Get your puppy's schedule

Puppy crying in the crate at night: what to do

Wait a few minutes. If the crying keeps going, say your potty cue word: if your puppy perks up, take them out on a short, boring trip and put them straight back. That is the Humane World for Animals approach, and it works because your puppy learns that crying gets a bathroom break, never a play session.

Put the crate where you can hear it

For the first nights, keep the crate in your bedroom or in the hallway next to it. Humane World recommends this for puppies, because they often need to go out during the night and you want to hear them. Once your puppy sleeps through comfortably, you can move the crate gradually to where you want it.

Is it the bladder or the door?

Puppies cry for two reasons at night: they need to pee, or they want out. Ignore the crying for several minutes first. If it continues, use the phrase your puppy links to going outside. An excited reaction usually means a real need. Then make it a trip with a purpose: stand at the usual spot, wait, reward the pee, back to the crate. No play, lights low.

Plan the night trip before the crying starts

Puppies under about 12 weeks rarely make it through the night at first. Setting one alarm about 4 hours after bedtime means you get there before the crying. After 3 dry mornings in a row, set it 30 minutes later. After 3 more, drop it. The potty schedule generator adds the trip to your timetable.

Make the crate a good place in the daytime

A crate that only means "you are alone in the dark" will get cried at. Feed meals by the crate, then inside it, toss treats in, and practice short stays while you are home: sit near it for 5 to 10 minutes, then step out of sight for a few minutes (Humane World). Never use the crate as punishment.

What not to do

Don't punish whining (Humane World says never). Don't let your puppy out the moment they cry when you are sure they don't need to pee: wait for a short pause. And don't turn the night trip into a party, or your puppy will wake you up for the fun of it.

Related

8 week old puppy potty schedule (printable timetable) · Puppy potty schedule generator (free, printable)

Questions owners ask

How long will my puppy cry in the crate at night?

It varies with the puppy and how gradual the crate introduction was. Crate training takes from a few days to several weeks (Humane World for Animals). Most crying fades once the night trip is planned and the crate is a pleasant place in the daytime.

Should I ignore my puppy crying at night?

For several minutes, yes. If the crying continues, offer one calm potty trip. If your puppy doesn't need to go, ignore them until they stop. Never punish whining.

Is it OK to put the crate in my bedroom?

Yes, and for puppies it is recommended at first, so you can hear when they need to go out. Move it gradually later if you want.

By Gustavo Rodrigues, Moxipup. Updated October 17, 2026. Sources: AKC, ASPCA, Humane World for Animals. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Sudden accidents, straining or blood in the urine: call your vet.