How to Stop Puppy Whining in Crate at Night

How to Stop Puppy Whining in Crate at Night

Look, if you’re up at 3 a.m. googling how to stop puppy whining in crate at night with your eyes burning and your new pup sounding like the world is ending in that crate across the room… man, I get it. I’ve been exactly there. I’m Joshua Van, the guy who started Diggity Dog and still stays up way too late answering messages from folks just like you. That little whine that builds into full sobs? It breaks your heart because you just want them to feel safe. But here’s the thing  this doesn’t have to drag on forever. We’ve got this.

No “tough it out” garbage here. Just real talk from someone who’s helped hundreds of pups (and their exhausted humans) get through those rough first weeks. Let’s make your nights quiet again, the kind way.

Key Takeaways

• Puppy whining in crate at night is usually just a scared baby missing their pack, needing a potty break, or not feeling that crate is “home” yet.
• Put the crate right by your bed at first  your voice and smell are everything.
• Answer their real needs calmly so they learn you’re there for them.
• Burn off their energy during the day, stick to the same bedtime routine, and load that crate with your scent.
• Hang in there most pups settle in 7 to 14 days when you keep it consistent and kind.

Why Your Puppy Is Losing Their Mind in the Crate After Dark

Puppies aren’t being dramatic on purpose. They just got yanked from mom and all their brothers and sisters and dropped into this big quiet house with a wire box for a bed. Lights out, everyone gone… their little instincts scream “I’m alone!”

From what I’ve seen over the years  and what the vets are still saying in 2025 and 2026 the usual suspects are:

• Straight-up missing their people (you’re their new pack now)
• That tiny bladder an 8- or 10-week-old literally can’t hold it more than a couple hours
• The crate feels cold and weird instead of cozy and safe
• They didn’t get enough play or they’re overtired from the excitement

PetMD’s April 2025 article put it perfectly: this isn’t some scheme to control you. It’s a baby who’s scared and doesn’t know the rules yet. Yelling or straight-up ignoring them for hours can actually make things worse long-term. So yeah, we step in but smart, not spoiling.

The Crate Setup That Makes All the Difference

This is where a lot of us trip up, honestly. Get this part right and half your problems vanish.

Pick the right size they need room to stand, turn around, and stretch, but not so much they can turn one end into a bathroom. A good wire crate with a divider panel grows with them.

For the first week or two, slide that crate right next to your bed. I had a reader in Dhaka message me last month saying she scooted hers just a couple feet closer and the whining cut in half overnight. You can even stick your fingers through the bars so they can smell you. It’s awkward sleeping, sure, but it works.

Make it feel like their den:

• Toss in an old t-shirt you slept in  your smell is pure comfort
• One of those Snuggle Puppy toys with the fake heartbeat if they’re really young
• ThunderEase pheromone spray or diffuser (vets still swear by it in 2026)
• Drape a blanket over three sides so it’s dark and den-like but they can still see you
• A frozen Kong stuffed with peanut butter and a bit of kibble to keep them busy

The Routine That Actually Gets Them Sleeping

Do the same thing every single night. Puppies love knowing what’s coming.

Start with a solid play session about an hour before bed  zoomies, fetch, puzzle toys, the works to tire them out. Then last potty trip outside (carry them if they get distracted sniffing everything). Quick calm cuddle, no wild games. Into the crate with your shirt and the Kong. Lights off, maybe some soft white noise or low classical music.

During the day, feed all their meals in the open crate. Toss treats in randomly. Let them nap in there while you’re right beside them working or watching TV. Never use the crate when you’re mad it has to stay their happy place.

When They Start Whining (And They Will)

Listen close. Is it a quick “I need to pee” sound or full panic?

If it’s been a couple hours since the last potty, get up, carry them straight outside, no talking or playing, let them go, straight back in. If they just went, wait for even a few seconds of quiet, then a soft “good quiet” and maybe drop a treat in without opening the door.

Those first nights? Sleep on the floor next to the crate if you have to, or keep your hand near the bars. Yeah, you’ll be stiff in the morning. But Modern Dog Magazine’s February 2025 piece is spot on that early comfort without always letting them out teaches them the crate is safe and you’re not abandoning them.

Things That Make Puppy Whining in Crate at Night Ten Times Worse

• Shouting or banging the crate (scares them silly)
• Opening the door every single time they make a sound (they learn whining = freedom)
• Moving the crate too far away too quick
• Zero practice during the day
• Bedtime all over the place every night

When It’s Time to Get Extra Help

If you’ve been steady for 10-14 days and they’re still screaming for hours, pacing like crazy, not eating, or having accidents from stress, call your vet. Could be a UTI, or it might be separation anxiety that needs a behaviorist. No shame in asking better than everyone suffering.

Stories That Keep Me Going (Including Yours)

That Dhaka mom I mentioned? She was at her wit’s end at 3 a.m. her time. We fixed three little things crate closer, the t-shirt, frozen Kong and four nights later she sent me a video of her pup passed out snoring. I grinned like an idiot. I’ve been through this mess with my own dogs more times than I can count, and every single one came out the other side fine. Yours will too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Whining in Crate at Night

How long until they stop?

Usually 7-14 days if you stay consistent. Some take a little longer, especially rescues or super sensitive ones, but they all get there.

Should I cover the whole crate?

Partial cover for most pups. Full cover only if they seem calmer that way test it.

What if I use a playpen instead?

Totally okay. Whatever gives them that safe den feeling in your space works.

My six-month-old is still at it now what?

Back to basics. Teething, new changes, or skipped steps can make them regress. Start over with the daytime practice.

Is it fine if they just sleep in bed with me?

If that’s your plan forever, go for it. But if you want crate training, mixing signals confuses them.

Do the calming toys and sprays really help?

Yeah, they do for a ton of pups. Heartbeat toys, pheromones, even those dog relaxation playlists small things that make a real difference.

References

• PetMD, “Is Your Puppy Crying in Their Crate? Here’s What To Do” — April 8, 2025
• Modern Dog Magazine, “What to Do When Your Puppy Cries At Night In His Crate” — February 25, 2025
• American Kennel Club, “How to Help Your New Puppy Deal With Separation Anxiety” — January 23, 2026
• Good Boy UK, “7 Tips To Stop Your Puppy Crying At Night” (updated 2025)
• Various board-certified vet behaviorist notes from 2025-2026 sources

Tell me in the comments how old is your pup, what breed, and how many rough nights have you had? I read every one, and the Diggity Dog family is the kindest bunch of dog people you’ll find. You’re not alone, I promise.

Now crawl into bed. Your little one is gonna be zonked out soon, and so are you. Joshua Van Founder & Senior Editor, Diggity Dog