Puppy Crying in the Crate? Gentle Training Tips That Actually Work

Positive crate training tips to stop a puppy from crying all night (and day). Learn how to prevent separation anxiety before it starts.

Crate Training Challenges When Bringing Home a New Puppy — What to Do if They Cry All Night (or Day)

Bringing home a new puppy is a joyful experience, but those first few days and nights can feel overwhelming—especially if your puppy cries in the crate for hours or all night long.

Sleepless nights and nonstop whining during the day can quickly turn the excitement of bringing home a new puppy into exhaustion and frustration.

If constant crying is making crate training your puppy or leaving them alone feel impossible, you’re not alone—and it’s normal to feel worried or desperate for answers.

💛 Take heart: Crate training struggles—and even signs of puppy separation anxiety—are common between 8 weeks and 6 months old. Most puppies will protest if it’s their first time alone, in a crate, or a brand-new home.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to crate train with compassion, understand why puppies cry during the day or at night, and know when and how to comfort them without reinforcing anxiety.

You’ll also discover how to spot the early warning signs of separation anxiety and use gentle, step-by-step strategies to help your puppy settle down, enjoy crate time, and relax when left alone.

📹 Includes a full video tutorial of our proven, gentle crate training method.

Why Is My Puppy Crying So Much in the Crate?

VIDEO CLIP: An example of the distress calls and escape attempts of a 12-week-old puppy with separation anxiety.

Most puppies cry in the crate at first—especially during the night, when they need a potty break, or if it’s their very first crate training experience. However, the reasons for puppy crying in the crate can vary widely.

Often, whining is your puppy’s way of communicating an unmet need—like needing to go outside to potty, feeling hungry, or wanting comfort. In these situations, responding quickly and calmly is key to successful puppy crate training.

However, if your puppy’s crying in the crate stretches beyond 20–30 minutes, even after you’ve met their basic needs, it may indicate your puppy is struggling with crate training and needs extra reassurance before they can relax.

Understanding why your puppy is crying is the first step in how to stop puppy crying at night and during crate time. Here are some common causes and what you can do:

• Needs a potty break: If your puppy hasn’t gone out in the last hour or two—or it’s the middle of the night—take them outside calmly and praise them quietly. Return your puppy to the crate immediately after.

• Too much energy: A quick play session, sniff walk, or basic training before crate time can help burn off extra energy and make it easier for your puppy to settle in the crate.

• Feeling lonely: Placing the crate near your bed or a central family area can help your puppy feel more secure. Adding background noise, such as a white noise machine, may also ease their anxiety.

• Uncomfortable crate setup: Double-check the crate size, provide cozy bedding, and include a safe chew toy or stuffed Kong to help your puppy feel comfortable and content.

• Struggling with self-soothing (puppy separation anxiety): If your puppy continues crying, remain nearby, offer gentle words, or rest your hand near the crate. Avoid letting them out unless necessary, so they learn the crate is a safe, calm space.

With patience, meeting your puppy’s needs while encouraging gradual independence helps them see the crate as a safe, cozy place to rest—not something to fear.

However, if your puppy is crying nonstop and nothing works to soothe them, it could be an early warning sign of dog separation anxiety.

Is My Puppy’s Crying Normal or Separation Anxiety?

Red Flags: When Puppy Crying Goes Beyond a Normal Adjustment Period

It’s natural for puppies to cry during their first few days to a week while adjusting to a new home and crate routine. However, pup parents need to recognize signs that go beyond a normal adjustment period and may indicate a more serious concern. Keep an eye out for these red flags:

🟢 Normal Crate Crying:

• Brief whining or barking, especially around bedtime or initial alone time

• Crying that fades within a few minutes as your puppy settles

🔴 Red Flags: Possible Separation Anxiety

• Inability to settle in a crate, playpen, or other safe space

• Crying, barking, or howling lasting 30+ minutes or escalating into panicked screams

• Potty accidents soon after being left alone in the crate, despite a recent bathroom break

• Frantic escape attempts, including biting crate bars, digging, or pawing wildly

• Destructive behaviors such as shredding bedding or chewing crate liners

• Excessive pacing, drooling, shaking, or panting

• Refusal to eat, play, or engage when left alone

• Extreme clinginess or visible distress the moment you leave—even briefly

If you notice these red flags, your puppy may be showing signs of separation anxiety—a real condition where puppies panic when left alone or confined in a crate. This isn’t just normal whining; it means your puppy is truly stressed and struggling to cope with being in a crate or spending time alone.

