Puppy Sleeps in Crate at Night but Not During Day: Explained!

If you’re a new puppy owner, you might have discovered that your furry friend sleeps peacefully in their crate at night but refuses to go in it during the day.

This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to crate train your puppy. However, this is a common behavior among puppies, and there are ways to address it.

One reason why your puppy might resist going in their crate during the day is that they associate it with being alone. At night, they’re tired and ready to sleep, so they don’t mind being in the crate.

During the day, they want to play and explore, and being confined to a crate can be stressful for them. Another reason could be that they haven’t been properly trained to associate the crate with positive experiences.

Why Puppies Need a Crate

If you’re a new puppy owner, you might be wondering why your furry friend needs a crate. A crate can provide a safe and comfortable space for your puppy to relax, sleep, and feel secure.

Here are some reasons why puppies need a crate:

• Security: Puppies are naturally den animals and feel secure in small, enclosed spaces. A crate can provide a sense of security and comfort for your puppy, especially during times of stress or anxiety.
• Training: A crate can be a valuable tool in training your puppy. It can help with potty training, as puppies are less likely to eliminate in their sleeping area. It can also help with teaching your puppy to settle down and relax on command.
• Safety: A crate can keep your puppy safe when you’re not able to supervise them. It can prevent them from getting into dangerous situations, like chewing on electrical cords or ingesting toxic substances.

It’s important to note that a crate should never be used as a form of punishment. Your puppy should associate their crate with positive experiences, like treats, toys, and relaxation. With proper training and use, a crate can be a valuable tool in raising a happy and healthy puppy.

Training Your Puppy to Sleep in a Crate

1.     Choosing the Right Crate

When it comes to crate training your puppy, choosing the right crate is essential. The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

However, it should not be too big that your puppy can use one end as a toilet and the other end as a sleeping area.

You can choose from different types of crates such as wire, plastic, and soft-sided crates. Make sure to choose a crate that is easy to clean and has good ventilation.

2.     Introducing Your Puppy to the Crate

Introducing your puppy to the crate is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. Start by placing the crate in a quiet area of your home where your puppy can see and sniff it.

Encourage your puppy to explore the crate by placing treats and toys inside. You can also feed your puppy meals near the crate to create a positive association with it.

Once your puppy is comfortable going in and out of the crate, you can start closing the door for short periods while you are present. Gradually increase the time your puppy spends in the crate while you are away.

3.     Creating a Positive Association with the Crate

Creating a positive association with the crate is crucial for successful crate training. You can make the crate a comfortable and inviting space by placing a soft blanket or bed inside. You can also use pheromone sprays or diffusers to create a calming environment.

Avoid using the crate as a punishment or leaving your puppy in it for extended periods. Instead, use the crate as a safe and cozy place for your puppy to rest and sleep.

Crate training your puppy to sleep in a crate at night and during the day requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach.

By choosing the right crate, introducing your puppy to the crate gradually, and creating a positive association with the crate, you can help your puppy feel safe and secure in their new sleeping space.

Why Does My Puppy Only Cry in His Crate During the Day?

1. Separation anxiety
2. Boredom
3. Lack Of Routine

What’s more;

1.     Separation Anxiety

One reason why your puppy might not want to sleep in their crate during the day is separation anxiety. If your puppy is used to being around you all day and suddenly has to spend hours alone in their crate, they may become anxious and stressed.

Signs of separation anxiety include excessive barking, whining, and destructive behavior. If you suspect your puppy has separation anxiety, it’s important to work with a professional trainer to help them feel more comfortable being alone.

2.     Boredom

Another reason why your puppy might not want to sleep in their crate during the day is boredom. Puppies have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

If your puppy is spending too much time in their crate without anything to do, they may become bored and restless. Try providing plenty of toys and puzzles to keep them entertained while they’re in their crate.

3.     Lack of Routine

If your puppy doesn’t have a consistent routine, they may be confused about when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to play. This can make it difficult for them to settle down in their crate during the day.

Try establishing a regular routine for your puppy, including set times for meals, playtime, and naptime. This can help them feel more comfortable and secure in their crate during the day.

There are several reasons why your puppy might not want to sleep in their crate during the day. By addressing these issues and providing plenty of love and attention, you can help your puppy feel more comfortable and secure in their crate.

How Do I Get My Puppy to Sleep in His Crate During the Day?

1.     Making the Crate More Appealing

If your puppy is hesitant to use the crate during the day, there are several things you can do to make it more appealing. First, make sure the crate is comfortable and inviting. Add soft bedding and a few toys to make it feel like a cozy den.

You can also try putting a piece of your clothing in the crate to provide a comforting scent. Another way to make the crate more appealing is to associate it with positive experiences. Try feeding your puppy in the crate or giving them special treats when they are inside.

This will help them develop positive associations with the crate and make it more likely that they will use it during the day.

2.     Gradually Increasing Crate Time

If your puppy is not used to spending time in the crate during the day, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time they spend inside. Begin by placing your puppy in the crate for short periods of time while you are home and able to supervise.

Gradually increase the length of time they spend inside, making sure to provide plenty of positive reinforcement and rewards for good behavior. It’s important to never force your puppy into the crate or use it as punishment.

This will only create negative associations and make it less likely that they will use the crate during the day.

3.     Providing Adequate Exercise and Stimulation

One of the reasons that puppies may resist using the crate during the day is because they are not getting enough exercise and stimulation. Make sure your puppy is getting plenty of opportunities to play, explore, and exercise throughout the day.

This will help them burn off excess energy and make them more likely to rest and relax in the crate. You can also provide your puppy with interactive toys and puzzles to keep them mentally stimulated while they are in the crate.

This will help prevent boredom and reduce the likelihood of destructive behavior.

By making the crate more appealing, gradually increasing crate time, and providing adequate exercise and stimulation, you can encourage your puppy to use the crate during the day and help them feel comfortable and secure while they are inside.

Should Dog Sleep in Crate Overnight?

The answer is yes, but with some caveats.

First of all, it’s important to understand that dogs are den animals by nature. In the wild, they would seek out small, enclosed spaces to sleep in. A crate can provide a similar sense of security and comfort for your puppy.

However, it’s important to use the crate properly. Your puppy should not be locked in the crate for long periods of time during the day, as this can lead to anxiety and other behavioral issues.

The crate should be a safe and comfortable place for your puppy to sleep at night, but not a place where they spend all their time.

When you first introduce the crate to your puppy, make sure to do so gradually. Start by leaving the door open and placing a comfortable bed or blanket inside. Encourage your puppy to explore the crate and make it a positive experience by offering treats and praise.

Once your puppy is comfortable with the crate, you can start closing the door for short periods of time while you’re in the room.

Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate until they are able to sleep through the night without any issues.