If you have just adopted a puppy, you need to know a lot of things. This is the time when you are probably more scared than a puppy is! Obviously, you have a lot of questions. Where should puppies sleep is one of them. Well, the situation is rather simple but you still must know the basics and additional facts in order to make your puppy as comfortable as possible. Stay calm and try to enjoy this process.
First Things First, Where Should Puppies Sleep?
We know, you will want your puppy to sleep next to you in the bed. This is a mistake, especially on the first couple of nights. If you allow him to sleep there, eventually you will have a dog that wants to take over control of your bed. It will be your/his bed or nothing else. Where should puppies sleep?
The first night they should sleep in their own bed. This is the best option you can choose and the most effective one. It may be a bit difficult or problematic but it is mandatory. There is plenty of time when your puppy will sleep next to you in your bed.
Use Crate
A crate is probably the best option where your puppy should sleep. It is safe, a puppy will like the calm environment and will get plenty of sleep. Puppies have tons of energy. In order to get that energy and use it, they do need a lot of sleep. Small puppies sleep up to 20 hours per day so you can get a better idea.
If you decide to use a crate, make sure to do a couple of things. First, place old newspapers under the bedding. Then, place the waterproof mats under the crate if you place them on the carpet. If you keep the crate on the tiles, you don’t have to do this. The old newspaper will soak water and urine. With puppies, these accidents do occur more often than you may believe.
You will have to place a crate in a quiet part of the home. It should be a corner or any other area where there is no noise, distractions, or anything else. Some owners like keeping the crate in the kitchen. Tiles make cleaning much easier and it is quiet at night. Just keep the crate away from the refrigerator if you like night snacks.
Do You Have Other Dogs?
If you have more than just one dog, the situation is a bit different. You should try to keep the crate in the same area where other dogs are. They need to become friends. Usually, this works well and you will have no issues.
But it is possible that your older dogs don’t like the puppy or they are not prepared for a new member of the family. If this happens, keep the crate in the next room and allow them time to adapt. This is a stressful and complicated thing for puppies and older dogs.
There is no need to tell you that you should do this very slowly! Some dogs are aggressive towards puppies. Others can hurt them by accident. The third will accept the puppy immediately. There are countless variations. As such, you need to be careful and take your time. This is not something you can do instantly.
The First Night
The first night is usually the biggest problem for new owners and the hardest time for puppies. It is common that a puppy will cry, be sad, and upset all day and especially during the night.
When you change your home, you will need time to adapt. A dog needs the same thing. A puppy is like a child so he needs the same thing but with more precautions and more effort from you. In addition, a puppy will play throughout the day. But at night he will stay alone and this will trigger fear and cause stress.
Some of you believe that allowing your puppy to cry as long as he needs is normal. This was a standard a while back. Today it isn’t and it can cause all sorts of problems. Your puppy can develop separation issues and more. Instead, you will have to move the crate (if you use it) to your room. A puppy will sense your presence and it will be easier for him.
The adjustment is not fast. Some puppies need 2-4 days to accept the new home and start considering this as their own territory. Others may need much longer. It is possible that a puppy cries for a couple of weeks. This is rare but possible.
Other Things You Need To Know About
Here we can see two additional things that you will want to implement in this case scenario. The first one is equipping the crate. You have to get a crate that is ideal in size (not too big nor too small) and add toys that he will enjoy playing with. Some dog owners like having multiple crates all around the house.
This can work well and it will help your puppy but not always. Some puppies will want and need one crate where they feel comfortable and safe. They don’t like another crate.
Preparing the puppy for sleeping is mandatory. You will have to give him a snack before placing him in the crate. Always place him to sleep at the same time without exceptions. When you place him in the crate, turn off the light. This will tell your puppy that playing time is not possible anymore.
The Final Word
Where should puppies sleep? They should sleep in their crate. This is the most effective, the least problematic, and the safest place. It will help your new puppy adapt as soon as possible and will start enjoying his life with you. Try to remember that this is a huge change for a puppy so he will need a lot of time and your patience. There is no way you can speed things up.