You just survived the first full day with your new puppy. However, the first night with your new puppy can be a daunting experience.
If you’re like most new pet owners, the first night with your new puppy is a mixture of excitement and nerves. You want to make sure that everything goes smoothly, but you’re not entirely sure how to make that happen.
You want to make sure that you do everything possible to make it go as smooth as possible!
Today, we will discuss some tips on how to make the first night with your new puppy a success.
Let’s get to it:
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Establish a Specific Sleeping Space for Your Puppy
One of the first things you should do is establish a specific sleeping space for your puppy. This could be a crate, a dog bed, or even just a designated spot on your floor.
The important thing is that your puppy has a place to call their own where they can feel safe and comfortable.
If you opt for a crate, make sure to put it in a quiet and secluded area of your home. This will help your puppy feel more relaxed and secure.
If you choose a dog bed, place it in an area where your puppy can see you but is not in the way of foot traffic. This will help your puppy feel like they are part of the family but still have their own space.
If you decide to just use a designated spot on your floor, make sure it is in an area where your puppy will not be disturbed by foot traffic or other animals in the home.
Whichever option you choose, just make sure that your puppy has a comfortable and safe place to sleep on their first night in their new home.
Put a Soft Blanket in their Space for Them to Lie On
You want your puppy to be comfortable on their first night, so putting a soft blanket or towel in their space is a good idea. This will give them something warm and cozy to lie on, and it will make them feel more at home.
Just make sure that the blanket or towel you choose is washable in case your puppy has an accident. Puppies are known for having accidents, so it is always better to be safe than sorry!
Washable blankets and towels can be found at most pet stores, or you can simply use an old baby blanket or towel that you have around the house.
Something that Reminds Them of Mom
If your puppy is still young, they may be missing their mother. To help ease their transition into their new home, try placing a small stuffed animal or toy in their space with them.
This will remind them of mom and make them feel more comfortable on their first night away from her.
Breeders will sometimes give you a small piece of cloth that has the mother’s scent on it. This can also be placed in your puppy’s space to help them feel more at ease.
Older puppies may not need a reminder of mom, but they may still appreciate a stuffed animal or toy to help them feel more at home.
Sleep in the Same Room First Few Nights
The first few nights in their new home, it is a good idea to sleep in the same room as your puppy. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure, and it will give you a chance to bond with them.
If you have other animals in the house, they may not be too thrilled about this arrangement. However, it is only temporary, and it will help your puppy feel more at ease during this transition period.
Once your puppy has settled in and is more comfortable with their new home, you can start sleeping in your own bed again. But for the first few nights, it is best to sleep in the same room as your puppy.
Expect Nighttime Potty Brakes
Puppies need to go potty frequently, so expect to take them out for a potty break at the very least once during the night. If your puppy has an accident in their sleeping space, simply clean it up and provide them with a fresh blanket or towel.
It is best to take your puppy out for a potty break before you go to bed, and then first thing in the morning when you wake up.
This will help them get into a potty routine and reduce the chances of accidents during the night.
There Will be Some Crying and Whimpering
Puppies are known for crying and whimpering, especially when they are first separated from their mother. This is normal, and it is nothing to be concerned about.
If your puppy is crying and whimpering excessively, simply pick them up and hold them close. This will help them feel more secure, and it will eventually lull them to sleep.
This is exactly what I did the first night with my girl. She cried and cried, pretty much off and on the whole night. I remember holding and rocking her just like a newborn.
It made her feel so much more relaxed, and it was such a great bonding experience.
Please, do not scold your puppy for crying, as this will only make them more upset. Just be patient and understand that this is a normal part of the adjustment period for your puppy.
Place a Heartbeat Toy Inside Crate
If your puppy is going to be sleeping in a crate, you may want to place a heartbeat toy inside. These toys emit a soft heartbeat sound, which can help ease a puppy’s anxiety and make them feel more at home.
Puppies are used to falling asleep to the sound of their mother’s heartbeat.
As an alternative, you could also use an old analog clock. The ticking sound mimics the heartbeat and while it is not quite the same, it can help an anxious puppy fall asleep.
Final Thoughts
The first night with your new puppy doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your puppy feels comfortable and secure in their new home.
Just remember to be patient, as it may take a few nights for your puppy to adjust to their new surroundings.
With a little time and patience, you and your puppy will be best friends in no time.
