How to Stop a Shih Tzu Puppy From Crying at Night
Shih Tzu puppies are affectionate, charming companions who thrive on human connection—which means nighttime separation can trigger significant anxiety and crying. This breed's moderate trainability (3/5) and low energy level (2/5) make them well-suited to settling routines, but their stubborn nature and separation anxiety require patient, consistent reinforcement. Unlike high-energy breeds, Shih Tzus don't need exhausting exercise to sleep well; instead, they need emotional reassurance, proper crate conditioning, and a predictable bedtime routine. This guide provides positive-reinforcement strategies tailored to your Shih Tzu's affectionate temperament, helping you establish peaceful nights while strengthening your bond. Success requires consistency, patience, and understanding that your puppy's cries are rooted in genuine distress, not manipulation.
Step-by-step
- 1
Establish a consistent pre-bedtime routine
Starting 30 minutes before sleep, engage your Shih Tzu in calm activities like gentle brushing, a short 10-minute walk, or quiet play to burn the mild daily energy they need. Keep the environment dim, speak softly, and establish the same sequence every night—this predictability soothes their affectionate nature and signals that sleep is coming.
- 2
Create a comfortable, secure sleeping space
Set up a crate or enclosed bed in your bedroom where your puppy can see and hear you nearby. Line it with soft bedding, a worn t-shirt with your scent, and a safe toy. Shih Tzus bond strongly with their owners; proximity reduces separation anxiety and helps them feel secure enough to settle.
- 3
Condition the crate with positive associations
During the day, toss treats and praise inside the crate with the door open, allowing your puppy to explore freely. Feed meals inside, and reward calm behavior with gentle praise. This breed responds well to positive reinforcement, so never use the crate as punishment—it must feel like a safe, rewarding den.
- 4
Practice graduated separation during waking hours
Shih Tzus are prone to separation anxiety, so gradually desensitize your puppy by leaving the room for short periods (30 seconds to 2 minutes) while they're in the crate, rewarding calm behavior with treats and praise when you return. Increase duration slowly over weeks, always exiting and entering calmly to avoid reinforcing emotional displays.
- 5
Respond calmly to nighttime crying without reinforcing it
Ignore whimpering that stems from learned behavior or testing boundaries, but respond promptly to genuine distress (potty needs in young puppies). Keep interventions brief and boring—no play or extensive comfort—to avoid rewarding the crying. Your Shih Tzu's playful, charming nature may escalate crying for attention, so consistency is critical.
- 6
Gradually move the crate away from your bed
Once your puppy settles calmly through the night, move the crate incrementally toward the door over 2–4 weeks, one foot per few nights. This gradual transition respects their affectionate temperament while building independence. Celebrate small wins with praise and rewards to maintain motivation.
Pro tips
- Shih Tzus are 'velcro dogs'—they bond deeply and sleep better when they can see and hear you initially. Keep the crate in your bedroom for the first few weeks, then move it away gradually; this respects their affectionate temperament while building independence.
- Housetraining difficulties are common in this breed, so pair your nighttime routine with a consistent potty schedule. Take your puppy outside right after waking, before bed, and after meals to prevent accidents that interrupt sleep and prolong crying.
- Use play and attention as *daytime* rewards during training, not nighttime comfort. Shih Tzus are playful and charming, so engaging them during the day (with that gentle 30 minutes of daily exercise) helps them expend energy and settle more easily at night.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take before my Shih Tzu puppy stops crying at night?+
Most Shih Tzu puppies show significant improvement in 2–4 weeks with consistent training, though their stubborn nature and separation anxiety may extend progress. Very young puppies (under 12 weeks) genuinely need nighttime potty breaks, so some crying is normal. With positive reinforcement and patience, most are sleeping through by 12–16 weeks.
Should I let my Shih Tzu puppy sleep in my bed to stop the crying?+
Co-sleeping may temporarily silence crying but reinforces dependence and makes future independent sleeping harder. Your Shih Tzu's affectionate nature means they'll bond closely regardless; a nearby crate is ideal because it provides security while teaching healthy boundaries. Once crate-trained, your puppy will feel just as bonded and sleep independently.
Can I ignore all nighttime crying, or is some crying a real need?+
Young puppies (under 12 weeks) have small bladders and genuinely need 2–3 nighttime potty breaks. Watch for specific signals like sniffing, circling, or urgent whining versus general fussing. After 12 weeks, most can hold it through the night. Use a consistent potty routine and take your puppy out before settling; most remaining cries are testing boundaries, not genuine need.
My Shih Tzu puppy is barking in addition to crying—how do I address this?+
Shih Tzus have a moderate barking tendency, so this breed often combines cries with vocalizations for attention. Ignore the barking entirely during nighttime settling; respond only to genuine distress (potty signals). During the day, reward quiet crate time with treats and praise. Consistency prevents your outgoing, charming puppy from learning that noise gets your attention.