Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting adventure, but it comes with plenty of decisions—one of the biggest being, where should a puppy sleep on the first night? While you know your home best and can instinctively figure out what works for both you and your puppy, a little guidance can go a long way. The first night can set the tone for many nights to come, so it’s important to create an environment that helps your puppy feel secure and comfortable. With a little planning and preparation, you can help make the transition smoother for both of you. After all, starting off on the right paw is key!
Before bringing home your new puppy
I would describe the activity of Preparing for a new puppy as one of the greatest dopamine surge inducers of all time! The first on the list would be to puppy-proof your house. It’s crucial to make space in your home, so it can be filled up with all the puppy goodness and necessities. Make this space safe and spacious enough for your new puppy to explore.
Puppy-proofing your home primarily involves creating a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for your new furry friend. You’d be surprised to know the abilities of your puppy’s mouth and Oh! the places they’ll go! Here are a few things you’d want to check off –
- Remove toxic plants
- Relocate small and sharp objects that may be chewed up or swallowed
- Secure electrical cords
- use baby gates or playpens to create a designated puppy-safe space
- Secure gaps where a small pup could squeeze through
Designate an area for your dog’s crate and/or playpen. Puppies go through major FOMO, which means, they do not like to miss out on fun and be locked up in isolation. Thus, their crates must be in an area that is peaceful, yet doesn’t feel too secluded.
If you plan on indoor potty training your puppy, set up the relieving area close by. Keep your puppy’s world small. In other words, everything they need to survive and thrive – food bowls, toys, potty area, crate, play area, etc. must be easily accessible and in proximity to each other.
Puppy’s first night home– Crate or not?
Puppy sleeping arrangements are one of the primary items that need to be ticked off as you welcome home your new puppy. As a trainer, I often get asked, “Should I lock my puppy in his crate at night?” There is no one-size-fits-all all answer to this. One of the many factors that decide your puppy’s comfort level with the crate on the first night is the way they were raised at the breeder’s house.
Most puppies sleep in a pile with their littermates before coming home. If the breeder prepared them by occasionally separating them in crates, they’re more likely to handle sleeping alone better. If the breeder allowed puppies to roam freely without crate time, the transition to sleeping in a crate can feel more restrictive and stressful.
Your puppy’s personality and the activities you did with them on their first day home are also important determining factors on whether your puppy would take to the crate seamlessly. Gentle introductions, positive associations, and a relaxed environment can make the crate feel like a cozy retreat rather than a confinement. On the other hand, despite these reinforcers, if your puppy has a clingy personality, they may want to be with you rather than inside the crate.
In any case, avoid directly introducing your puppy to the crate while sleeping at night and leaving them alone in there. If crate is your go-to option right from the start, introduce your puppy to it gradually and positively during the day. Eventually, you have 3 options –
Option 1 – Lock the puppy in his crate and let him cry it out until he gets used to it – This is the least recommended option. Your puppy might tire himself to sleep eventually, but at the cost of his peace of mind and well-being.
Option 2 – Sleep with your puppy for a week and then introduce the crate hoping they will get used to it – Not my most preferred option either! A downside to this approach is that your puppy may become overly dependent on your presence for sleep, making the transition to the crate much harder. Instead of seeing the crate as a safe and comfortable space, they might view it as a sudden separation, leading to whining, barking, or distress when left alone.
Option 3 – Start with puppy in their crate next to your bed in your bedroom and when they are settled, start to move the crate away until pup is in desired location – That’s more like it! This option gives your puppy ample assurance that they’re safe as their human is right next to them. It also makes the transition more seamless as there are no sudden changes or isolation here.
Read on for power tips to Crate train your puppy in 14 days.
Should I let my puppy sleep with me the first night?
I would say, don’t plan for it. In other words, design your puppy’s first day in a way that they are tired enough to hit the hay as you get ready for bed. Teaching your puppy to sleep independently should start from Night 1. This is because in a new environment, puppies are constantly looking for familiarity and routine. Set one from the get go.
Letting your puppy sleep with you on the first night might seem more comforting, but it also makes them dependent on you. If they do not get to sleep with you the following night, you might wake up to attention-seeking crying and whining.
