In your bed? in the same room? In a crate? Figuring out where should your puppy sleep the first night home can be challenging. There seem to be so many options!
Bringing home a new puppy is undoubtedly exciting. It can be great to have a companion, but bringing home a puppy comes with a ton of questions and preparation. You may wonder what you need to buy your puppy, how to prepare your home, and what the transition process will look like for you and your new pup.
A puppy needs a lot of care and attention, and the first night at home is no exception. With the right preparation, you can help your puppy make the smoothest transition possible to their new home.
As a new owner, one of the main concerns is figuring out where should your puppy sleep the first night home. What’s more, there are several options, but which one is the best? If you are not aware of the best place for your puppy to sleep for the first night, this article is for you!
First Things First
As with any new baby, the first few weeks are important in the life of the puppy. This is where the real fun begins. With a little help and lots of patience, you can have a happy, well-adjusted dog for life!
Before you figure out where your puppy should sleep the first night home, you need to remember that your pup is learning about a new world and they need the support of their family. But most importantly they need to feel safe and comfortable.
The first few nights at home may be difficult for you as well as for your puppy. Your puppy might be lonely, and will probably show this by whining. It’s very difficult to train a puppy, but if you have the patience, you can teach your puppy some basic obedience to start off with.
Where Should Your Puppy Sleep The First Night Home?
When bringing a puppy over, the first step when figuring out where your puppy should sleep the first night home is to set up a comfortable spot for your new puppy to sleep. The pup will benefit from having a warm bed to curl up on as well as a cozy spot away from drafts.
Crates
One of the best steps you can take to instill independence and keep your dog out of trouble while she’s still in that exploratory puppy stage is crate training.
There are lots of types of crates available, from canvas crates to wire latch crates. We recommend investing in a metal folding wire crate with a divider for potty training.
If you plan to keep your dog in a crate, make sure to place it in a location where your dog will be able to get out, but cannot accidentally leave the crate. It can also be a good idea to install a divider so your dog has some additional privacy at night.
Put the puppy in his crate and stay in the room with him until he stops whimpering. After he has stopped, do not give him any treats or playtime. He will soon fall asleep.
A crate provides a safe environment where a dog can relax without doing any damage to furniture or walls. It is also helpful if your dog has special needs, or if you live with roommates.
In your bed
A little puppy snuggling in bed next to you can be pretty irresistible. Research has shown that just less than 50% of dog owners sleep with their dogs in the same room or same bed.
There are some things to consider before inviting your pup to share the bed with you. You need to consider her age, breed, and size. Also, ensure that your pup has mastered potty training.
When figuring out where should your puppy sleep the first night home, It’s best that you make the decision to have or not have your dog sleep in your bed BEFORE the first night with your dog. This is one of the most important decisions you will ever have to make for your dog.
If you’re unsure of the best way to train them to become the best sleeping buddy, you may want to consider getting your dog to sleep in their own bed with you in your bedroom. This will allow you to get the best training and it will make you more relaxed because you won’t have to worry about waking up your puppy or dog during the night. If you’ve ever had a pet dog, you know what I’m talking about.
Small room
If you don’t want to crate your dog, a good alternative is a small, empty room. Just keep it in a clean spot like a bathroom. This works well with the puppy and doesn’t make the dog feel confined.
Remember The Potty Training!
This is an exercise to teach your dog to urinate outside in a designated area. Your dog must understand the difference between his bathroom spot and your living area. In addition, he needs to understand how to go inside to the toilet.
Puppies are pretty easy to potty train, but if you are unsure about how to go about it, don’t fret! Here are simple steps for you to take.
First, put your puppy’s collar on so you can take him out without having to take it off (also, make sure the collar is not too tight). Then, take your puppy out on a leash and get him used to being outside. You’ll want to repeat the phrase “get busy” a few times until your puppy has successfully gotten rid of his business on command.
If a puppy does not relieve himself in his assigned area, he’ll usually be back to pee within 10 minutes of being taken outside. If this doesn’t work, try a few more times in another 10 minute interval, before you finally take him back in and give him his dog biscuits to keep him busy.
Read more about How Often Should Your Dog Go To The Bathroom?
Final Thoughts
There are no hard-fast rules when it comes to where your puppy should sleep the first night home. If you are comfortable with an option and your dog is not causing any issues then go for it!
Read more about How To Help A Timid Rescue Dog?
FAQs
Should your puppy sleep in your bed the first night?
Short answer is yes. This is a matter of preference. If you want your dog to sleep in your bed, there is nothing wrong with it. Remember to make sure that your puppy is potty trained.
Do I ignore my puppy crying at night?
No, ignoring your puppy while it cries can result in your puppy becoming distressed and having separation anxiety. It is advisable to check why your puppy is crying as it will likely be needing to pee.
Should I wake my puppy up to pee at night?
Yes. Puppies have an underdeveloped bladder, so they have to urinate more than adult dogs. Until they reach 4-6 months, you will have to remind them to pee at night.