Left unaddressed, it can intensify and make crate training your puppy or leaving them alone a challenge as time goes by.

👉 👉 Feeling overwhelmed by your pup’s crate crying?

Click the link below to learn 5 easy steps to help your puppy relax using our gentle, proven crate training method.

Situations that Trigger Separation Anxiety in Puppies

Puppies are naturally sensitive to their surroundings and changes in their daily life, especially during their early weeks and months.

Certain situations can unsettle them, making them feel insecure or overwhelmed when left alone. Recognizing these triggers helps you anticipate your puppy’s needs and provide the right support to build their confidence and ease anxiety.

Here are some of the most common situations that can trigger separation anxiety in puppies:

• First Separation from Littermates/First Night in New Home
  Moving to a new home is a huge adjustment. For many puppies, it’s the first time away from their mother and siblings—an experience that can bring confusion, loneliness, and crying.

• First Time in a Crate or Being Left Alone
  If your puppy hasn’t been gradually introduced to crate time or alone time, even simple separations—like closing a door—can feel scary and trigger vocalizing or panic.

• Sudden Changes or Isolation
  Big life changes—like moving homes, new household members, or family members returning to work or school after time off—can disrupt your puppy’s sense of security, leading to anxiety when left alone.

• Never Alone/Hyper-Attachment
  Puppies constantly surrounded by people, especially when first brought home during holidays or extended family visits, may not develop tolerance for short separations. This can result in clinginess and distress when briefly apart.

• Inconsistent Routine
  Irregular feeding, walking, and alone-time schedules can confuse puppies, making it harder for them to feel secure when left alone.

Understanding these triggers and what causes your puppy to feel stressed gives you a clearer picture of what your puppy is experiencing—and how you can help them feel calm, safe, and confident when it’s time to be alone.

😴 How to Survive Your Puppy’s First Night of Crate Training (Without Losing Sleep)

One of the hardest times to stick with crate training is at night—when you’re exhausted, the crying feels endless, and every fiber of your being wants to scoop up your puppy just so you can both get some sleep.

For your puppy, though, this moment is more than just “bedtime.” It’s a huge emotional adjustment. Puppies are social, pack-oriented animals, and sleeping alone—away from their littermates, mother, or familiar people—feels strange and unsettling. For an 8-week-old puppy (or any newly adopted pup), that first night in a crate can be the first time they’ve truly been alone.

No wonder they cry. It’s not stubbornness—it’s confusion, fear, and a deep need for security.

👉 The good news? With a little preparation, patience, and consistency, you can help your puppy feel safe enough to sleep through the night. The way you handle those first few nights sets the tone for how quickly they’ll adapt to crate sleeping—and how peaceful your nights will be going forward.

Here’s how to handle first-night puppy crying with care, so both you and your puppy can start getting the rest you need:

How to Stop Puppy Crying at Night

One of the most effective ways to stop puppy crying at night in the crate is to keep your puppy’s crate in your bedroom or right beside your bed during the first several nights—or even longer if needed.

Since puppies are baby pack animals, simply being near you provides powerful comfort and makes the process of puppy crate training at night much easier. Your presence helps your puppy feel safe and adjust faster to their first nights in a crate and in a new home.

👉 Remember: keeping your puppy close at bedtime doesn’t “spoil” them. It gives your puppy the reassurance they need, building trust and helping them learn how to self-soothe and sleep through the night.

