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Surviving the First Night with Your New Puppy

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Surviving the First Night with Your New Puppy

The first night at home with your new puppy can be quite a trying experience – for both of you. It is the very first time that your puppy has spent the entire night away from its litter-mates and mother. Since dogs are naturally pack animals, your puppy knows that something is wrong. Crying and whining at night is the way your puppy calls for the pack to find him. However, this can be less than comforting for you.

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The good news is, with a bit of patience and preparation, you can make the most of the first night you and your puppy have together.

Just Before Bedtime                          

Make sure you take up any water or food by seven o’clock to ensure your puppy isn’t fully of energy when it is time to go to sleep. Also, before bedtime you need to spend some time playing with the pup. This will help them get tired. Don’t let the puppy go to sleep until you are ready to go to bed.

Right before you go to sleep for the night, take the puppy out and make sure to praise him if he uses the potty outside.

Sleeping Location

If it is possible, allow the puppy to sleep in your room to minimize the chances they will cry or whine at night. Also, this contact during the night will help establish you as the pack leader. It is not a good idea to allow the puppy to sleep in the bed with you as this can lead to behavioural issues as he gets bigger.

Related: How To Pick A Puppy That Is Right For You

Stop the Crying

If your puppy starts to cry at night, figure out if they need to use the bathroom or if they just want attention. If he has been quiet for a few hours, it may be an indication they need to go to the bathroom.

If they just want attention, it is okay to reach down and soothe them. However, don’t coddle the puppy. You may have to get a bit sterner if the puppy continues to cry.

As your new puppy learns the routine, they will get more comfortable with their new life. The tips here should help you both make it through the first night successfully.

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17 Comments
  1. robin rue says

    Yeah, I remember that first night with our dog. It’s definitely not easy 🙂

  2. Amber says

    Aw, I’ll keep this in mind if we ever get one. So far, we’ve only had cats.

  3. Jessica says

    Aw such a sweet looking pup! I’ve delt with similar things when I brought my kitten home. It’s so hard to try and “ignore” their cries when it is just for attention. I’m so much of a softie that I let the lil guy sleep in my bed. I know that is a terrible thing to start them on if you don’t want them there when they grow up, but perhaps it isn’t such a big deal with cats than dogs?

  4. Shirley says

    Aww so nice post, while reading it o recalled the first day my little cute dog Noddy. Yes he is restless and crying and on that night i don’t sleep.

  5. Hey Sharonoox says

    That’s a great tips! I don’t have a dog but I’m pinning it.

  6. Jennifer says

    Puppies need so much attention and love and the first month can be a little challenging as you adjust to the puppy’s needs. But it is such a wonderful experience. I wish my family and I were able to get a puppy but we already have two annoying cats. Lol Great tips!

  7. Andrea says

    Aww, cute puppy! Thanks for the tips! I have been considering getting a puppy for my kids.

  8. Lalia Frolick says

    The first night with a new puppy… sometimes it’s so perfect, and everything goes smoothly. But more often than not it’s a nightmare ;). Great advise here. Thank you for sharing!

  9. Blair villanueva says

    I agree with these tips. My Mom who is an awesome dog trainer, also do these to our pets at home. They grew up very disciplined 🙂

  10. HauteBeautyGuide says

    The whimpering was the worst in the first couple weeks that I had my dog! But these are great tips to help out!

  11. Clint says

    We got 6-week old pups (2 of them) about 3 years ago. It was craziness trying to take care of them both when they were that little. These are great tips. It is a lot of fun to have a dog.

  12. Carol Cassara says

    I remember the first time I came home with Riley. It definitely pays to be prepared. I think these are great guidelines for new fur parents!

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  14. wendy says

    It has been a long, long time since I had a puppy in the house! I remember getting up with ours ever hour or so. She ended up in the bed! Lol, it is like having a newborn.

  15. Aimee Geroux says

    Such great advice. I remember our first night with our puppy (and cat) I could have definitely used this advice back then.

  16. Nichole Shirell says

    Such a cute puppy. I love the photo. Great tips. I didnt know any of these.

  17. Whatlauraloves says

    I remember the first night with our daisy may. She was so scared and overwhelmed!! xxx

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