Puppy’s first night - what do I do about the crying???

[AnonimityMary]

The puppy training book i have says to ignore it but he’s been crying and barking constantly since I put him to bed f45 mins ago. He is in a crate in the living room with lots of blankets and toys.

Is it right that I shouldn’t go back in no matter what? Should I leave a light on (I haven’t)? The radio? He’s so sad it’s breaking my heart.

Why Won't Dominance Die? - an excellent breakdown of the history (including the debunking) of "dominance/pack theory" and why it has no relevance when it comes to training dogs

Puppies and Time - an article written by a very highly respected behaviourist who specialises in the treatment of separation anxiety

Lol at the notion that comforting a puppy will lead to separation anxiety! I've had 11 dogs, 6 pups and 5 rescue. After the trauma of doing it "by the book" with the first pup, we've always slept with them for the first few days / weeks. Never had separation anxiety, quite the opposite - well apart from the first one who dug huge holes in the skirting board...

@ProseccoMamam dogs are pack animals so let them sleep alone on their first night in a strange place separated from their mum and siblings. LOL. Check yourself.

I can't for the life of me pretend to understand why someone would leave a pup to cry but the OP didn't!! The pup we had that was happy to be settled turned into an obedient happy little girl, she was always met us with a wagging tail. Then rescue Greyhound that needed comfort and company is now happy on her own or happy with us. She is is a big dog shaped cat, everything on her terms, and as we are (dare I say it) older then we're fine with it as long as she's happy and knows how far she can go. And as for the "pack mentality".... Bollocks.

Your pup is crying because he is very distressed and frightened. Alone and away from his mum and other pups. You have a choice - you can ignore him for as long as it takes as others have advised. It will probably “work” in the end in that he will give up. Some dogs won’t though, and it is possible that unhappiness in his crate will transfer to the day and separation anxiety and destructive behaviour when left alone. Crate training should ensure he is happy in the crate. Being confined in it when unhappy is not a good idea. Or you could choose to ensure that he feels safe and happy - either by someone sleeping downstairs or having the puppy upstairs. Our pup was tied to our bed leg rather than in a crate so he could be stroked and reassured. He slept really well. I would get up at about 3pm initially to take him out for a wee. Once he was housetrained, we took his lead off at night. He chose to sleep elsewhere and now sleeps downstairs. My husband didn’t want him upstairs either, but tough basically. I am happy that I have never caused my dog distress, and that being there for him helped us bond and trust each other. It’s a question of what sort of relationship do you want with your dog I suppose, and whether you feel OK about causing him distress. Same as kids. I never ignored my kids crying either. Both slept brilliantly. No trouble with them staying in bed as toddlers or getting to sleep.

Last night, second night at home, he cried for ten minutes then slept 22:30 - 07:30 with no accidents!

Success! That's great OP. I'm very jealous of you,I love having a pup - nothing better than cuddling and playing with a puppy. Enjoy!

Well done - your pup has learned when he cries nobody will comfort him

I am always of puppies that don't need to pee at night. Mine was terrible for needing his nightly toilet breaks

Bitey you and me both. Nighttime wee visits in December. One of my least favourite things about a new puppy in the winter!

9 hours for a small puppy with no need to pee ? Wow , amazing .
We took turns to sleep with our puppy downstairs on the sofa for the first three nights. the forth night we went to bed upstairs, not a peep since. He's 10 months now and the most beautiful, well adjusted dog. No separation anxiety whatsoever. It felt right for us, could not bear to leave a little pup to cry himself to sleep.