Have you ever brought home a puppy, only to find them cowering and crying their little hearts out quite often? New dog owners will know just how nerve-wracking it can sometimes be to hear their new pooch in distress, and to worry about whether they’re all right.
But take comfort in the fact that it’s totally normal for puppies to cry often in their first few months. Put yourself in their paws: it can be quite scary to be in an unfamiliar place and with unfamiliar people, no matter how warm and peaceful their surroundings are. Naturally, your puppy may feel distressed and ill at ease in their new environment. Eventually, however, they’ll begin to settle into their new routine. They’ll just need time and a lot of support to be able to adjust to their new home.
As their new fur parent, the onus is on you to reassure your puppy and make them feel safe and loved. Here are a few tips from PrideBites that can help you calm your crying puppy and help them through this adjustment period:
1) Give Your Puppy Their Own Safe Space
During the first few days, prep a safe and calm space for your puppy where they can feel comfortable and protected. Also make sure to keep them away from things that may startle or scare them, such as the vacuum cleaner or your other pets. Designate a spot for your pup that’s out of the way, like a quiet corner in the family room, or a dark and hidden space under the stairs.
Aside from having a dedicated space to themselves, you should also make sure that your puppy has access to things that offer comfort and relief. You can, for instance, order personalized puppy blankets to cushion your little canine’s bed and help them keep warm. Keep their dog food and water bowls filled and within easy access so that your puppy can expect to eat and drink in peace.
2) Create a Relaxing Ambience for Your Puppy
Also pay attention to the ambience of your home. Given that your pup may cry due to noise or commotion, try to avoid these triggers altogether. Minimize loud music, flashing lights, and excessive physical activities that can stress your little dog out.
Whenever possible, consider using white noise or calming music in the space you share with your puppy. This can help mask any sounds that are disruptive to their rest. In addition, dim the lights, especially during nighttime, so that it’s easier for your puppy to calm down and get drowsy before bed.
3) Calm Your Puppy Down by Distracting Them and Using Interactive Toys
Using distractions like interactive toys or puzzle games will allow you to redirect a crying puppy's attention and provide them with the mental stimulation they need as they grow up. Challenging toys offer bored or energetic puppies the chance to work for treats and engage their senses, which will make them happier in their new home.
These distractions can be particularly useful during times when they may experience separation anxiety or when you need to divert their attention from potential triggers, like the sight of the vet.
4) Use Comforting Touch and Familiar Scents Around Your Puppy
Puppies who are in distress will often react positively to a soothing touch. To help a crying puppy calm down easily, offer them comfort and affection in the form of a warm blanket, a snuggle toy, or reassuring strokes.
If your puppy is crying because they miss you or the members of their pack, how about giving them a piece of clothing with the scent of the people or dogs they miss the most? Alternatively, a blanket or stuffed toy with a familiar scent can offer your puppy comfort in settings like the vet’s clinic and relieve the stress and separation anxiety they may be feeling.
5) Establish a Consistent Routine with Your Puppy
Just like older dogs, puppies will benefit from routine. They may be able to calm down and feel more at ease as soon as they get into the rhythm of your household. Try to establish a daily schedule to reduce anxiety and provide a sense of stability to puppies that tend to cry.
Set a schedule for feeding, playtime, exercise, and other activities. Then, stick to it to set your puppy’s expectations and ingrain a sense of habit in them. Having a schedule that they can anticipate will help puppies feel secure and assure them that their needs will be met soon enough. Moreover, a well-planned routine can help with house training and get your puppy used to regimens like eating and going out to potty at specific times.
6) Be Generous with Positive Reinforcement When Training Your Puppy
Using positive reinforcement techniques can also encourage calm behavior in puppies. Reward a young dog with treats, praise, or gentle play when they exhibit calm and quiet behavior. Eventually, they will be motivated to keep practicing it in their adulthood.
Positive reinforcement will also help your dog associate calmness with positive experiences and set a precedent for desired behaviors. As much as possible, avoid scolding or punishment, as this may increase your puppy’s anxiety and worsen their distress instead of making it better.
7) Gradually Introduce Your Puppy to More People and Dogs
Socialization is vital for puppies' emotional well-being. Being with other people and dogs can build up their confidence and familiarity, which in the long term may reduce their anxiety and crying episodes. If your pup is used to people and other dogs, they’re less likely to feel intimidated or threatened around others, and it will show in their behavior.
You can begin your puppy’s socialization by gradually introducing them to various people, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive manner. Ultimately, exposing them to new things in this way will enable them to adapt to new situations with a relaxed and happy disposition.
8) Seek Advice from Veterinarians and Dog Behaviorists When All Else Fails
Does your puppy’s crying persist despite your best efforts to address their needs? If so, you may need to consider deeper causes like medical issues or trauma.
Certain health conditions, discomfort, or underlying pain can contribute to a puppy's distress. Any of these may be the main reason they cry a lot, even when you go by the book in your attempts to soothe them.
If you have concerns about your puppy’s health and well-being, consult a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues or a dog behaviorist to safely analyze worrying patterns in your puppy’s behavior. In both cases, you’ll likely receive appropriate guidance for taking care of your pup.
Puppies generally outgrow their crying phase as they mature and become more accustomed to their surroundings. With proper care, training, and socialization, it won’t be hard for you to get through your puppy’s crying phase and raise a healthy, calm, and expressive dog.
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