Breathe first. Then read. It's 2am, your puppy is crying, and you have 14 tabs open. Here's the calm version, on one page.
1. Is this normal?
Yes - some crying on nights 1 to 3 is normal. Your puppy just left his whole family. Crying when alone, barely eating on day one, and an accident right after a break are all normal too. It usually settles by week 12 to 16.
2. What do I do right now?
- Potty check. Age in months + 1 = the hours he can hold it. An 8-week pup can't make the night yet. Do one calm, boring 2am trip - no talking, no play, straight back.
- Scent. Put a worn, unwashed t-shirt in the crate. It helps more than anything you can buy.
- Place. Keep the crate next to your bed this week. Move it out gradually later.
- Settle. If his needs are met, a few minutes of whining is okay - it's how he learns to self-soothe.
3. When do I call my vet instead?
Call your vet - not a forum - if you see frantic trembling or panic, crying that never improves after weeks, night accidents despite proper breaks (can be a UTI), or refusing food and water.
Want it on paper for tonight?
Here's the printable version with the bladder chart by age. No email needed - open it, then print it or save it as a PDF.
And a short, useful email each day this week?
Pop your email in and I'll send you the calm week-by-week basics - what's normal, what to do, when to worry. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
Pup Compass helps you feel calm and prepared. It is never a substitute for your vet or a certified trainer.
Want a page like this for every 2am crisis - biting, regressions, puppy blues - plus the whole first year mapped week by week? That's the First-Year System.