Having your puppy’s crate nearby also allows you to quickly respond if they need to go potty, need a gentle word of comfort, or require a quick check-in—making sure their real needs are met without reinforcing attention-seeking behaviors.

As your puppy grows more secure and begins to sleep through the night without distress, you can gradually move the crate farther away from your bed, one small step at a time, until your puppy is comfortable sleeping in their permanent spot.

This gentle, gradual approach to puppy crate training at night helps stop puppy crying, builds confidence, and lays the foundation for a calm, independent adult dog.

🌙 Tips for Managing a Puppy Crying at Night

Listening to your puppy cry at night is stressful, especially when you're worried about the neighbors. These tips can help you both get through it:

• 🍲 Remove the Water Bowl Before Bedtime: After your puppy’s last play session or evening walk, offer a final drink of water. Then, put the bowl away about two hours before bedtime. This helps your puppy sleep through the night without needing a bathroom break until morning.

• 🚽 Before Crate Time Potty Breaks: Always give your puppy a final potty break right before bedtime to help prevent nighttime accidents in the crate.

• 🧻 During the Night Potty Breaks: Keep in mind that young puppies (especially those 8–12 weeks old) have tiny bladders and often need to go potty a couple of times during the night. If it’s been a few hours since their last bathroom trip and your puppy starts whining or crying in the crate, quietly and calmly take them outside—avoid playtime or excitement, then return them straight to the crate. Consistent potty routines are the key to successful puppy crate training and help your puppy learn to sleep through the night.

• 🛏️ Place Crate Near Head of the Bed: If your puppy cries at night, try moving their crate closer to the head of your bed. Being able to see you and hear your breathing helps them feel safe and connected, making it easier for them to relax and drift off to sleep.

• 🪑 Place the Crate on a Chair: Elevating the crate helps your puppy see you better, which can help reduce anxiety and help the puppy settle.

• ✋ Rest Your Hand on the Crate Door: Sit near the crate or playpen and rest your hand on the bars so your puppy can sniff or touch your fingers. This small gesture can go a long way toward calming an anxious pup.

• 👕 Add a Familiar Scent: Place a soft blanket, snuggle toy with a heartbeat, or t-shirt that smells like you inside the crate to comfort your puppy.

• 🧸 Use a Calming Toy or Chew: Give your puppy a food-stuffed toy or safe chew to distract them and create positive associations with the crate.

• 💤 Sleep Near Them, If Necessary: If your puppy is extremely anxious at night, and you must keep them outside your bedroom, consider sleeping next to their crate or playpen for a few nights. Your presence can provide powerful reassurance during this transitional period and help them feel safe enough to settle.

• ⚠️ Avoid Prolonged Crying: Never let your puppy cry for hours, as this can cause distress, confusion, and potentially undermine the sense of safety you want the crate to provide.

👉 Remember: Some crying, especially on the first night, is normal and part of the adjustment period. Your goal is to balance meeting your puppy’s needs with helping them learn to settle calmly in their crate overnight. With consistency and patience, nighttime crying will fade as your puppy grows more confident.

How Long Should I Let My Puppy Cry in a Crate at Night?

Should I Let My Puppy Cry It Out?

In general, you shouldn’t let your puppy cry for extended periods in the crate, especially during the first few nights or early days of crate training. This is a critical time to help your pup feel safe and secure in their new home.

Instead, take a few quiet minutes—around 3 to 5—to observe and listen. Some whining or fussing is completely normal as your puppy adjusts to a new routine. Many pups will settle once they realize you're not immediately rushing over to let them out.

But if the crying continues beyond 5 minutes, it could be a sign of something more: a full bladder, physical discomfort, or even early signs of separation anxiety. In those cases, it’s okay to calmly step in and help your puppy go potty, get comfortable, or settle in.

