Bringing a puppy home for the first time is always an interesting experience. You never know how the little canine ball of fur will react. While some dogs never look back at their first home, many will need a little help and reassurance to make the transition from life with its mother to your home.
Before you head out the door to pick up your new puppy, decide where he or she will sleep. Some trainers will tell you to avoid placing puppy’s sleeping quarters in your bedroom. Others will say your bedroom is the best place to allow the puppy to sleep. The issue is definitely a judgment call that you will have to make. Think it through before deciding on your puppy’s own personal space, but make sure that the area in which you chose is warm enough for the puppy.
You will also want to make sure you have a bed lined up for the little guy. However, because puppies have chewing tendencies, you might want to wait before purchasing a fancy bed. An inexpensive bed lined with blankets will work just as well in the beginning and little will be lost if puppy decides to go on a chewing binge.
If you haven’t already done so, puppy-proof the sleeping area. This is especially important if you choose to put the puppy’s bed in your bedroom. It actually helps if you sit on the floor and look at life through your puppy’s eyes. Don’t make shoes and dirty clothing available to the puppy because the chances are good that they will view these items as toys.
Once you’ve established a soft and comfortable puppy bed, introduce the puppy to it during the day. If puppy begins to yawn, put the ball of fur in the bed. Try gently stroking the puppy until sleep settles in.
When nighttime arrives, place the puppy in the bed, which should offer a comfortable area to nest. Try wrapping a hot water bottle in towels so that the puppy can snuggle up to it for warmth.
Placing a ticking (non-electric is best) clock in bed with the puppy can add a touch of motherly comfort. The ticking reminds the puppy of mom and can have a very calming effect.
Some trainers say a bedtime snack of warm milk is a good way to introduce bedtime. Others caution against allowing the puppy to eat and drink right before bedtime. This is a decision you will have to make for yourself.
Turn off the light when it is bedtime. This helps the puppy understand that something different is happening.
When first placed in its sleeping nest, a puppy may cry or whimper. Give him or her a few minutes to settle. If the crying continues for more than a few minutes, try petting the puppy until sleep comes. Place them near the ticking clock and/or hot water bottle for comfort.
Remember, don’t start the habit of putting them in bed with you unless it’s a form of behavior you are going to allow to continue. You can’t teach them to sleep with you and then kick them out of bed after they reach their full-grown size. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is a key to raising a healthy puppy.
Related posts:
- To Allow Your Dog to Sleep With You or Not? That Is the Question.
- Should I Allow My Dog to Sleep in Bed With Me?
- Puppy Tails – Oliver Finds a Place to Sleep
- Puppy Naps
- How to Safely Leave Your Puppy at Home in a Crate
