How to Stop a Pomeranian Puppy From Crying at Night
Pomeranian puppies are lively, bold little extroverts who can be especially prone to nighttime crying—a combination of their natural barking tendency and small-dog anxiety. Unlike larger breeds, their diminutive size makes them feel more vulnerable at night, triggering vocalization. Additionally, Pomeranians' moderate trainability (3/5) means they need consistent, patient guidance to establish a settled sleep routine. This guide uses positive reinforcement to help your Pomeranian puppy understand that nighttime is for rest, not play or attention-seeking. By creating a secure environment, establishing a calming pre-sleep routine, and managing their 30-minute daily exercise appropriately, you'll help your puppy transition to peaceful, uninterrupted nights—and finally get the sleep you both deserve.
Step-by-step
- 1
Exercise your Pomeranian thoroughly before bedtime
Ensure your puppy gets at least 30 minutes of structured play and exercise earlier in the evening to burn off their moderate energy reserves. A tired puppy is far less likely to cry and will settle more naturally—this directly counteracts their lively temperament. Avoid vigorous play within 1–2 hours of bedtime, as this can overstimulate them.
- 2
Create a secure, comfortable sleeping space
Set up a small crate or pen lined with soft bedding in a quiet area near your bedroom. Pomeranians' natural wariness and small size make them feel safer in a confined, den-like space. This containment also prevents destructive behavior and sets clear boundaries for sleep.
- 3
Establish a consistent pre-sleep routine
Follow the same calming sequence 20–30 minutes before bed: a final potty break, gentle handling, soft voice, and placement in the crate with a comfort item like a blanket or toy. Consistency signals to your puppy that this routine means sleep is coming, helping condition them for rest. Pomeranians respond well to predictability.
- 4
Use positive reinforcement for quiet behavior
Reward your puppy with quiet praise or a treat the moment they settle and remain silent, even for just 30 seconds at first. Gradually extend the duration before rewarding. Never reward crying with attention, play, or talking—this reinforces the behavior, especially in a breed prone to excessive barking.
- 5
Address the urge to cry with strategic comfort
If your puppy cries, wait for even a brief pause in vocalization, then calmly offer a sip of water or a comforting word. Keep interactions minimal and boring—the goal is to reduce the reward value of crying. For Pomeranians, whose barking tendency is high (5/5), ignoring escalation takes patience but is essential.
- 6
Gradually reduce nighttime wake-ups and bathroom breaks
Young puppies need frequent potty breaks, but as your Pomeranian matures (8+ weeks), slowly extend the time between breaks if they sleep for several nights without accidents. Use a consistent cue like "go potty" to reinforce the behavior. This teaches your puppy the difference between playtime cries and genuine need.
Pro tips
- Pomeranians' high barking tendency means nighttime crying will escalate if rewarded with attention—consistency is harder but more critical. Ignore all cries except genuine distress signals, and reward only silence.
- Their moderate trainability (3/5) means short, frequent training sessions (2–5 minutes) work better than long ones. Use high-value treats and enthusiastic praise so your puppy understands exactly what you're rewarding.
- At 30 minutes of daily exercise, ensure activity is spread throughout the day—avoid a single evening burst that overstimulates. Morning and early-afternoon play followed by a calm wind-down hour before bed works best for this lively breed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it usually take a Pomeranian puppy to stop crying at night?+
Most Pomeranians show significant improvement within 2–4 weeks of consistent training, though individual timelines vary due to their moderate trainability (3/5). Patience and consistency are key—avoid backsliding by rewarding crying, which will reset progress in this breed prone to attention-seeking barking.
Should I let my puppy cry it out, or does that risk reinforcing bad behavior?+
For Pomeranians, pure extinction (ignoring all crying) can work but risks teaching them to cry louder. Instead, use strategic reward-based methods: wait for quiet pauses, then reward. This harnesses positive reinforcement and avoids the escalation that their high barking tendency (5/5) can create.
Is it normal for a Pomeranian to cry more than other breed puppies?+
Yes—Pomeranians' naturally high barking tendency (5/5) and wariness make them more vocal, especially at night when they feel vulnerable due to their tiny size. This is breed-typical behavior that requires patient, consistent training rather than a sign of illness or distress.
Can I keep my Pomeranian's crate in my bedroom to reduce crying?+
Yes, keeping the crate near your bed can help settle a new puppy and reduce anxiety-driven crying. However, ensure you don't inadvertently reward crying by giving attention—stay firm with the rule that quiet gets response, crying does not. Gradually move the crate away over weeks if desired.