DoctorPup Complimentary Service

Crying whining and barking

Q: Hello, I picked up my 2lb 9wk old Morkie late Sunday evening. She has a great apptitie (is now mostly eating her royal canon starter with some Cesars just to moisten), eliminates well and is super playful. At nighttime she is crying, whining & barking (10+ minutes straight) when we put her in her Pup-Pee-Poo Palace (both covered and uncovered) --- last night I was putting her in my bed, waiting for her to fall asleep then putting her in the palace once she was sound asleep numerous times throughout the night. As soon as I put her in my bed she is sound asleep - but I know how dangerous this is for her. I also don't want to spoil her and really want to crate train her, please help!

A: Cage Whining The first thing to understand is that your puppy has probably never been alone before so his anxiety about that is expressed as barking. Usually that will improve noticeably in less than a week if you approach it correctly. Any time you go back to his area while he is barking you are encouraging that behavior. You have to ignore the barking and not go back until he has been quiet for at least 30 minutes or after he wakes up. Other steps you can take that may help is using a covered cage (it will still take several days to adapt), having the cage in an area where he does not see or hear you and using interactive chew toys such as Starmark Everlasting Treat, Kong Quest or Traxx, Nylabone Romp n Chomp or processed bones or antlers (Blue Buffalo). Having music or a ticking clock can also help. The most reliable solution is a second puppy but if that is not feasible try these other suggestions.