🚫 Avoid the “cry it out” approach: “Let your puppy cry it out” is outdated advice. Prolonged distress doesn’t teach independence; it teaches your puppy that the crate is scary and unsafe, which can make training harder and anxiety worse over time.

When Should I Ignore My Puppy’s Crying and When Should I Let Them Out of the Crate?

Now that you understand why puppies cry in the crate, the next big question is: should you respond every time?

The truth is, it depends.

Your reaction can either help your puppy settle and gain confidence—or unintentionally teach them that crying is the fastest way to get what they want. The goal isn’t to ignore your puppy completely, but to respond in a way that meets their needs without reinforcing anxiety or attention-seeking behavior.

Here’s how to handle it wisely:

🧻 Recognize Genuine Needs First

Always start by checking the basics. Does your puppy need a potty break? Is the crate too warm, too cold, or uncomfortable? Do they need water or a quick stretch? If so, meet those needs right away—responding to real needs builds trust and promotes a sense of security.

🙉 Avoid Rewarding “Contact Calls”

If your puppy keeps crying after a potty break and other basic needs have been met, it’s often an attention-seeking “contact call” (a leftover survival instinct from the litter). If you immediately open the crate or give lots of attention while they’re vocalizing, you teach them that crying equals instant results.

🤲 Provide Calm, Low-Key Reassurance

Instead of opening the crate, sit quietly nearby. You can place your hand near (or lightly against) the crate so your puppy can smell you, but avoid prolonged eye contact, playful chatter, or high-energy interaction. Your calm presence communicates safety without turning it into playtime, which encourages your puppy to settle down.

⏳ Wait for a Pause in Crying Before Letting Them Out

Wait until your puppy has stopped crying and is calm—even if it’s only for a brief moment—before opening the crate. By releasing them during a quiet, relaxed state, you teach your puppy that calmness, not crying, earns attention and freedom. This gentle approach to crate training encourages your puppy to settle on their own, preventing stress from escalating into panic—and helping to reduce the risk of developing separation anxiety.

🔄 Use Short Breaks to Build Crate Confidence

After your puppy has calmed down, let them out for a quick break. Return them to the crate after a minute or two and repeat the process 3–5 times. Stay nearby until they calm down again.

In the early days, keep crate sessions short, pair them with comfort items and rewards, and gradually build up the duration. This repetition helps your puppy learn that going into the crate isn’t a one-way trip—it’s a safe, temporary space they can enter and exit without fear.

Handled with patience and consistency, your puppy will learn that the crate is a safe, predictable space—never a place of isolation or abandonment. Over time, crying will naturally fade as their confidence grows.

💡 Puppy Crate Training Tips: Crate Crying Response Checklist

Finding the Balance

The key is knowing when your puppy truly needs you—and when they just need a moment to work through their feelings.

By learning to distinguish between “I need a potty break” crying and “I want out” fussing, you can respond consistently and fairly. Meeting genuine needs right away builds trust, while calmly holding boundaries during attention-seeking moments teaches your puppy to self-soothe.

Over time, this balance of loving care and gentle structure helps your puppy develop resilience, confidence, and the ability to rest peacefully—even when you’re not right beside them.

My Puppy Won’t Stop Crying or Settle Down. Should I Stop Crate Training Altogether?

It’s tough not to give in when your puppy won’t stop crying in the crate—especially when it’s been going on forever and no one in the house is getting any sleep (and losing patience).

But here’s the thing: if you let your puppy out while they’re in full-blown meltdown mode, they’ll quickly learn that crying is the magic key to freedom. Once that lightbulb goes off, the crying can become even more persistent and harder to undo.

The Pitfalls of Quitting Crate Training

When your puppy’s cries are keeping you up—or even getting the neighbors involved—it’s completely normal to wonder if crate training is worth it. But stopping too soon can backfire in a big way.

Without gradually helping your puppy feel safe and confident being alone, you run the risk of raising a dog with full-blown separation anxiety—a much harder behavior to fix. And puppies who get too much unsupervised freedom too soon often end up with other issues, like chewing furniture, potty accidents, or constant barking.

