Setting up a crate in your bedroom is the best way for your puppy to know that you are near and to allow you to be close enough to respond to their needs. Keeping your puppy in their crate when they are completely comfortable with being inside is important.
Getting a new puppy is an exciting and heartwarming experience. Yet, the first night with your furry friend can be a bit daunting, especially when deciding where they should sleep. Your puppy is adjusting to a new environment, separated from their mother and littermates, and finding the perfect sleeping spot for them can make a significant difference in their initial days at their new home.
Where Should My Puppy Sleep on the First Night?
Where Should Your Puppy Sleep The First Night On the first night with a new puppy, and even for the first few days or weeks for some puppies, your new puppy may have trouble falling asleep. They might feel vulnerable and unsure being in an unfamiliar environment.
Your little puppy has likely just been separated from their family for the first time after spending their whole life up to this point surrounded by their mother and siblings.
Being removed from such an environment can be an overwhelming experience, so on the first night with a new puppy, it is vital to help them feel safe, secure, and nurtured to make a smooth transition to your family.
On the first night with a new puppy, they may feel most alone and uncertain, so you should invest the time and effort to lay the groundwork for your relationship.
If you would like your puppy to sleep in a crate, it is recommended to begin crate training from the first night. Setting up a crate in your bedroom is the best way for your puppy to know that you are near and to allow you to be close enough to respond to their needs.
Keeping your puppy in their crate when they are completely comfortable with being inside is important. The crate should be a calm and reinforcing place, not a source of stress. You can make the space more comfortable for them by including blankets to line the crate and safe, age-appropriate toys.
The goal is to gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends in their crate to work up to being able to shut the crate door.
Take a Just-Before-Bed Potty Break
Take your puppy out before bed so he has one last chance to potty. This should be a short outing, just long enough for him to go to the bathroom. If timed well with dinner, he will urinate and defecate during this potty break.
Even if you take him out just before bed, expect to take your puppy out a few times during the night the first few weeks he’s with you. While taking a new puppy to potty every 1.5 hours during the day is recommended, they can usually go about 4-6 hours overnight.
The First Night: A Crucial Transition
Bringing home a puppy is akin to welcoming a new member into your family. The first night shapes your puppy’s transition into their new surroundings. It’s a time when they seek comfort, security, and familiarity. Providing the right sleeping arrangement is essential for a seamless and stress-free adaptation.
Factors to Consider
Where Should Your Puppy Sleep The First Night Several factors contribute to determining the ideal sleeping location for your puppy on their first night:
- Comfort and Security
Puppies, just like babies, seek warmth, safety, and reassurance. Opt for a place that offers a sense of security—a cosy environment replicating the warmth and comfort they’re accustomed to. A soft bed or a crate with a blanket can provide the necessary snugness.
- Proximity to Family
While your puppy may need their space, having them close during the first few nights can ease their anxiety. Placing their sleeping area near your room can help them feel less isolated, ensuring they don’t feel abandoned in a new environment.
- Potential Disturbances
Consider potential disturbances in different areas of your home. Isolate your puppy from loud noises or high-traffic areas to ensure a peaceful environment conducive to sleep.
- House Training
If you’re planning to house-train your puppy, choosing a specific area or a crate for their sleeping spot can aid in establishing a routine. Dogs generally avoid soiling their sleeping area, which can help reinforce good behaviour.
Options for the First Night Puppy
Where Should Your Puppy Sleep The First Night Now that we’ve identified the key factors let’s explore some potential sleeping arrangements for your puppy’s first night:
- Your Bedroom
Having your puppy sleep in your bedroom, either in a crate or a designated bed, offers proximity and comfort. It helps foster a strong bond and eases their transition by being close to familiar scents.
- A Separate Room
If you prefer not to have your puppy in your bedroom, a separate room with a cosy bed or crate can be their sleeping spot. Ensure the room is calm, quiet, and free from potential hazards.
- Crate Training
Crate training is beneficial for many puppies. A properly sized crate can provide a secure den-like space for your puppy to sleep. Place comfortable bedding inside and keep the crate near your bed or in your bedroom for the first few nights.
- Puppy Pen or Enclosed Area
A puppy pen or gated area can offer more space while keeping your puppy confined. Set up their bed or crate within the enclosed space, giving them enough room to move around but not too much to feel overwhelmed.
Introducing the Sleeping Area
Where Should Your Puppy Sleep The First Night Regardless of where you choose for your puppy to sleep, introducing them to the designated spot is crucial:
Positive Association: Encourage positive associations by placing toys or treats in their sleeping area. Allow them to explore and associate the spot with pleasant experiences.
Gradual Introduction: Ease your puppy into the new sleeping area. Spend some playtime or place their meals near the spot to make them comfortable with the environment.
Comfort and Reassurance: Use a soft blanket or a piece of fabric with familiar scents to comfort them. Your scent can also reassure them during their initial nights away from their littermates.
Nighttime Routine and Patience
Establishing a nighttime routine is vital for your puppy’s adjustment. Stick to a consistent schedule for feeding, play, and bathroom breaks before bedtime. Patience is key; your puppy might whine or bark initially, seeking reassurance. Gradually, they’ll acclimate to the routine and their new environment.
Conclusion
The first night with your puppy is a memorable and crucial phase in transitioning to their forever home. Deciding where they should sleep involves considering factors like comfort, security, proximity, and training needs. Whether in your bedroom, a separate room, a crate, or an enclosed area, the goal is to create a safe and comforting space for your new furry family member. With patience, love, and a consistent routine, your puppy will soon find their sleeping spot and settle into their new home, bringing joy and companionship to your life.
FAQ
Should My Puppy Sleep in My Room The First Night?
Keep bedtime as calm as possible for your pup. Give them gentle praise (such as a few strokes) when they settle where you want them to. Sleep in the same room for the first few nights. For the first few nights, your puppy will need time to adjust to being without their mum.
Where is the Best Place for a New Puppy to Sleep at Night?
We recommend at least having them in your bedroom with you in the beginning in either a dog bed or crate. Having your puppy in your bedroom with you will reassure them. Then, you can gradually move them to where you want them to sleep permanently.
Where Should a Puppy Sleep When You First Get It?
A puppy should ideally sleep in a warm, quiet, and comfortable area on their first night. Many people choose to have the puppy sleep in a crate or a small enclosed area to provide security.
Should I Ignore Puppy Crying at Night?
No, don’t ignore your puppy crying at night. As above, it could make the problem worse. Ignoring your puppy won’t teach them to self-soothe; it’ll just teach them that you aren’t coming to help or comfort them, even if they need it. It can cause anxiety and damage your bond.