Pitbull puppies and many other breeds will often cry and whine for many reasons, with no end in sight. Figuring out how to deal with this and whether to stop it is crucial to their overall well-being.
Quick Answer
Some of the usual methods to stop the puppy from crying include creating a designated area for the puppy, such as a crate, and then helping them to associate the crate as a happy place. After that, teaching them that being alone isn’t dangerous is a significant 2nd step.
This article explores whether it’s normal for Pitbull puppies to cry a lot, what you should do about it, and how to stop a Pitbull puppy from whining constantly.
Yes, it’s normal for Pitbull puppies to cry frequently. Crying is a way for puppies to communicate their needs, whether for food, potty breaks, or simply seeking attention.
Pitbull puppies, being highly sensitive and emotionally intelligent, often use crying as their initial method of conveying feelings or needs.
If a puppy is used to having you around most of the time, it is understandable that they may cry when left alone, as they may feel insecure. Whatever you do, try not to reinforce this behavior. Returning with treats, affection, or attention will only reinforce that crying is acceptable, which it is not.
Specifically with Pitbull puppies, who are both keen observers and fast learners, quickly recognizing patterns in your behavior can lead them to continue unwanted behaviors if they notice a consistent reward.
However, it’s essential to differentiate between normal crying and excessive crying. Excessive or persistent crying can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as separation anxiety, and it’s best to consult a veterinarian or professional dog trainer for advice.
Over time, with patience and consistent training, this separation anxiety can be reduced, but it’s a gradual process.
Should You Let the Puppy Cry It Out or Stop It?
In general, “crying it out” is typically not considered a good method to stop the crying of a puppy, and understanding the reason behind the crying is crucial in making the right decision.
At the same time, intervening every time a puppy cries is not something you’d want to do.
If the puppy is crying out of frustration because it wants to do something it’s not allowed, a short period of crying in its crate (5-10 minutes) may be acceptable.
Depending on the circumstances, you may not want to leave the puppy crying for 30 minutes or an hour. Positive reinforcement is the best method, but that doesn’t mean never telling the pup “No” or letting him weep, whine, or do something he doesn’t want to do.
It’s observed that prolonged crying in Pitbull puppies can lead to increased stress levels, which is neither healthy for their development nor conducive to a peaceful household.
Puppies are babies, and we must do things they dislike that are in their best interests, but differentiating between genuine distress and simple whining is critical in this process.
Remember to be patient, understanding, and compassionate towards your furry friend as it grows and learns.
How to Stop Your Pitbull Puppy From Whining?
One approach is to provide your puppy with a designated area, such as a crate, where they can feel safe and comfortable.
To help your puppy associate the crate as a happy place, it’s essential to crate-train them. You can do this by offering treats and positive reinforcement when they do the business.
Introducing soft bedding or an item of your clothing in the crate can create a comforting environment, especially for Pitbull puppies which often form strong bonds with their owners.
It can be beneficial to ignore the puppy for the first few minutes when they are in the crate. My Pitbull puppy eventually learned that the crate was a cozy and safe place for him, and he now goes there on his own to play or sleep.
I would lock the box when I needed some alone time to reinforce this habit, but I would ignore any weeping or whining. You may be able to do this, but convincing others to follow you on this method may be tricky, especially if they’ve gotten attached to the puppy and are more prone to cave to their requests.
To make the crate more enjoyable and welcoming, I would stuff it with toys and snacks, such as a Kong ball packed with tasty treats. I also put food and water bowls in the crate to associate it with a good experience.
Following that, try to gradually accustom the puppy to be in the crate by beginning with 5 to 10-minute increments throughout the day. Only let the puppy out when it is quiet.
To encourage this habit, you may teach the puppy the word “quiet” and reward them with goodies, pets, and verbal praise when they are quiet. Increase the duration between rewards gradually as they maintain calm behavior.
A structured routine, with designated playtimes, feeding, and potty breaks, often alleviates excessive crying as the Pitbull puppy starts anticipating the next activity, reducing anxiety.
When the puppy is comfortable in the crate, you may teach them that being alone isn’t dangerous. You can accomplish this by leaving the room for 10 seconds, returning for 30 seconds, ignoring the puppy, and not paying attention to whether they are crying.
Repeat this process until the puppy gets more relaxed when left alone. If the puppy pauses between cries, even for a second, walk back in and praise them with a treat or let them out.
That said, it’s also possible that your puppy is simply bored, which causes them to be agitated and demanding. Extra mental and physical stimulation, such as more play and beginning basic training exercises (if the puppy is at least 8 weeks old) for a few short sessions each day, can help. But if your puppy is only 3 to 4 weeks old, it’s still way too early, and learning how to take care of them properly is essential.
Remember, if your puppy has eaten and drank water and gone to the toilet, you may leave them in the crate with confidence. Before letting them out, wait until they have calmed down. Avoid teaching them to whine when they need to go outside and ensure they have safe toys.
It will take time and care, but your pup will ultimately learn that staying quiet is more rewarding than crying. To make a puppy listen, try these simple methods.
This worked for my Pitbull puppy, who would happily be quiet in his crate and even go there on his own for naps. While every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another, these are still one of the best ways to get your Pitbull puppy to stop crying constantly.
Do Puppies Eventually Grow Out of Whining?
Your puppy will whine at first, but it will grow out of it. Just ensure you don’t encourage the whining by praising it, giving treats, or paying attention to it. Negative attention, even yelling “No” or looking at a puppy, is also considered attention, so try to avoid that.
As they grow and mature, puppies become better at understanding their environment and communicating their needs in a more nuanced way. This, in turn, can reduce the amount of whining as they get older.
To tell if your Pitbull puppy is stressed, look for signs such as panting, whining, trembling, and hiding. You may also notice changes in its eating and sleeping patterns. If your puppy is provided and still is whining, it may be a sign of stress.
Should you punish your Pitbull puppy for crying?
No, you should not punish your Pitbull puppy for crying. Crying is a natural way for dogs to communicate and express their emotions, and punishment can cause additional stress and anxiety.
How long should you let a puppy cry in its crate?
It’s not recommended to let a puppy cry for long, as it can cause them stress and anxiety. Anything under 15 minutes is fine, though it may depend on the puppy. Try to gradually acclimate the puppy to their crate and provide them with comfort and positive associations to minimize crying.
Alex, a passionate animal lover, has experience in training and understanding animal behavior. As a proud pet parent to two dogs and three cats, he founded AnimalReport.net to share insights from animal experts and expand his knowledge of the animal kingdom.
