night?
Crying is a normal part of a puppy’s adjustment period. They’ve just left their mum, littermates, and everything familiar to them. Here are the most common reasons they cry:
- Loneliness or separation anxiety – They miss the comfort of their family
- Hunger or thirst – Especially if they’re still adjusting to a new routine
- Needing the toilet – Puppies need to go often, even during the night
- Fear of a new environment – Unfamiliar sounds and smells can be overwhelming
Understanding these needs helps you respond with empathy and set your puppy up for success.
Set Up A Safe, Cosy Sleep Space
A calm, consistent bedtime environment is key. Choose a quiet spot in your home and create a comfortable zone with:
- A supportive puppy bed or crate lined with soft blankets
- A familiar-smelling item like a worn t-shirt or soft toy to comfort them
- Night-safe toys or plush puppy toys for gentle chewing and cuddling
- Optional white noise or a ticking clock to mimic heartbeat sounds
Many Kiwi pet parents find success using a crate to give their puppy a sense of safety. Just be sure it's introduced slowly with positive reinforcement.
Establish A Consistent Bedtime Routine
Just like babies, puppies thrive on routine. Create a calming bedtime ritual that might look like this:
- Take them out for a toilet break
- Spend 5–10 minutes in quiet play or cuddles
- Offer a comforting chewy treat or bedtime topper
- Guide them to their sleep space with gentle praise
If your pup experiences anxiety, calming tools like Adaptil diffusers or anxiety supplements can help soothe nerves overnight.
Reinforce Positive Sleep Behaviour
When your puppy stays calm or quiets down on their own, reward that behaviour with praise or a morning cuddle. This teaches them that being settled brings good things — not more noise or attention.
If they cry during the night, listen for signs of a genuine need (like needing the toilet) versus attention-seeking behaviour. Respond calmly if needed, but avoid turning night wake-ups into a playtime or cuddle session.
Puppy Training Takes Patience
Settling into a new routine doesn’t happen overnight. Puppies may cry on and off for the first few nights or weeks, and that’s perfectly normal. Stay consistent, be gentle, and remember — they’re learning to trust and feel secure in their new home.
Having the right tools can make all the difference. From puppy training aids to nutritionally-balanced puppy food, everything you need to support your pup’s healthy development is at Petdirect.
Sweet Dreams Await!
It might not feel like it now, but with the right support and a little patience, your puppy will soon be snoozing through the night. At Petdirect, we’re here to make those puppy days easier for you and more joyful for your newest fluffy family member.
Check out our Puppy Shop for essentials that soothe, settle, and support your puppy’s big adjustment — because we get pet.