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Huskies are professional vocalists. While this trait is a major source of entertainment for Husky pet parents, there is nothing more heartbreaking than the same Husky pup crying uncontrollably in the crate. Rather than feeling sad and helpless when crate training a Husky pup, let’s look at ways we can help stop a Husky puppy crying in their crate.
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Possible reasons why your Husky puppy cries in their crate
He’s bored
Boredom impacts our puppies way more than we can comprehend. Puppies, especially Huskies, are a powerhouse of energy. If not given ample outlets, they can get bored and create their own outlets. These outlets are often unwanted and lead to undesirable behaviors like destructive chewing, barking incessantly, whining in the crate and so on.
FOMO
Puppies are at a stage where they want and need to explore the world. Naturally, when they’re stuck in the crate while exciting things are happening around them, they will want to be a part of it. Crying is probably their way to express displeasure.
The behavior has been working for him
If you have gotten your crying Husky pup out of the crate multiple times before, you have invariably taught him that crying will give him an out.
He wants to go potty
Puppies have a tiny bladder which they need to relieve several times a day. If your pup has been in the crate for a while or hasn’t peed in a couple of hours, they may cry to be let out.
The crate can be a great tool for Husky puppy potty training, but if you leave them for too long, they might start crying.
He is in a playful/ active state of mind
Being physically active from time to time is every puppy’s basic need. If they do not get a chance to be so, they have something to cry about!
He is getting distressed
Isolation distress happens when your puppy is unable to function on their own and desperately needs human (or any other animal) company. Being alone in the crate can amplify these puppies’ stress as they have no way out.
He is dealing with separation anxiety
You can say that your Husky puppy is dealing with separation anxiety when they get anxious due to the absence of a particular human, irrespective of the presence of other people or animals in the house. The cry of a puppy dealing with separation anxiety can take a house down.
The crate has been repeatedly used as a punishment/time-out space
Using the crate as a punishment or a time-out space can quickly create negative associations towards the crate for your pup.
It is important to avoid using the crate for punishment. Learning more effective ways to discipline a Husky will help with your Huskies behavior in general.
Your Husky puppy is teething
If your Husky puppy is 3 to 5 weeks of age, it’s possible they are crying in their crate because they are teething. Husky puppies usually stop teething around 2 to 7 months, so be prepared to help them through their teething stage.
The crate is too small
Crates that are too small can make a husky feel anxious and need to escape. Make sure the crate is big enough. See our recommendations for the best crates for huskies.
8 ways to stop a Husky puppy crying in the crate
How long it would take for a puppy to stop crying in the crate would depend on how long he’s been practicing the behavior for. It is definitely easier to stop a Husky puppy from crying in the crate as compared to an older dog because the latter has probably been practicing the behavior for several months. Let’s take a look at what we can do to help a Husky puppy crying in the crate.
1. Ignorance (up to a certain point) is bliss
If your pup has peed, pooped, eaten, played and is not in pain or distress, it is okay to ignore their crate-cries. The cries may sound heartbreaking for sure, but you won’t be helping your pup by coddling him at every whine. If anything, by paying heed every time, you will probably make him incapable of functioning on his own.
2. Keep your Husky engaged in the crate
Puzzle toys, edible chews, frozen Kongs, interactive toys, etc are a few of the plethora of options available to keep your pup engaged in the crate for several minutes. The crate automatically becomes a fun place to hang out in if your puppy has something to keep them engaged.
Need better toys to keep your husky engaged in their crate? Read my guide to the best toys for huskies.
3. Keep excitement out of the crate to a minimum
If you are constantly engaging in fun activities like playing, joking around or running around the house while your pup is in the crate the whole time, it might be a little too much to endure for the little guy. Keep the excitement out of the crate to a minimum so that your dog can settle down in the crate faster.
4. Build a positive association with the crate
Provide as many of your dog’s resources to him inside the crate. If activities like feeding, playing, mental stimulation, chewing, etc happen more often in the crate, your Husky pup will start looking forward to being in it.
Don’t forget to make the space more inviting by throwing in some warm blankets or a little doggy bed.
5. Give your dog company while he’s in the crate
Most of the time, we only leave our puppies in the crate when we have to step out of the house or have some errands to run. This can make them feel isolated in the crate, thereby making them dread it even more. During the initial phase of crate training, try to be in the same room as the crate more often so that your pup can see you and interact with you from the inside.
Consider changing the location of the crate if need be. You could move it to the bedroom or to a more crowded spot in the house.
6. Put him in the crate when he’s tired or in a calmer state of mind
Think of your Husky as a powerhouse of energy that keeps replenishing from time to time. If they don’t have an outlet to release it, the excess pent-up energy, your pup will start feeling trapped inside the crate and start whining to be let out.
7. Consider calming solutions
If your Husky is dealing with separation anxiety, it may take some time to train them out of it. You can pair your training with calming solutions like Pheromone diffusers, Thundershirts, calming music therapy and so on. Make sure to get vet approval before you administer medication and CBD to your Husky pup.
8. Keep entry and exit low key
Getting your Husky puppy over excited as soon as they step outside the crate is a sure-shot way to shoot up your dog’s anxiety. Make sure to keep crate entry and exits low key and do not make a big deal out of it.
When should you not ignore a crying puppy?
Generally, puppies whine and cry for the first few minutes of being inside the crate in the hopes of being let out. Some of them cry themselves to sleep. However, as a pet parent, before ignoring the cries of your crying Husky pup, you must make sure that all of their needs are met. These needs include food, water, a chance to pee/ potty, exercise and good health.
Also, during the first few days of welcoming home a puppy, their crying is more likely to be caused by stress or fear. This must never be neglected. Ignoring a puppy when they are distressed, hungry, or in pain may cause further fear and distress.
“My puppy cries in the crate at night”
It is normal for puppies to cry in the middle of the night. Some possible reasons are –
- They are stressed and need to be comforted
- They want to relieve themselves
- They are hungry or thirsty
- They overslept during the day, especially closer to their bedtime
- They have pent-up energy which needs releasing
It will take a few days for a new puppy to get adjusted to a schedule. A consistent routine, ample physical and mental stimulation and loads of positive reinforcement will accelerate the process.
Alternatives to crate training
Crates have a ton of incredible benefits when used correctly. Having said that, crates aren’t for everyone, especially not for every puppy. Some puppies may resent confinement, regardless of the training provided. They may need a bigger space to feel at ease.
For such pups, consider investing in a playpen or baby gates to block off certain areas of the house. Work with your puppy, and not against him to coexist peacefully with him.
Final thoughts about how to stop your Husky from crying in their crate
It will take a while for your Husky pup to get accustomed to his crate and calm down while in it. Positive association with the crate, positive reinforcement, patience and consistency will go a long way in getting faster and more reliable results.
Finally, as your puppy starts to be able to stay in his crate for longer periods of time, the frequency, duration and intensity of the cries will drastically reduce.
How often does your Husky puppy cry in their crate?
Share your experience in the comments below.
