puppy question

diggerbez

diggerbez

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i picked up my new whippet puppy on saturday and he's still crying his head off at night- i've had dogs before but its 14 years since i had a puppy and wondered if it was normal that he hasn't settled at night yet? he's downstairs in his crate which he seems to like but doesn't like being left on his own. i haven't given in and come down to him but how long should i expect this to go on for?

also, he sleeps loads during the day- should i try and wake him up so he's more tired at night?!

thanks!
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My whippet pup is 5 months old and she still cried intermittently until about 4 months old - you probably didn't want to hear that! - One thing I found was that she didn't like being totally in the dark - so we got one of those plug in night lights and things imroved no end. Also gave her a microwaved wheat bag wrapped in a fleece blanket to snuggle up to. I personally would get up and let puppy out to toilet at some point in the night as their mothers teach them not to soil the nest and they then don't like to toilet in the crate. You could leave a radio on low at night too. Good luck - things will settle down soon!
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Try and get him used to being in the crate during the day when you are pottering around, so when he falls asleep, lift him in the crate, also get a teddy bear of similar size to him and remove the eyes and ears this will mimic a sibling and help him settle, as he will cuddle into it, and a nice cuddley blankey, a sleeping bag would be ideal, whippeys love their comfort, you could also try a dap diffuser near to his crate to try and settle him, but dont give in, it's very early days, you will have a good few weeks of disturbed sleep, if u give in now, it will be a nightmare to set a routine, if you do pop down to let im out, do just that, no fuss or talking, jsut straight to toilet, praise on passing of motions, then straight back to bed.
Some people also use a ticking clock, to mimic the mothers heart beat(never have myself)I think a teddy sibling works best

Also if he is prone to whimpering/crying when it breaks light, place a cover over his crate.
 
You could try one of the dog appeasing pheromone plugin's, called a 'DAP'.

They let off natural pheromones that a lactating female gives off to her pups to make them feel less anxious, calmer and safe, that may help. But be careful not to put it where he can chew it!

Pups do need their sleep during the day, especially when they are so young. A good way to tire him out would be to socalise him. I carried my pup about before she had had all her jabs, so she could could meet people and see cars and hear different noises. That way I socialised her without excercising but it also made her tired too.

Good luck
 
thanks folks...i might try the nightlight idea. he's been asleep in his crate in my car at the farm today so hopefully he's getting used to it and he's running around like a maniac at the moment so hopefully tiring himself out. i'm on half term this week but when i go back to work next week i'll be up at 5am so hopefully that will be better for him! i'm now off to find which teddy bear i don't mind disfiguring for him!
 
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