Cry BABY Cry PUPPY

Doreen Potter Author

Let your puppy cry it out.

To CRY or not to CRY ?

That is the question.

Night time struggles with a new puppy. Most new puppy parents have them.

New parents used to be told just to let their baby cry, that they will soon learn.

It is an emotive subject and I think the jury is still out on whether you do or don't leave them to cry it out.

I know it would break my heart if I ever did that when my children were babies. 

It is a fact that new born babies only cry if they need one of their needs met, e.g. nappy change, hungry, too hot/cold, need comfort  etc. etc. 

New puppies have the same emotional needs as a new baby. They also need their needs met, and like the new born baby, they can only communicate by crying. 

Dogs are social sleepers. 

Your puppy has come from their litter mates and their mum, to a new home, new sounds smells etc., and then left alone at night can be really stressful for them and frightening.

The techniques used for both baby and puppy to help them sleep are very similar. 

Can you imagine crying and no one coming to comfort you.  

Both puppies and babies need to feel safe.

New babies tend to be close to mum before the big move of going into their own room. Your new puppy also may need the extra comfort of being close to you too. 

Now I am not saying you need to have your new puppy in your bed (although it isn't unheard of) but in a crate near you , so you can let your puppy know you are there. 

You can hear if they are distressed, maybe need a toilet break, or they are to hot/cold.

You can do something about it, without a  fuss, then let them settle back down.

That might be all they need to allow them to settle back to sleep.

Letting them cry it out could lead to them feeling unsafe when alone, which could lead to Separation anxiety later. They cry and cry but no one comes. For some puppies this could lead to a real panic. Which will stay with them as they mature. Some puppies actually can cope quite well, and settle quickly into their new home.

BUT

There is no way to know what your puppy may do.

Why take the risk.

Categories: Separation Anxiety