A new puppy brought home from the breeder misses his mom and his litter mates. He's used to sleeping in a warm pile of puppies. Now he's in a new environment. As much as you may love your puppy he's probably a little scared. Nighttime is the worst time. He'll probably cry because he's lonely in his new home. Putting together a comfy bed for your puppy will help ease the transition.
Things You'll Need
- 2 or 3 old shirts
- Crate
- Towels
- Hot water bottle
- Pillow case
- Stuffed toys
- Blankets
Instructions
Wear the old shirts for several hours each day before you bring the puppy home. The shirts will pick up your scent. Don't wash them after wearing--that defeats the purpose. You need more than one, in case the puppy soils his bed.
Locate the puppy sleeping area in his permanent spot. If he's to sleep in the kitchen, don't start him off in your bedroom. Many pet owners crate puppies at night and that's fine. If you do, you'll still need to make his bed in the crate. Place the crate next to your bed, if he's to sleep in your bedroom, so he can hear you and smell you.
Place several towels in the bottom of the crate. Roll up several more and place them around the edges of the crate like a baby crib bumper. Towels are washable so if he messes, it will be easy to clean up. Most dogs, including puppies, instinctively avoid going potty in their sleeping quarters.
Heat water to very hot but not boiling. Fill the hot water bottle and securely fasten. Wrap the bottle in towels and then in a pillow case. The pillow case keeps the towels from unwrapping. The bare hot water bottle might burn the puppy--the towels are a barrier to prevent that from happening.
Arrange the stuffed toys and one of your old shirts around the hot water bottle so the puppy can snuggle in. Don't be surprised if he rearranges some of the towels and toys to his own liking. He's making a nest for sleeping.
Take the puppy out for his last walk so he can go potty. This should be right before you go to bed. Place the puppy in his bed without apology. Give a command like "nite nite," or "time for bed."
Place the blanket over the crate covering the top and three sides but leaving the door uncovered. The puppy will feel like he's in a protected area. If it's warm use a lightweight sheet instead of a blanket.