However, a scenario where it’s okay to let your puppy sleep with you on the first night is when your puppy is particularly anxious, scared or physically unwell due to being in a new environment. If they’re visibly unsettled, crying, or having trouble adjusting to the transition, having them sleep with you can provide comfort and reassurance. Just be sure that it’s a temporary solution, and gradually introduce crate training in the following days to help them build a sense of independence.
Where should a puppy sleep at night? Planning ahead…
When it comes to figuring out where should a puppy sleep at night, planning ahead is key! The best place for a puppy to sleep is ideally a crate or their own designated area. Not only does this help them get used to having their own space, but it also encourages independence (which will come in handy when they’re spending nights away from you, like at the vet or with a dog sitter).
However, if crate confinement feels like a bit much for your pup, consider a bigger space like a playpen where they can stretch out while still feeling safe and secure. You want them to have a comfy sleep, but also learn to settle down on their own without being too reliant on you for comfort all night long.
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5 tips to get your puppy to sleep peacefully on the first night
1. Create a safe space for your puppy
Creating a safe space for your puppy is all about finding what makes them feel secure and comfortable. When I think of a “safe space,” a snug crate with a cozy bed and warm blanket comes to mind. However, every puppy is different, and some might prefer more room to stretch out. My puppy once cried for hours because the bed in the crate was “too warm” for her! Take your time and experiment with different setups, paying attention to what makes your puppy settle in comfortably. It’s about finding the perfect balance that suits both you and your pup!
2. Plan your puppy’s feeding schedule
Dinner time has a lot to do with the quality of our sleep. I’m sure this is the reason why several people choose to have early dinners. If you feed them too late, they might have excess energy and struggle to settle down at night, keeping both you and them awake longer.
On the other hand, feeding too early can leave them feeling hungry before morning, disrupting their sleep and causing them to wake up earlier than you’d like. Strike a balance through consistent meal timings to help them rest well and stick to a predictable sleep schedule.
Just like us, dogs’ sleep cycles can be impacted by what they eat! Fresh food, like homemade meals with high-quality ingredients, is often easier for puppies to digest, as opposed to commercial kibbles, which may contain preservatives, fillers, and artificial additives. If your puppy’s body is using all of its energy to digest food, they may have less energy for play, training, and restful sleep, leading to potential discomfort and disrupted routines.
Ollie Pets delivers fresh, premium and nutrient-dense dog food straight to your doorstep. They have their own Canine Council, which consists of animal scientists, behaviorists, and nutritionists whose only job is to develop and innovate recipes and other products that benefit a dog’s health.
3. Playtime with your puppy
Striking a balance between physical and mental stimulation is crucial for ensuring they’re tired enough to rest well at night.
A tired body + a stimulated mind = a good night’s sleep!
Just as important as play is establishing a solid puppy bedtime routine to signal that it’s time to wind down, ensuring they settle in easily after a fun-filled day.
My dog Mango’s bedtime as a puppy was usually 11pm. However, her bed time routine started at 9. That meant, no more overstimulating physical activities post 9pm. Her food and water were done by 7pm, which meant she had enough time to digest for her last potty break, which was at 10.45pm. She wound down with her favorite chew toy or an interactive puzzle and some snuggle time between 7-9 pm. This routine made sure she was ready to catch some Z’s by 11pm.
4. Handling Potty Breaks
To help your puppy sleep for 8 hours at night without accidents, it’s important to manage potty breaks effectively. Eliminate food and water at least 3 hours before bedtime, unless your pup is really thirsty, to give their bladder time to empty. Take your puppy out right after they wake up, as holding it too long can cause accidents in the crate or around the house. A consistent potty routine before bed and first thing in the morning will help them get into a good sleep rhythm while keeping their space clean and comfortable.
5. Rest Up! Your body will thank you later
I can be the biggest hypocrite giving out this advice, considering how many sleepless nights I voluntarily chose to have when I brought Mango home. It’s easy to get caught up in your puppy’s world, making sure it is running smoothly, but don’t take ample rest for granted. Trust me, it did not help! Lack of sleep just left me drained and less effective at handling puppy chaos. So, take the time to rest – your energy, your patience, and your puppy will all thank you later!
Puppy First night Essentials
When it comes to ensuring your puppy gets a good night’s rest, the way you set up their crate is key. Trust me, it can make or break the whole experience! You’ll want to find a crate that’s just big enough for your pup to stand, sit, and lie down comfortably without feeling too cramped. A metal wired crate with dividers is a great option, as it allows you to adjust the space as your puppy grows. Here’s a good one to consider if you’re on the hunt for a crate that fits just right!
