Your puppy’s first night at home can be an exciting and challenging experience.
Here are some tips to help you and your new baby puppy through their first night:
1. Create a Safe and Comfortable Space: Set up a cozy bed, inside a puppy pen or crate for your puppy in a quiet and secure area. This helps them feel safe and prevents them from wandering around the house and getting into trouble.
2. Introduce the Puppy to Their Sleeping Area: Let your puppy explore their sleeping area before bedtime. Encourage them to go into their crate or bed by placing treats or toys inside.
3. Use a Comforting Item: A Snuggle Puppy helps many of our little puppies through the night. Click here to learn more and purchase. Or place a soft blanket or a piece of clothing with your scent in their sleeping area. This can provide comfort and reassurance to your puppy.
4. Establish a Bedtime Routine: Create a calming bedtime routine to signal to your puppy that it's time to sleep. This could include a short walk, or other easy interactions, and then quiet time before bed. Don’t overstimulate your puppy during this time.
5. Placement of the Nighttime Crate: The crate can be in the bedroom where the puppy can see you in bed. If the crate or puppy pen is outside of the bedroom, that is preferred as the puppy can get used to alone time. Always make sure there is no harness or collar on the puppy when they are not supervised.
6. Provide a Familiar Smell: If possible, bring something from the breeder or the place where the puppy was born. A familiar scent can provide comfort during the transition.
7. Take Care of Basic Needs: Make sure your puppy has had enough food, water, and a bathroom break before bedtime to reduce the chances of waking up in the middle of the night.
8. Be Prepared for Whining: It's common for puppies to whine or cry during their first night as they adjust to their new environment. While it's tough, try not to give in immediately, as this may reinforce the behavior. Instead, wait for a break in the whining before offering comfort.
9. Stay Consistent: Consistency is key when establishing routines for your puppy. Stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up time to help them adjust quickly.
Our Puppy Prep typically held over Zoom is an excellent way to make your puppy shopping list and prepare for your puppy's arrival. Once your puppy is home and the wellness check with your vet is completed your puppy is ready to start Puppy Foundations I. This is a customized and comprehensive program that will help you raise your puppy into a confident, well behaved adult dog.
Remember, it may take a few nights for your puppy to become accustomed to their new home. Be patient and understanding as they settle in, and the bond between you and your new companion will strengthen over time.