Hi. I'm a first time puppy owner so I would be glad to get every bit of advice I can get.
I have a 9 week old Shih Tzu. I'm trying to have patience, but the crying and barking at night while he is in his crate is getting to me.
We have had him 5 nights now and the crying has not improved.
I understand not to take a crying or barking puppy out of the crate. Wait until they calm down. Well.....I don't know if he is crying to go outside to eliminate or crying because he doesn't like the crate. He pretty much takes only cap naps at night, the rest is crying/barking. I try to wait until 2 or 2-1/2 hours and then I take him outside.(he is always crying at this time) Most times he eliminates. I then put him directly back into the crate and lights out. I hope I'm not giving him the wrong impression that this is OK to whine and I'll eventually come and get him. I hope he will "get it" that I'm only taking him out to eliminate. I don't want him to eliminate in the crate. But I just don't know how long to let him cry because I know he cannot make it all night. I'm trying but I'm having a hard time.
I've tried the ticking clock, the warm bottle nothing seems to make a difference for his crying.
How long do I wait before I give in?? Will this go on for weeks and weeks?? I'm feeling very confused and frustrating trying to determine his crying at night.

Thanks,
Deb

It will eventually stop,but some dogs are very persistant.What you can do is first place the crate in your bedroom,so he knows your still there and that you can reassure him if he cries.After a few days put the crate a bit further away,etc,etc.Untill it's eventually in the room you want him in.
Also another thing you can do is let him play for a while,than take him out for the last walk and than go to sleep.
Puppy's normally need to go outside after5/6 hours.So than you take him out,no matter if he's asleep or not.After that back to the crate.

Succes
Sandra

My pup has been sleeping in the crate since day 1, he's been pretty good about it, but even after 8 weeks sometimes he gets upset and barks.

I'll usually throw a sheet over the crate so he can't see we're all having soooo much fun without him. That usually quiets him down.

I also try to make sure he gets enough exercise otherwise he becomes restless in his crate.

Another good idea is to get a kong and put some treats in it and toss it inside the crate...food rewards in the crate I think help the dog to feel like it's not such a bad place.

Last, everything I have seen and read says not to give into them when they are barking/screaming etc. If it's too much for you to bear, put the dog somewhere where you cannot hear it...basement, garage, outside in the car...

HTH.