Now, let’s talk about their bed. You want something cozy, but not so warm that they end up panting through the night. A comfortable bed will help your puppy feel secure and ready to drift off. But remember, just like you wouldn’t want to sleep in a sauna, neither do they!
A heartbeat puppy toy is a great option for that extra bit of comfort, especially for those first few nights. It mimics the sound of a heartbeat, which helps them feel like they’re still snuggled up with their mother or littermates. It’s honestly a game-changer when it comes to soothing a nervous pup. Here’s one that works wonders!
Lastly, don’t forget about pheromones! These little magic molecules can go a long way in making your puppy feel right at home. Using a pheromone diffuser can help calm your pup and make them feel like they’re in a safe, familiar space. Trust me, they’ll be snoozing in no time, and you’ll be able to get some much-needed rest too!
So, whether it’s a cozy crate, a warm bed, or a comforting toy, these little additions can really set the stage for a peaceful night’s sleep. Your puppy—and you—will thank you!
How long do puppies sleep? When will your puppy start sleeping through the night?
My dog, Mango’s first night home at 8 weeks old was quite the ordeal. We got her home at 7pm in the evening, so I didn’t really have enough time to introduce her to the crate. Luckily for me, her breeder had done a bit of crate training with the puppies, so the concept wasn’t novel to her.
However, she did have a tough time adjusting to it and ended up crying intermittently through the night. Over the days, with gradual and consistent training and lots of positive reinforcement, by 10 weeks old, she could sleep for 8 hours at night without a peep! For us to get to this point, we had –
- A robust schedule
- A good blend of physical and mental stimulation through the day
- A cozy crate set up
- High quality crate engagement activities
- Multiple chunks of crate time throughout the day
Puppies, especially upto the first 4 months, sleep for over 16 hours a day out of which they easily clock in around 8 hours at night, provided their schedule permits it. In other words, if your puppy eats too early in the I evening or drinks a lot of water at night, they may wake up with a full bladder in the middle of the night.
Figuring out how to help your puppy sleep through the night early on is important for the both the pup’s and the pup parents’ well being.
Puppy first night checklist
I have prepared a checklist to give you a quick layout of what your puppy’s day should look like for a cozy night’s rest. Feel free to download it for keeps!
“My puppy spent first night in crate crying!”
One of the most frequently asked question in my puppy classes are “Should I Let My Puppy Cry on the First Night? How much is too much?” The answer to this question really depends on why your puppy is crying so much. Is it anxiety? Isolation distress? Separation anxiety? Health issues? Need for a potty break? Or plain old attention seeking?
Make sure your puppy has had enough food and have been taken out for a potty break just before crating them for the night. Check if the crate is too small, too large, or uncomfortable for your puppy. Lack of ample exercise might lead to your puppy having excess energy and struggling to settle down. Comfort them in times of distress. Also, there is no rule book that you must follow. If you feel strongly about holding your puppy and snuggling with them on the first night, go for it!
There is no definitive answer to how long do puppies cry at night. It could be anywhere between 2 minutes to a few hours depending on what your puppy is going through at that moment.
“Should I leave my puppy downstairs first night?”
It all depends on your puppy’s comfort with their crate and how well they handle isolation. However, it’s generally not recommended. On the first night, you’ll want to be on high alert to ensure your pup is settling in well. Even while you’re asleep, it’s important to be close enough to hear if they cry or show signs of distress.
This way, you can respond quickly if there’s a serious underlying issue, like needing a potty break or feeling uncomfortable. Being nearby helps you address any concerns while providing comfort during their transition into your home.
“Is the First Night with a Puppy the Hardest? How to comfort a puppy on the first night?”
Well, it could really go either way! Some of my training clients say the first night was the hardest, while others look back on it fondly because it was easier than expected. Personally, I think many people consider it the hardest because they eventually get used to the challenging parts of raising a puppy. It all depends on your arrangements and how adaptable your puppy is.
Comforting your pup on the first night can involve using a cozy crate, keeping them near you for reassurance, and sticking to a calm bedtime routine to help them adjust. The key is patience and consistency as you both settle into your new routine.
How was your puppy’s first night? Share your experience in the comments!