21 week old puppy howling at night and when left alone - how do we stop it?

Sounds like he's lonely and misses his brothers and sisters. You can try using a hot water bottle for him at night. It might give him the feeling of a warm body next to him.

Ignore him. Yes, it really works. It's going to take a long time though, if he's only been with you a few days you are in for a ride. It might be weeks until he is completely silent through the night -- especially since he's already had an entire 21 weeks of life probably NOT spent in a crate. It will take some getting used to for both of you.

If would probably comfort him to put the crate in your bedroom. That's what most people do (including myself). You'll just have to get some earplugs and tough it out for a while, but in the long haul it will probably take less time for him to calm down. Just like a baby in a crib, a puppy would much rather be in bed with you, but he needs to learn the "house rules," which means he goes in his crate at night. It will take some time though.

Do you have any shirts that you don't want that still smell like you?

Puppies are like babies. At that age, if its out of sight, it no longer exists. In the dark, and when the puppy can't see you, he thinks he's entirely alone in the world, and he's probably terrified. But dogs also rely on scent, so it's a good idea to (if you have one) put one of your shirts into the crate with him. That way he can't see you, but he can smell you. It won't stop the howling, but it will calm him down.

If he's in the same room as you, every time he howls, call his name. Don't go to him, but acknowledge that you're there and that you hear him. That might help as well.

I hope this helps you out! Good luck!

8 week old puppy has been all his life with mom and siblings, he's crying for them. You shouldn't leave him alone for more that 20 min at first and only if really necessary. I hope someone is going to be home all the time in the first few months of the puppy's life, otherwise you are going to have hard time housebreaking him. Good luck.

There are several tricks of the trade for puppies. A 'ice pack' or water bottle filled with luke-warm water and covered with a soft towel can feel like mommy more than the cold hard floor. Find a cheap. old time alarm clock, and put it under the towel as well. Supposedly, the tick-tock sounds like mommy's heartbeat and this is an OLD trick in getting your puppy to calm down in his new home and go to sleep.

During the day, leave him alone for increasing amounts of 5 minutes. Leave him alone for 5 minutes, come back, give praise and attention, regardless of whether he cried. Then stick around for a while, then leave for 10 minutes. Come back, praise, etc. Keep going as long as you can, basically. It will not make much of a difference at first, and time consuming at first, but it will help him get used to the fact that it is OK when you are gone!

Try playing a radio or tv close to him so that he can here it, but not loud enough to disturb you. Also, give him some toys to play with in his crate....you can buy them at the pet store or give him an old blanket or maybe an old shirt of yours [so he smells your scent] when you leave him. They get lonely..the sound of the radio or tv makes them feel like someone is in the room with them.

Get a piece of clothing that has your smell on it and put it in the crate with him. If that does not work get a sheet and put it on the bottom of the crate then put a pillow and a stuffed animal in the crate with the dog for the night.

Put the crate in your room, a lot of the time if they can see you they are much better.

Yes, they will stop if you ignore them, some take longer than others. If you give them attention they learn that the crying/howling works. Get yourself some ear plugs in the meantime.

He's a baby! he doesn't want to be alone!

Put the crate in your room and comfort him when he starts to stir.

Get a book on the matter and properly educate yourself. I recommend Cesar Millan. You won't be sorry, promise.