Congratulations! You have finally made the big commitment and brought an adorable new puppy into your family. Bringing your new puppy home marks the start of a long and rewarding companionship, but puppy ownership is not always unproblematic the first night. Your puppy is used to the company of his mom, brothers and sisters, and moving into an unfamiliar home with his new human family will require some adjustment.
First, you must decide whether you want your puppy – and soon to be full-grown dog – to sleep in the bed with you or stay in a separate bed in the floor or crate. Some people believe that allowing a dog to sleep in the bed leads to behavioral problems, but the decision is a matter of personal preference. Either way, it is a decision that requires commitment. Dogs thrive on routine and consistency, and being fickle about the boundaries will only lead to confusion for your puppy. Remember, if your puppy has the opportunity to sleep in the bed with you once, he will likely try to do so every night.
There are steps you can take before bedtime to make for a better night’s sleep. Remove the puppy’s water and food bowls in advance, and have a good play session to wear him out before bedtime. And of course, always take your puppy outside to relieve himself right before turning in for the night.
If you intend to crate train your dog, the crate is an excellent place to establish his bed. Keeping the crate in the bedroom where you sleep may help eliminate or minimize your puppy’s crying. Keeping your puppy confined to his crate at night should also help with house breaking too, as dogs tend to naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas.
Many puppies whine the first night or so in their new homes, which can result in frustration for the new owner. Remember, your puppy’s first night at home with you is also his first experience separated from his mother and littermates, and instincts will lead him to cry in effort to reunite with them. Your reaction to the puppy’s crying will set the stage for his future behavior, so it is important to react appropriately to his cries. First, realize that your puppy may cry because he needs to use the bathroom. If he is quiet and then suddenly begins to cry, this may be the case. Young puppies in the two-month old age range need to use the bathroom about every three hours, so you will need to take your puppy out more than once during the night during the early months. Be sure to pick up your puppy and carry him outside to his spot so that he is not tempted to eliminate too soon in the house.
On the other hand, if the puppy has been outside recently and seems to be constantly crying for attention, it is important not to encourage this behavior. If he cries and you react by soothing and petting him, you can bet he will use crying as a tool to get your attention in the future. While it can be difficult to resist comforting your crying puppy, doing so will teach him that crying is not the trigger for attention. A firm “no” or “quiet” may help some puppies understand what you want them to do, but under no circumstances should you get angry and shout at the puppy.
From the first day you bring your new puppy home, a consistent routine should be established, and sleeping arrangements should be a part of the routine. Your puppy will soon be accustomed to his new home and bed, and will no longer cry during the night. Though the first few nights may be trying for a new puppy owner, establishing your expectations from the start will lead to a fulfilling relationship with your new best friend.
Dean Burton
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-first-night-with-your-new-puppy-464610.html
What are your experienced of your first night with your puppy?
I really need some stories so that i can learn from them. My puppy whines and cries, it awful to see him go threw this. I really want to know if putting a clock really works cause i’ve researched it and they all said put a clock about didnt say if it would make the puppy sleep all threw the night
Comment by jobros rocks — October 24, 2009 @ 12:41 am
My puppy screamed three nights in a row. I finally let him on my bed but if that’s not something you want your dog to get into the habit of doing then hang in there. I don’t mind my dog on my bed ‘cuz he’s small.
Our other dog also screamed for about three nights before she realized it was useless and settled down to sleep.
It might help if you put the crate next to your bed and hang your arm down by it so puppy can smell you and know that he’s not alone. I’ve never found that a clock worked with my dogs but it might work with others.
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Comment by Crash — October 24, 2009 @ 5:43 am
My puppies whined and cried all night for the first week due to separation anxiety. I almost got rid of them right away, but I’m glad I stuck with them. The key is to ignore them COMPLETELY when they are being loud and give them attention (which is what they want) when they finally quiet down. Otherwise, they will only learn that crying gets them attention, setting a poor precedent for future training and behavior if he thinks that HE is in charge, not YOU.
They also didn’t last through the night without having to take them outside until they were about 3 months old.
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Comment by Big Sky 23 — October 24, 2009 @ 5:45 am
She slept on the couch with me. When i would put her down, she found a way back up. Now she sleeps in the kitchen alone in her bed. She seems fine. She cried a little, but not much. She gave it up when we ignored her.
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Comment by little_london2000 — October 24, 2009 @ 5:47 am
I put him in the crate the first nite, and had the crate up at eye-level so he could see me during the nite.
He did cry and whine.. but he did eventually go to sleep.. I had a harder time sleeping, I kept waking up to check on him!
A blanket with mom and litter mate’s scent may help.. exercize the pup before bed to tire him out. A clock and water bottle may provide some comfort as well
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Comment by Nekkid Dog © — October 24, 2009 @ 5:49 am
My pup screamed bloody murder for the first night. The best thing to do it take him out to pee or poop and PUT HIM RIGHT BACK IN HIS CRATE. if you play with him, then i guarentee you he will encore. Dont say a word to him, other than praise if he urinates in the right place. The second night, he cried a little, and then the third night, he was fine. I guess pups just figure thats just the way it is. and he will accept it.
*****Helpful hint*** if you get him from a breeder, take a fluffy toy with you when you go to pick him up and rub the toy on his littermates and his mom. This way, during the night, their smell will be a great comfort.
References :
Mother Knows Best by Carol Lee Benjamin
Comment by izzy fizzy — October 24, 2009 @ 5:51 am
my puppy (which is now a dog) was so scared when I brought her home and i always held her and she would always sleep on my kneck which i hated lol :p she was so adorable, I couldn’t put her down. but she never really did whine or anything.
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Comment by Meg — October 24, 2009 @ 5:53 am
my pup cryed all night honestly spend as much time as possible with her/him it really does take time for the pup to get used to its surroundings and u and if u took it straight from the mom shes getting used to being away from her the clock i heard does work cuz its like a heart beat of the mommy dog it sooths them
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Comment by mindy b — October 24, 2009 @ 5:55 am