That’s why teaching your puppy how to handle short periods of separation—whether it’s during daytime crate training and playpen time, or sleeping alone at night—is so important. It helps them build the independence and emotional resilience they’ll need to grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.

Crate Training Supports Your Puppy’s Emotional Development

Ultimately, helping your puppy learn to tolerate short separations by self-entertaining and relaxing in the crate (or another form of confinement like a playpen) is essential for raising a well-behaved, independent adult dog.

The trick is to use a positive approach to crate training—one that fits into your daily routine while honoring your puppy’s emotional development.

Understanding your puppy’s natural desire to stay close to their “pack” is key to helping them feel more secure. Your goal isn’t to eliminate this instinct—but to teach them how to feel safe and calm, even when you’re not right beside them.

That’s where gentle and positive crate training comes in. When introduced gradually and paired with enrichment, the crate becomes a safe space where your puppy can rest, self-soothe, and learn that being alone doesn’t have to be scary.

It’s also important to:

• Introduce crate time and alone time slowly, starting with short periods where you can stay nearby and in sight.

• Avoid leaving your puppy alone for too long, especially during the early stages of adjustment. If you can’t be with them, perhaps a friend, neighbor, or pet sitter can stop by to check on them or look after them.

• Use calming activities and enrichment (like food-stuffed toys or chews) to help your puppy associate crate time and separation with positive experiences. This teaches a puppy to self-entertain when you can’t spend time with them.

With the right approach, you can turn separation into a skill—one your puppy will carry with them for life. That’s why early crate training, paired with playpen training, plays a crucial role in their emotional development.

Why Crate Training Paired with Playpen Time Helps Prevent Separation Anxiety

Crates and playpens aren’t just tools for confinement—they’re powerful allies in raising a confident, independent puppy.

When used thoughtfully, these cozy spaces offer your pup a safe place to rest, recharge, and learn to be alone without stress.

Paired with a consistent daily routine, a mix of crate and playpen time helps your puppy develop healthy alone-time habits that last a lifetime. Instead of panicking when you step away, your pup will learn to relax, nap, or play—secure in the knowledge that you always come back.

It’s one of the kindest, most effective ways to prevent dog separation anxiety before it starts.

By introducing short, positive sessions early on, you’re teaching your puppy that alone time is normal, safe, and even enjoyable—an essential foundation for emotional resilience.

💤 Crate Time = Rest + Comfort

The crate is perfect for:

• Naps

• Mealtimes

• Overnight sleep

When introduced gently, the crate becomes your puppy’s happy place—a secure den where they feel safe and relaxed. Over time, your puppy learns to associate being alone with comfort and calmness.

🧩 Playpen Time = Independent Play + Confidence

The playpen shines during the day when:

• You’re working, cooking, or running errands around the house

• Your puppy is awake and needs safe containment

• You want to encourage solo play with toys or chews

With the right setup, the playpen becomes a positive place where your puppy can observe, explore, and play—without needing your constant attention.

⏰ Why a Puppy Confinement Schedule Matters

Structure is the secret to success. A consistent daily routine using both crate and playpen time teaches your puppy that being alone is normal—not scary.

Try this balanced rhythm:

• Short crate sessions for rest and meals

• Longer playpen periods while you’re home but busy

This variety builds your puppy’s ability to self-soothe, stay calm, and handle alone time with ease.

💡 Pro Tip: Match your puppy’s crate and playpen schedule to your real-life routine (like during work hours or trips out of the house). This helps them adjust to your lifestyle seamlessly.

📍 Where to Place the Crate or Playpen During the Day

Keep your puppy’s crate or pen in a central, low-stress area—like the living room, hallway, or your home office—where you can see them, and they can see you.

