Sleepless nights and crying puppies

NicoleMD · Dec 20, 2017

So we just brought home our new baby, Wilhelmina. She's 9 weeks old and we're currently struggling through the crying crate nights. My husband and I are taking tips on how to stop the crying while also potty training her, so we can sleep! She seems to cry fro about 20 mins after we put her in if we don't rock her to sleep, and for another 20 every time we take her out for a potty break.

Currently we are doing the following:

Crate is in the guest bath a few doors down to encourage independence and, lets be honest, a sound-buffer
We've set an alarm to take her out every 3 hrs to go potty
Using the crate divider to make it only big enough for her to spin around and sleep comfortably in with her blanket and a few toys for occupation
a nightlight
a blanket over the crate to make it more den-like

Taking suggestions!

Frenchie Grrrl · Dec 20, 2017

When Gus was a baby (we got him at 7 weeks) I had him in a laundry basket (so I wouldn't have to keep moving the crate) right beside my bed. I just took him out when I would hear him stirring (typically twice a night for a while). He never whined and if he had trouble falling back asleep after potty breaks, I could easily just lay my hand on top of him, until he settled down. I know some people will elevate the crate, so it's at eye-level with the bed, but this worked perfectly for me. I moved him downstairs when he was maybe 11-12 weeks and could hold it around 6 hours or so.

We also had a stuffed puppy in there for him to sleep with and one of those heartbeat noise makers. He still sleeps with his puppy every night. They used to be the same size, but now blue puppy is a comfy chin rest. :tongue: You could also try putting an item of your clothing in Wilhelmina's crate.

All that being said, I don't think 20 min is too long for a pup to whine. Best of luck.

Frenchie Fanatic · Dec 20, 2017

Congrats on your beautiful little lady!! :yes:

Puppies (especially frenchies) can be challenging to train/housebreak.
They're all different. Patience and praise is very key with them as puppies and adults.
We have always put the crate right next to our bed.
It comforts them to know you are close by, even if you just reach out to touch them.
Remember....Minnie is a baby in a big, brand new world.
They do adjust quickly though.
If you give them an inch, they'll take a mile!!

They don't forget anything. Do something for them one time and you're done.
Rocking Minnie is nice, but she'll learn to like it and expect it from you so be prepared!! :yes:
Their faces and antics allow them to get away with pretty much everything. At least in our home.

Our first frenchie Simon, was relentless and would not stop crying for what seemed like forever.
My wife had a weak moment one night and brought him up in bed with her (for only 10 minutes). We were done.
He slept in bed with us for 11.5 wonderful years.

The others were relatively easy, only crying 1 - 2 nights.
Our most recent puppy, Charlie, never cried the first two nights, but did on the third night.
Best of luck and congrats to you and having the best breed of dog ever!! :yes:

Mavis · Dec 21, 2017

I agree that you might put her crate in your bedroom - if you don't mind it being there assuming that her crying is just temporary. She will catch on and stop crying and eventually won't be any trouble. You may want to put a "dirty" t-shirt in with her so she has your scent to snuggle to for comfort.

I agree with the others in that you must demonstrate your resolve and not give in to her at all. Take her out when the alarm goes off, let her back in and immediately put her in her crate. I'd give her a couple especially delicious little treats as going out and getting back in her crate is a big deal. (Tell her, "go in your house," or the like, "good girl," and treat her.) I would not rock her or get up and check on her. If she continues barking or whining for several minutes, give her a firm "no bark," and that's it. Don't get up and don't have a conversation with yourself, her or your spouse. She will stop when she knows all hope is lost. :haha: I bet after 2-3 nights of doing this every three hours, she will stop and be the perfect little sweetie. They are very smart but just have to know exactly how it is going to be.

P.S. Sounds like you keep the crate door shut and this is important. We "crate trained" our one dog, however, we didn't shut the door, therefore she really isn't crate trained. We are sorry now as there have been many times when we have needed to crate her, however, she won't have it.

Good luck and please keep us posted!

Alice Kable · Dec 21, 2017

You've had some good advice--patience and consistency, it will pay off!

2bullymama · Dec 26, 2017

Place one of you t-shirts in the crate with her... it gives her your scent and she will settle in and sleep better... also as others suggested, bring the crate into your room

davidh · Dec 27, 2017

It helps putting the crate by your bed and you can put a hand down to reassure her you are there. Also put a stuffy in there to snuggle with. Once they get a little older you can move the crate away from the bed, and then eventually into her own room.

NicoleMD · Dec 31, 2017

Thanks for all the very helpful advice! She has stopped whining altogether at night (no more rocking) except when she needs a potty break. Our nights are broken into two shifts - the 3 am and the 6 am. My sweet husband has taken the 3 am, lol. Now, our new problem is potty training. I'll post about this in a new thread. Again thanks so so much!!

Mavis · Jan 1, 2018

NicoleMD said:
Thanks for all the very helpful advice! She has stopped whining altogether at night (no more rocking) except when she needs a potty break. Our nights are broken into two shifts - the 3 am and the 6 am. My sweet husband has taken the 3 am, lol. Now, our new problem is potty training. I'll post about this in a new thread. Again thanks so so much!!

Wow! That is so awesome; I am really happy for you! They are so smart.

Bambi doesn't really signal that she needs to go out (she detests going out, especially when it is cold and we have been having a wicked cold snap for the past week, no end any time soon). So, I let her out every couple of hours and also after she eats. Use the same word/phrase (we say potty-potty). Maybe you can have a little bell by the floor where you say the word, jiggle the bell and immediately let her out. "Good girl, good potty-potty!" when she does and then in. Give her a fabulous treat when she comes in, "that was a good potty-potty!"

Love a success story - please keep us posted!

NicoleMD · Apr 23, 2018

Update: Minnie has been sleeping 6.5-7 hrs every night for about 3 months now. She still sleeps in her crate in the next room over and will even put herself to bed on the rare occasion. She has “puppy bells” at both back doors and certainly knows how to ring them, lol! All in all, she’s a wonderful dog and we are obsessed with her.

Tgirl · Apr 24, 2018

Sounds like she is doing great. I'm glad you are getting a little sleep now

. They really are a precious breed.

2bullymama · Apr 24, 2018

NicoleMD said:
Update: Minnie has been sleeping 6.5-7 hrs every night for about 3 months now. She still sleeps in her crate in the next room over and will even put herself to bed on the rare occasion. She has “puppy bells” at both back doors and certainly knows how to ring them, lol! All in all, she’s a wonderful dog and we are obsessed with her.

GREAT news!