puppy returned for crying at night--breeder needs advice
 

I've been a hobby breeder-exhibitor for 6 years, a relatively short time, still have lots to learn. This is not my livelihood, so I take time to enjoy my puppies and their parents and to be careful about the homes they go to. I make it clear to everyone that I will take my puppies back for a refund for any reason, and boy do I get some...Twice this year it's been allergies, twice it's been because the puppies cry all night. I just got another call this morning from a customer who took an 18 week old female from me on Saturday and is returning her today for crying all night. Am I doing something wrong in how I'm raising my puppies, or can they be expected to cry at night in a new home? I need input, please. Thank you, Belinda

i dont think it is how you are raising them.....lots and lots of puppies cry at night for a few days in a new home

Most puppies cry the first few nights at their new homes. I guess you need to explain this to people...unless puppy is exhausted...they're gonna cry a few days.

I think older puppies need a little more time to adjust. How are you raising your puppies at home? If you are keeping them in an x-pen at night or confined to a small area then you need to suggest that the new puppy buyer does the same thing. I think with crate training you would see a lot more crying, especially if the puppy is used to more freedom. I does not sound to me that the puppy buyer tried very hard to get the puppy to adjust. It is probably a good thing they brought the puppy back. A puppy that is used to being around other dogs would have a harder time adjusting to being alone. That is one reason I like to sell my pups to people that will be home most of the time.

I think the prospective buyers need to be aware that the new babies are going to cry at night. The babies are going from a home and siblings and people that they know to a stranger especially if the babies are not used to the same type of sleeping arrangements. If for example, you don't crate but the new owners stick the baby in a crate, it's going to be upset. What I tell buyers (and do this myself with new ones) is put a crate or playpen right next to your bed (I usually have one up on my night table so that the new baby is right next to me and if it cries at night i can reach over and touch them) Also I give the buyers a blanket with the smell it's used to and a stuffed animal to snuggle next to.

Thanks everyone---
 

This situation is particularly distressing because they are supposed to be experienced dog owners and they're suggesting the puppy has separation anxiety issues and they are returning her for her own good, even telling me she should go to a home that has other dogs to keep her company. My puppies live in large x-pens, 6x6' square, and she was one of two sharing the pen until she left on Saturday. I always send my puppies home with blanket and toys they have used in their pen at my house. I interviewed the people so carefully and they seemed so knowledgeable and responsible. I can't believe this puppy misbehaved badly enough to be returned so soon. Should I be training my puppies to sleep alone before letting them leave home? Most people call me the next day to say they are amazed at how well the puppy is doing, so this is a total shock today. Thanks again for the advice.

That is too bad. :( It makes me sad that these new owners are going to miss out because they can't make it through the first weeks of new puppy. What a shame. I think you are picking the wrong people. :( You need to pick intelligent people who know what a puppy means. Someone who has done their research and really wants a puppy.

Mine cried at night too....she missed her mom and litter mates. Normal! I knew she would. No way would I ever give up and give her back for any reason! Even my mom, who has my Yorkie's sister, who is a bit cowardly and not housetraining well, is super frustrated and has in moments of upset said she may not want to keep her....but then she cools off and says she wants to stick with it because you don't give up on them! I figure once you adopt, they are yours forever. You have to be strong and go through that phase and help the puppy adjust. It is like having a baby....they cry, the need to be let out, they need soothing and love, etc. Constant care.

Perhaps you should let all the new owners know this when they are adopting from you (especially if they are first time owners) so they know what to expect. The payoff in the end is the best reward. :)

I don't think it is you. Frankly, anyone who is already willing to give the puppy back for crying at night is someone you don't want to have them anyway. Sad....

I'm sorry. Hopefully you'll find them good homes soons. Hugs.

Little puppies cry at night when they first ccccome home at least both of mine did. They do better after some time but thats just part of having a new pup. I would just make sure new owners are aware that is going to happen. If I were a breeder and someone returned a pup for that reason I would keep the deposit

It's too bad that people today, are in such a hurry for everything!! Training a puppy takes time and compassion....obviously these people don't have either. You aren't doing anything wrong with the way you are raising them. Hope the little girl finds a compassionate forever home.

Anyone who can't work thru a few nights of crying isn't commited to raising a puppy at all. How do you think they would like to work on potty training for 6 months to a year? Maybe they just realized what a lot of work puppies are, and that they couldn't handle it. Glad they returned the pup so it can go to a home where it will be cherished, and have patient, understanding owners.

It's just amazes me how people think puppies come without obsticles to
face. Does a new born baby come this way? They don't seem to understand
a puppy is not much different from human baby at this point.
It's nothing your doing be thankful they are being returned to you.
They don't deserve the pleasure of having a puppy if they have the patience
or compassion for something crying in the niight, being in a strange house
without it's comforting surrounding and siblings.
So sad human's are. No common sence at all.
I am glad they are no longer with these heartless people.
This reminds me of the thread two weeks ago someone complaining about her 9wk old puppy she can't seem to train!:(

Here is the email about returning the puppy:
 

Dear Belinda, I hate to even write this email but I am afraid that we must return Lucie, and let me explain why. She is a beautiful dog and very sweet but she appears to have a serious problem with separation anxiety. She is ok as long as someone is right by her side or holding her. If we leave the room for five minutes she gets hysterical. The past two nights have been quite upsetting for her and my husband and I. She cannot tolerate bed time and barks and cries the entire night. I have never seen a dog do this without falling asleep at some point but Lucie was hysterical throughout both nights. This isn\'t good for her. I believe that Lucie needs a home where there is another small dog; a dog she can play, eat, and most important, sleep with. I think she needs that type of companion. I am concerned for her , and think it is better to return her now so that she can be with the other dogs in your home. She seems hyper and unable to sleep , and romping with other dogs would probably help her with that too. We truly wish that this had worked out for all of us. We would like to return
her as soon as possible along with the items that you sent her off with.
_______________
Thank you everyone for your kind words and trying to make me feel this sin\'t something I did wrong in how I raised the puppy. The above is the email I got this morning from the people who are returning her this evening. I never noticed this puppy being hyper. She is vocal when she wants attention, but quiets right down after getting her hug. This email makes her sound like a terribly neurotic puppy. What is the likelihood of that?

It sounds like that poor little girl needs a home where she can sleep with the owner or a companion. Some dogs do suffer greatly with separation anxiety.

Maybe they made her neurotic with their unreasonable demands