Why it works:

• Your pup feels included and safe

• You can monitor them without hovering

• It prevents behaviors like nuisance barking, chewing furniture, or sneaky potty accidents

🐶 Set Your Puppy Up for Success: Crate Training & Playpen Time Checklist

Make every crate training or playpen session a positive experience with these proven steps:

🐢 1. Go Slow & Keep It Positive

• Let your puppy explore the crate or playpen at their own pace (never force them inside).

• Play “in and out” games (also known as “Crate Games”): Toss treats or favorite toys in and cheer your puppy for entering voluntarily.

🍽️ 2. Create Happy Associations

• Feed regular meals inside the crate/playpen so it becomes a happy, rewarding place.

• Use special treats, enrichment toys, and chews only during crate training and playpen time to boost positive vibes.

🛏️ 3. Make It Cozy & Comforting

• Add soft bedding (if your puppy doesn’t chew it), a t-shirt or blanket that smells like you, or a heartbeat/snuggle toy for comfort.

• Drape a blanket over the back part of the crate to create a cozy “den,” but still allow a puppy to see you from the front.

🏃‍♂️ 4. Play Before Crate Time

• Help your puppy burn off extra energy with a walk, play session, or a quick training game before crate training.

• A tired puppy is more likely to settle and nap.

💡 Pro Tips

• Start with short crate training sessions and gradually build up the time as your puppy becomes more comfortable.

• Always pair crate time with something positive—never use the crate as punishment.

• Use the playpen when your puppy is active and alert, but you can’t supervise.

Your puppy will quickly learn that their crate or playpen is a safe, happy place to rest, play, and relax!

Decompression Training

How to Stop Your Puppy from Crying and Help Them Settle Down in a Crate

Puppy separation anxiety is incredibly common, especially during the early adjustment period in a new home. That’s why it’s so important to respond with patience, empathy, and a clear, consistent plan.

While outdated advice may suggest letting your puppy “cry it out,” this approach often backfires—causing more anxiety, distress, and resistance to crate training.

👉 The good news? With the right method, your puppy can learn to feel calm, safe, and secure in the crate or playpen.

What Is Decompression Training?

At Dog Savvy, we teach a gentle and effective method of crate training called Decompression Training. This compassionate approach uses your calm presence to help your puppy feel safe—without reinforcing crying.

Instead of ignoring distress, you provide quiet reassurance while teaching your puppy that relaxation leads to freedom. Over time, this builds confidence, self-regulation, and emotional resilience—essential life skills for every dog.

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO: Watch a 12-week-old Bernedoodle puppy with separation anxiety learn to relax in his crate using our proven, gentle crate training method.

🐶 5 Simple Steps to Training Your Puppy to Settle Down in the Crate

1. Stay Nearby—But Keep It Low-Key

Letting your puppy “cry it out” alone in another room can escalate anxiety. Instead, stay close, ideally within their line of sight, or sitting quietly near the crate. Place your hand on the crate door so your puppy can lean against your fingers and smell you if needed.

💡 Think of yourself as an emotional anchor. You're there for support—not entertainment or rescue. Remain in sight and nearby, but avoid talking, eye contact, or petting. Your quiet presence offers comfort without reinforcing the fussing.

2. Wait Patiently for Calm Behavior

As hard as it is, try not to interact with your puppy while they’re crying—not even with eye contact or soothing words. Even well-meaning reassurance can accidentally reinforce the behavior.

Instead, quietly wait until your puppy shows a moment of calm—even just a brief pause. This might take a few minutes (or more), but staying consistent helps your puppy learn an important skill: self-soothing.

3. Reward Calm with a Brief Break

Once your puppy settles (lies down, stays quiet, or shows no signs of stress), reward that calm behavior with a short break from the crate.

This teaches them that calm behavior—not crying—leads to freedom and connection.

Let them go potty, stretch, or get a drink—but keep it calm and brief. Then return to the crate for another short session.

4. Use Treats and Games to Make the Crate a Happy Place

Every time you guide your puppy back inside the crate, toss in a small handful of treats. This creates a strong, positive association with going back in and helps reduce resistance.

