How to Deal With Puppies' First Nights

Your puppy's arrival is exciting for everyone in your home. However, once the excitement of the day dies down, you must put your puppy to bed and prepare for the night. Puppies are a lot like human babies. Puppies cry, need to go to the bathroom and get hungry or thirsty. Many puppies need to go out during the middle of the night and whine for attention. With the proper approach to your puppy's first few nights home, you can make it less painful for all of you.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Blankets
  • Food and water bowls
  • Puppy toys
  • Leash (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up your puppy's crate or sleeping area in your bedroom. Puppy-proof the area. Pick up any small objects or potentially dangerous objects. Check for drafty areas. If there is a draft, barricade the area with extra blankets. Place the crate or blankets near your bed. This makes soothing your upset puppy easier than going into the kitchen or another room.

    • 2

      Tire the puppy out by playing in the yard or playing with toys. The first night in a new home, separated from its mother and siblings, is scary for a puppy. Tiring your puppy out helps it sleep during the night.

    • 3

      Take away your puppy's food and water a few hours before bedtime. Puppies must relieve themselves every couple of hours. Taking away your puppy's food and water a few hours before bedtime allows the puppy to process the food and water before it goes to sleep.

    • 4

      Walk your puppy or take it to the yard. A couple of hours after your puppy's final feeding, take it out one more time. Once the puppy goes to the bathroom, praise it and bring it back inside.

    • 5

      Place the puppy in its crate or put it on a leash tied to your bed. Set a timer to go off every couple hours. Puppies need to be checked during the night. A puppy's bladder is small and the pup may feel scared. Take it outside every few hours to relieve itself, then crate or tie the puppy back up.

    • 6

      Show the puppy there is no reason to whine. If the puppy cries in the night, reach your hand into the crate or gently pat its head. This shows the puppy that you are still in the room. Gently but firmly tell the puppy to be quiet if it continues whining.