Getting a new puppy is always a thrilling experience. A puppy can bring so much joy and excitement for you and for every member of your family. However, though some of us may think that looking after a puppy will be all fun and games at all times, the truth is often somewhat different. Caring and training a young puppy can be a challenging task.
A new puppy will miss its mother and litter, and will need some time before it gets used to his home and new surroundings. In the meantime, a puppy may behave in several disorderly ways, such as barking and crying. A puppy may bark or cry when left alone in its playpen as it is not used to being on its own or without constant attention.
Is there anything you can do to help your puppy keep calm and prevent this behavior? Here are some things you can do if you want to stop your puppy from crying in his playpen:
1. Blanket Scented By Litter
One great way to keep your puppy calm and prevent him from crying can be to ask the breeder or previous owner to provide a blanket which has been scented by its mother and litter.
This can be a very comforting thing for your puppy, as the blanket will make him feel more safe and secure. This may be reassuring enough for him to be left in his playpen and not feel the need to cry or bark.
2. Provide Toys And Feed In Playpen
When teaching your puppy to stay calm in his playpen, it is important to associate this area with positive things. This means that you will need to provide plenty of toys for your puppy inside the playpen which he will become occupied with. Some toys are interactive and require your puppy to get food out, or present a puzzle for him to try and figure it out.
Such games can especially hold your puppy’s attention for many hours and prevent him from barking and crying. Experiencing fun in the playpen will make it seem like a positive and happy environment for your pup where he can enjoy himself.
In addition, feeding your puppy inside the playpen will further help him associate this place with all things positive and prevent him from crying and wanting to get out. Also, remember to keep his water bowls full at all times so he doesn’t go thirsty, and remove any dangerous objects that may poise a risk for your puppy.
3. Ignore Your Puppy’s Barking In Playpen
If you know your puppy barks or cries solely for attention, it may be a good idea to ignore him or her for some time. Although ignoring a crying puppy may be a hard thing for some owners to do, it is important that a puppy learns and understands that he cannot get attention all of the time, as his owners have other things to take care of.
By choosing to ignore your puppy’s barking and crying for attention, it can quickly teach him that this is not an effective method of getting him what he wants. This will mean that he will most likely not turn to this method again in the future.
4. Reward Your Puppy For Being Quiet And Calm
When your puppy stays quiet in his pen and remains calm, it is important to show your puppy that you are happy with his behavior. This can be done by rewarding with a treat. You can also choose this time to play with your puppy.
Soon your puppy will learn positive behaviors that you want to see from him and will be more likely to continue them. This can be a vital step in helping him define what conduct is acceptable and what is not. He will also form a positive link between sitting quietly in his pen and getting rewarded for it, as well as pleasing you.
5. Exercise Your Puppy Before Placing In Playpen
Providing physical activity for your puppy in a daily basis is important in itself, but doing so before placing him in his playpen can prevent crying in a couple of ways. First of all, your puppy will be tired and happy to rest. He will not feel the need to cry or bark for attention, as he won’t be bored or in need of something to do.
Second of all, he will associate his playpen as a comforting place to rest up after exercise and engaging in physical activity. He will see it as a cozy place to sleep in and retire, thus making him more happy to stay there.
6. Gradually Increase Playpen Time
A playpen is an ideal safe area for keeping your puppy to prevent your puppy from wandering around the house unsupervised. Yet, it is important that your puppy is introduced to it gradually. He or she should not be forced to stay in it, but should be familiarised with it in gradually day by day until they become comfortable with staying inside.
You may leave him for half an hour the first day, an hour on the next, and so on. Reward your puppy for behaving well each time the time is increased. This will allow you to see how your puppy gets on and give him time to get adjusted.
However, avoid leaving your puppy on his own for too long, as this can lead to boredom and can cause him to become anti-social as he grows older. Dogs are pack animals and they need to be around others to stay happy.
Ensure that you play with your puppy in his playpen, check up on him and stay around to avoid him feeling completely alone, and provide plenty of walks and potty breaks.
Conclusion
The best ways to prevent this is to form positive associations in regard to the playpen. This can include providing toys to ensure fun, giving your puppy food inside, and providing a comforting blanket scented by the pup’s mother and litter. Even after the scent wears off, the blanket will still be a thing of comfort and warmth to keep your puppy calm.
Also, ignore your puppy if he is barking and crying to get your attention, and reward him with a treat when he calms down. Always stay nearby so your puppy doesn’t feel completely alone. Remove all things from the playpen which could poise a hazard.
Gradually increase the time each day that your puppy stays in his playpen until he becomes well acquainted with it. However, be sure to provide much needed playtime sessions on a regular basis, social interaction, as well as potty breaks, walks, and engaging activities.