You can also make crate time more fun by playing “Crate Games”—fun exercises that encourage your puppy to enter the crate willingly, such as tossing a treat inside and rewarding them for stepping in on their own.

• 🔄 Repeat Steps 1–4 about 3–5 times until your puppy can settle quietly on their own.

• ⏩ If they seem relaxed, either move on to Step 5 and begin increasing crate time, or end the session on a positive note.

• 🎾 If your puppy is alert and active but not ready for longer crate time, transition them to a playpen where they can stay safe while still being near household activity.

5. Practice Daily and Increase Time Gradually

Schedule several short crate training sessions each day, ideally when your puppy is ready to rest, nap, or eat. Begin with just a few seconds of calm before letting them out, and gradually extend the duration as they grow more comfortable.

Once your puppy can relax in the crate with you nearby, start introducing very short absences—just a few seconds at first—then slowly work up to several minutes over the course of a few weeks.

Always return before your puppy becomes distressed so you’re rewarding calmness, not panic.

💡 Pro Tip: Feed meals in the crate, offer special chews only inside, and leave the door open when you’re around so your puppy can explore it freely.

Troubleshooting Crate Training

What to Do When Your Puppy Won’t Stop Crying or Settle Down

If your puppy is having trouble calming down in the crate—especially during the first few days or weeks—it’s normal. Crate training takes time, and every puppy adjusts at their own pace. Here are some gentle, effective ways to help ease the transition:

🧸 Try Soothing Strategies to Reduce Crate Anxiety

• Add a familiar scent: Place a soft blanket or t-shirt that smells like you in the crate to help your puppy feel safe and comforted.

• Offer a “snuggle buddy:” A warm water bottle wrapped in a towel or a heartbeat plush toy can mimic the warmth and rhythm of a littermate.

• Use a calming toy or chew: Try a food-stuffed toy, lickable crate-training toy, or safe chew to keep your puppy occupied and build positive associations with the crate.

🪑 Place the Crate on a Chair, or Use a Soft Crate at Night

Try placing a regular crate beside the bed on a chair, or put a soft-sided, portable crate on your bed at night. These setups let your puppy stay close to you while still being safely contained. Your puppy can see, hear, and smell you—which naturally reduces separation anxiety and helps them feel more secure during those first few nights.

💤 Sleep Near Them, If Necessary

If your puppy is extremely anxious at night, and you must keep them outside your bedroom, consider sleeping next to their crate or playpen for a few nights. Your presence can provide powerful reassurance during this transitional period and help them feel safe enough to settle.

🚧 Switch to a Playpen or Confinement Area if Needed

If your puppy seems panicked in the crate, they may have formed negative associations with it. In that case, try a puppy playpen or gated area in a high-traffic space like the kitchen, living room, or home office. This setup gives them room to move and play while still staying safely confined and near you—without feeling trapped.

When to Stop Using a Crate and Playpen

Crates and playpens are training tools—not lifelong confinement solutions. Most puppies can gradually transition out of them as they mature and learn to stay calm when left alone and refrain from engaging in unwanted behaviors.

Begin phasing out the playpen once your puppy can reliably relax without chewing furniture, having potty accidents, or raiding the trash. For many puppies, this starts around 5–6 months old, but it depends on their individual temperament and training progress.

The crate can be used longer—sometimes well into adulthood—for naps, overnight sleep, or when you're out for a few hours. You'll know your dog is ready for more freedom when they consistently settle in the crate without fussing and can be trusted to stay out of trouble when briefly unsupervised.

💡 Pro tip: Instead of removing confinement abruptly, try leaving the crate or playpen door open during calm periods and observe what your puppy does. If they choose to rest inside—or if they don’t have any potty accidents or destroy things when roaming free—you're on the right track!

👉 No more potty accidents, destructive chewing, or signs of distress? Congratulations! You can start phasing out the crate and playpen and experiment with giving your puppy more freedom when home alone.

