Understanding Chihuahua Puppy Crying and Whining at Night
Bringing home a Chihuahua puppy is an exciting experience, but it can quickly turn into concern when they start crying at night from their crate. As a new dog owner, it can be disconcerting to hear their howling and whining. But rest assured, with a little patience and determination, you can eventually help your Chihuahua puppy settle and stop crying in their crate.
Why Chihuahuas Cry
Chihuahuas are known for being big criers, especially as puppies. They cry to get your attention, for food, or to be let out for bathroom breaks. Separation anxiety can also contribute to their crying, particularly when they are left alone at night.
Health Issues that Cause Crying
In some cases, Chihuahua puppies may cry due to health reasons. Blocked tear ducts can cause excessive tearing and staining around their eyes. Eye allergies can also lead to watery discharge resembling tears.
The Importance of Crate Training
Crate training is crucial for Chihuahuas to establish good habits and prevent future issues. Skipping crate training can lead to behavioral problems later on. Therefore, it’s essential to follow the steps outlined below to address your Chihuahua’s crate crying behavior.
Steps to Stop Chihuahua Crate Crying
1. Create a Positive and Comfortable Environment
To alleviate your Chihuahua’s crying, make their crate as comfortable and inviting as possible. Include toys, warm blankets, and hidden treats inside the crate. Additionally, placing an item of your clothing in the crate can help ease separation anxiety.
2. Strategically Position the Crate
The location of the crate can significantly impact your Chihuahua’s behavior and crying. Initially, keep the crate within sight of your room to address their insecurity and loneliness. Gradually move the crate to another room as your Chihuahua becomes more comfortable.
3. Use the Right-Sized Crate
Ensure that your Chihuahua has enough space to move around comfortably within the crate. A crate should allow them to walk from side to side, stand up, and fully turn around. You can find suitable crates at affordable prices on platforms like Amazon.
4. Address Bathroom Needs
Make sure your Chihuahua puppy has an opportunity to relieve themselves before bedtime. Potty training pads can be useful for lining the crate and minimizing accidents.
5. Promote Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Keep your Chihuahua puppy active during the day to tire them out before bedtime. Regular exercise will help them sleep more soundly and reduce crate crying.
6. Ignore the Crying
While it may seem harsh, refraining from responding to every cry is essential in crate training. If you constantly take your Chihuahua out of the crate when they cry, it reinforces the behavior. Only remove them from the crate when the crying has stopped for a few minutes.
7. Distinguish Between Bathroom and Attention Cries
Differentiating between cries for bathroom needs and cries for attention can be challenging. Start by taking your Chihuahua out when they cry and immediately guide them to the designated potty area. Gradually, they will learn that crying leads to bathroom breaks and not playtime or attention.
8. Avoid Punishment
Never punish or scold your Chihuahua for crying in their crate. Shouting or hitting will only exacerbate their fear and worsen the situation. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and other strategies for puppy discipline.
Conclusion
Consistency is key when it comes to addressing your Chihuahua’s crate crying. By following these steps and remaining patient, you can help your Chihuahua puppy adapt to sleeping in their crate peacefully. If you have eliminated possible causes and the crying persists, seeking professional help is advisable.
You Might Also Like…
- Guide to Potty Training a Chihuahua
- Understanding Chihuahua Night-Time Sleep Habits
- Dealing with Other Chihuahua Puppy Issues
Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/background-eye-iris-pupil-close-up-4513734/
