Crated Puppy Howling In Morning

by Charlotte
(Bristol)

My cocker spaniel puppy is now 6 months old. We have been crate training her which has been brilliant, she happily takes herself off to bed and doesn't mind being in there for short periods during the day.

The problem we've been having is that as soon as she wakes up in the morning, it can be anytime between 6 and 7.30, she starts howling and she continues barking and howling until we get downstairs. Although it's not too early and I don't mind getting up to her, it would be nice not to wake up to howling everyday. I thought it might be that she needed the toilet, but some mornings she just isn't bothered about going outside at all, she just wants to get up.

I don't really know what to do, because by letting her out I'm encouraging the howling, I wait until she has been quiet for 10 seconds each morning before opening the crate but it doesn't seem to be improving.

Any advice would be amazing, thanks.

Reply from Pauline (Website Owner)

Hello Charlotte,

I think that your puppy's howling is a sign that she's lonely. If she was whining or crying, I would have answered differently. Puppies don't really like to be alone for very long, especially Cocker Spaniel puppies! She may have woken at 5 or earlier and have lain quietly for as long as she could before succumbing to her 'call of the wild'!

I think you may have a couple of options here:

• Tire her out more during the day with extra mental and physical stimulation. That means longer walks, more training, more playtime. You could try a little walk or play with her before bedtime to help get rid of any excess energy. This may help her to sleep a little later in the morning. Just remember to take her outside for a pee before she goes to bed.


• You could try putting a ticking clock beside here crate - the sound might comfort her when she wakes.


• Alternatively, leave a chew bone or a soft toy in her crate so that when she wakes, she can play quietly until you get up.


• If all else fails, what about bringing her crate into your bedroom at night. If she wakes in the morning, she will see you and may not feel so lonely. If she begins howling (which I doubt) you could comfort her with either your voice or your fingers through the bars on the crate.

I hope this helps and your puppy stops her howling soon.

Kind regards,
Pauline


PS: Perhaps our visitors can offer extra tips? Come on guys, what do you think? How can Charlotte best deal with a howling puppy?