Final Thoughts: Patience and Consistency Are Key to Successful Puppy Crate Training

Setting your puppy up for crate training success begins with smart crate placement. Keep the crate in your bedroom at night and in a spot where your puppy can see you during the day. This proximity helps your puppy feel safe, supports potty training, and builds positive associations with their crate.

Make the crate a place your puppy loves by feeding meals inside, offering special chews or toys reserved just for crate time, and adding calming scents or a familiar-smelling item—like an old t-shirt. These small comforts boost your puppy’s confidence and ease with confinement.

If your puppy struggles with crate time, consider using a playpen as a daytime alternative. A playpen provides more space to move and play while keeping your puppy safe, especially when you can’t supervise closely.

Temporarily adjusting your schedule to spend more time at home—and enlisting help from a friend, neighbor, or pet sitter—can make a big difference while your puppy learns to be comfortable alone.

💡 Remember: Crate training takes time, and every puppy adjusts at their own pace. Some puppies settle within days, while others may need several weeks. The key is to move at your puppy’s comfort level and avoid pushing them too fast.

👉 If you need extra guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a certified dog trainer or a separation anxiety specialist. With patience, consistency, and the right support, your puppy will learn to relax, self-soothe, and grow into a confident, independent companion.

Puppy Won’t Stop Crying in the Crate?

Get Help Now from a Separation Anxiety Expert

If your puppy won’t stop crying, barking, or howling in the crate, it might be more than just typical crate training struggles—it could be puppy separation anxiety.

This common but challenging issue can feel overwhelming for both puppies and their people. But you don’t have to face it alone.

At Dog Savvy, we specialize in helping puppies with separation anxiety using positive training methods that build confidence and promote calm, relaxed behavior. Our proven approach helps your puppy feel safe and secure when left alone—bringing peace back to your home.

⏰ Start with a 90-Minute Intro Session

Begin your journey with a comprehensive virtual session. We’ll:

• Assess your puppy’s behavior and emotional state

• Answer your questions about crying, crate training, and alone-time struggles

• Map out the first steps of your personalized training plan

• Begin training by playing 3-4 training games!

This session lays the foundation for lasting progress by making crate time fun and rewarding for your puppy and teaching them to settle when confined and left alone.

🎁 Enroll in the Program and Get Your Intro Session for Free

Loved your intro session? Enroll in the full program, and we’ll apply the cost toward your training package—making your intro session free!

As a bonus, you’ll also receive a copy of our Canine Separation Anxiety Cure Guide & Workbook, filled with practical tips, training exercises, and expert guidance to support your puppy’s progress every step of the way.

🐶 The Separation Anxiety Training Solution Designed Just for Puppies

Our signature Puppy Separation Anxiety Cure Training Program is a 6-week virtual program that gives you the tools, expert guidance, and ongoing support to help your puppy feel safe and relaxed in a crate and when left alone. You’ll get:

🎯 A custom training plan tailored to your puppy’s unique needs
🎯 One-on-one coaching with a certified puppy separation anxiety specialist
🎯 Unlimited support and expert feedback every step of the way

👉 Ready to help your puppy settle down and love the crate? Book your Intro Session today!

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👉 Want to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of dog separation anxiety and how to help your pup? Read our guides:

• How to Teach a Dog or Puppy to Settle Down

• Understanding Dog Separation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

• How to Prevent Separation Anxiety in Dogs

• Dog Separation Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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About Alexandra Bassett — Certified Puppy Trainer & Separation Anxiety Expert

Los Angeles dog trainer, Alexandra Bassett, is the lead dog trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy, a private dog and puppy training company specializing in game-based dog training and behavior modification solutions for issues such as dog separation anxiety, leash reactivity, excessive barking, and aggression.

She is certified as Knowledge Assessed by the Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) and is available for online dog training sessions via Zoom.

👉 To discuss your puppy’s behavior with Alexandra, book an introductory session today!

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