8 Best tips on how to settle my new puppy on their first night home

A new puppy

Getting a new puppy is a wonderful experience – and promises many new adventures – but the first few nights of having your puppy at home can be challenging.

As experts in dog training, we have some tried-and-tested tips to help you settle your new puppy at home.

Please do not panic, we survive and such events are fond distant memories.

How do I settle my new puppy?

One of the most challenging times is getting our puppy to settle and especially the worry of the first night at home.

Let’s look at some of our best tips and advice on how to survive this challenging time.

Be prepared before you bring your puppy home:

Prepare an area you would like your puppy to sleep. A comfortable dog bed or blanket for your puppy to sleep on is the ideal solution for settling a puppy into the home.

Make sure the size of the sleeping area is compatible to the size of your puppy; an area that is too small will be uncomfortable and one that is on the big size may feel cold and unwelcoming. Remember your puppy has been able to snuggle up to their siblings for the past 7-8 wks.

The benefits of using a crate:

Many people love to use crates for their puppy to sleep/rest, establishing an area of safety and comfort. If used correctly, crate training can be a very useful aid in dog training; from toilet training, reducing unwanted chewing and ensuring the general safety of your puppy.

The choice of whether you choose a crate or not must be an individual preference. Each has its elements of pros and cons versus difficulty or ease in establishing.

My personal choice is crate training, as I have an older dog and a cat that I felt needed their space from an energetic youngster around the house. Once established, crate training can be transferable when going away on holiday with your pet, or when you need to leave your pup with a friend or family member to look after.

Choose the right place for your puppy to sleep:

We will all have a preference where we would ideally like our puppy to sleep i.e. downstairs, upstairs, kitchen, lounge, utility area, bedroom etc. Make sure the area is draught free, but an area that you can keep an eye on your puppy and him on you.

Dogs are social creatures and don’t want to be completely on their own.  It takes time to teach them how to cope on their own, so be gentle with them on the first few nights.

A puppy that is stressed is not learning. They are all individuals, with different needs, some learn and adapt quicker than others. Do not worry if you must be close by your puppy the first few nights, as they often just want reassurance that they are not alone.  They don’t understand our sleeping patterns and that we don’t want to play in the middle of the night.

The average 8 week old puppy may sleep up to 4-5 hours before disturbing you during the night to go out to the toilet. Take your puppy out briefly, then back to their bed, remember to keep things as quiet and low key as possible, and reward your puppy for going back into their crate with a small treat.

What about pheromones?:

We love to use a product called “Adaptil”.  It comes in different formats, a spray, plug-in and a collar for your puppy. The product imitates the pheromones that a lactating bitch gives off to her puppies, which gives them a sense of well- being. We would recommend the plug-in is situated around the sleeping area and your puppy has the collar on. Both products last 4wks and really help with the settling in phase.

Establish a routine:

If you are fortunate to bring your puppy home during the daytime, you may have a few hours to practise taking your new puppy to your preferred area for them to rest. Throughout the day, if you find your puppy has fallen asleep outside the crate/sleeping area, gently lift them, and place carefully in the chosen area. Don’t worry if you wake your puppy and he walks straight back out, just wait until he settles again and repeat.

Make sure you try to establish a routine that all good things happen in this very special place. I like to have a variety of “Kong” toys filled with either my dog’s meal or some tasty treats to give to my puppy when they are in the crate. Gently close over the door of the crate but allow puppy to come out if they seem concerned. Allow your puppy to adjust gradually to their new surroundings.

Gently socialise your puppy:

It is important to start socialising your new puppy to their new environment and situations, but not to overwhelm them the first couple of days. We advise you allow your puppy time to settle before inviting the neighbours and family round for a visit.

Getting to know your other pets:

If you have another dog, it is important for both dogs to get along, so take your time with introducing them both to each other. I would not allow the puppy to annoy an older dog.  It is not fair, and your older dog may look for some help from you in this respect.

Basically, your new puppy will have to learn doggie manners, and if done correctly you should gradually build the relationship between both dogs.

How do I settle my puppy at bedtime?:

Within the last hour prior to bedtime, try to keep your puppy’s excitement levels to a minimum.  There should be no running about or energetic games last thing at night because we want them to settle. Make sure you take them out to the toilet last thing. If your puppy is too young to go outside to the toilet then take them to the puppy pad to try to encourage them to use.

You may also wish to include a puppy pad in the crate for your puppy to use during the night, or next to their preferred sleeping area. Take your puppy to their crate/bed, keep things low key, its not play time.

For the first few nights I would probably stay close by with a book, so my puppy can still see me, but I am not interacting with them. I normally leave a night light on and supply a warm blanket or “snuggle safe” for them to cuddle up with, rather than allowing them to fall asleep on my lap.

I also found that putting a blanket over two-thirds of the crate, created a cosier den for my puppy to settle, and indicated the difference between night time and daytime rest periods.

There is no quick or easy solution to creating a good bedtime regime, some puppies will settle within the first couple of nights and some will take longer.

Contact us for expert help with a new puppy

At Best Paw Forward we understand how challenging this period can be when you get a new puppy. You are not alone and even owners who have had dogs all their lives will often have difficulties around this stage.

Our bespoke puppy packages have been carefully put together to support you in the comfort of your own home with your very own puppy specialist, guiding you through this important stage and beyond; giving you and your puppy the very best start in life.

If you would like further information or wish to arrange a visit, please contact either Tracy or Lynn by Email: info@bestpawforwardtraining.co.uk or phone: 07434699062