Basic care

Where Should a Puppy Sleep The First Night

Anaëlle Laurent
By Anaëlle Laurent. Updated: July 29, 2024
Where Should a Puppy Sleep The First Night
Dogs

See files for Dogs

You've just adopted a puppy and you're wondering where they should sleep. Can they sleep with you in your bed or maybe outside? Each person has their own preference when it comes to where their dog will sleep. Your dog will have their own preference too.

In this AnimalWised article, we are going to help you prepare for your puppy's first night by telling you where a puppy should sleep on their first night. We'll also go through some tips to help them sleep through the night.

You may also be interested in: Should I Cover My Rabbit Cage at Night?
Contents
  1. Choosing a bed for your puppy
  2. Where should a puppy sleep on the first night?
  3. Can my puppy sleep outside?
  4. Can my puppy sleep in my bed?
  5. Crate training a puppy for their first night
  6. My dog doesn't want to sleep in their bed, what do I do?
  7. Tips for helping your puppy sleep at night

Choosing a bed for your puppy

To choose the best bed for your puppy, you will need to take some factors into account. These qualities will make sure that your puppy is comfortable, can easily relax and, therefore, fall asleep. If you choose the incorrect bed for them, they will most likely not be able to sleep and search for other places, such as the sofa or your bed.

When choosing a bed for your puppy, remember the following factors:

  • Quiet and intimate: before choosing your puppy's bed, you will need to choose where you will place their bed. This area needs to be quiet and intimate so they can relax and fall asleep. Make sure it is away from noise and respected. In other words, if your dog wants to relax and take a nap during the day, they should be able to do so without being disturbed. Remember to keep this area clean too.
  • Proper temperature: once you have chosen where you will place your puppy's bed. You will need to make sure that this area has the correct temperature. There shouldn't be any air currents, it shouldn't be too cold in winter nor too hot in summer.
  • Adequate size: when it comes to the bed, the first thing you must take into account is the size of the bed. It needs to be the adequate size for your dog's physique and needs. In other words, your dog should be able to stretch and turn inside of the bed without falling out. Your puppy's bed should also be thick enough to be insulated form the ground.
  • Quality: next, you will want to think about the materials of which the bed is made out of. These materials should be soft, good-quality, and of course, harmless to your puppy. Make sure the bed can't get easily destroyed from bites or scratches. This is because we want the bed to last as long as it can, but also because if our dog does bite or chew it, we don't want them to choke on a small piece that may fall out.
  • Easy to wash: lastly, you'll save yourself a lot of trouble if the bed is easy to wash. Your dog will lose a lot of hair throughout the year, so it's a great advantage if the bed you have chosen for your puppy is also easy to wash.

Where should a puppy sleep on the first night?

If you've just adopted a puppy or you're thinking about it, there's no doubt that the first night is very important for both of you. The exact age of your puppy will imply certain needs. Some families decide to adopt an 8-10 week old puppy. Others opt for a 4-month old puppy. This will depend on your preference, however, you must keep in mind that puppies are very dependant and cannot be left alone.

When it comes to sleeping at night, your puppy will have some difficulties. This may be due to the new environment and new people. They may feel unprotected and disoriented. For this reason, it's normal to hear them cry as they may be calling their mother for guidance and company. Now that you've adopted this puppy, this is your job as their human companion. When they call out, try to be there for them as they are scared and lonely. Be understanding as your puppy learns to adapt to their new home.

As a puppy is very dependent and on their first night they will feel scared and disoriented, it's best they sleep near you on their first night. Remember that puppies tend to sleep with their siblings and their mother. Being alone in a new place for the first time will be difficult for them.

The best option for your new puppy is to sleep in their own bed inside your room, near you. So that if they feel scared or lost and cry, you can let them know that you are there with them. Once they feel more oriented and safe in their new home, you can move their bed to another location where they can sleep.

To learn more, we encourage you to read our article on how to help your puppy adjust to their new home fast.

Where Should a Puppy Sleep The First Night - Where should a puppy sleep on the first night?

Can my puppy sleep outside?

Some people prefer their dog sleep outside in a doghouse with a cozy bed and water inside. This is possible for adult dogs in certain temperatures. However, for a puppy, this is a terrible idea. Your puppy has just been taken from their mother and siblings. They are feeling frightened and alone in a new area. The last thing you want to do is leave them alone to cry outside at night. This will traumatize them and make them develop fear of abandonment, an issue that will bring greater behavioral problems once they are adults.

Allow your dog to sleep inside, close to you when they are puppies. Once they get used to their new home, you can begin to train them to sleep outside in their doghouse. Once they are adults and you wish to train them to sleep outside, we recommend to make sure all of their needs are met. Make sure they have a clean and secure dog house, comfortable dog bed, a bowl with clean water, some blankets as it gets colder at night, etc. Speak to your veterinarian for further advice.

Can my puppy sleep in my bed?

While some prefer their dogs sleep outside, others prefer their dogs sleep in their bed with them. However there are many questions related to this. Is it bad to sleep with my dog? Is it safe for my puppy? Is it hygienic for me to sleep with my puppy?

In short, as long as your puppy is healthy, there is no problem with having your puppy sleep with you. Nevertheless, there are some things you should keep in mind. First things first, your puppy will love sleeping with you. As they are used to sleeping with their siblings and mother, they will feel lonely and scared in their new home. Allowing them to sleep with you will not only help them adapt quicker but also create a special bond with you.

Another thing you must keep in mind is whether or not you move around a lot when sleeping. If you're usually in the same position, then sleeping with your puppy will be easy and safe. However, if you tend to move a lot when sleeping, you'll have to be more careful as you are very heavy in comparison to your puppy. Thankfully, puppies will notice when you move and will probably move towards your feet, a safer place for them to sleep while still being near you. You could also place their bed on your bed or provide them with a light blanket with your smell so they feel safe.

Many people wonder if their puppies will pee on their bed at night. The truth is that it's possible but not likely. Dogs can hold in their necessities more at night, especially when they are sleeping. Nevertheless, you could place a litter box with toilet paper just in case they need to go. Make sure to take them out on a short walk or to the patio so they can relieve themselves before going to bed.

Lastly, you can begin to train your puppy certain commands so that it is easier to communicate when you are going to sleep or when you want them to do their necessities outside. This will also come naturally with time as dogs are very observant and will adapt to your established routine.

To learn more, we invite you to read our article on why your dog likes to sleep with you.

Crate training a puppy for their first night

Lastly, many people wonder if crate training a puppy is the way to go for their first night. The answer is no. The maximum time you can leave a puppy of 9 - 10 weeks old inside a crate is 30 - 60 min. An 11 - 14 week old puppy can stay in the crate for a maximum of 1 - 3 hours if they had previous training. In other words, crate training a puppy is a process and will only scare your new puppy on the first night.

If you truly do wish to crate train your puppy, for whatever reason it may be, make sure to make it a positive place for them. Never use the crate as a punishment as this type of training will create fear in your puppy that then leads to behavioral problems in their adult life.

If you want to crate train your puppy, make sure it's for the right reasons and make sure you do it correctly as it can easily turn into a cruel cage in their eyes.

My dog doesn't want to sleep in their bed, what do I do?

You've gone through the trouble of choosing a nice bed for your puppy and finding the perfect location to place it, but they don't want to sleep there. What can you do? The first thing we must know is why they don't want to sleep in their bed. This could be for various reasons.

The first reason may be that their bed isn't comfortable enough. This may be due to a rough material or perhaps it's too thin for them to sleep comfortably on. Make sure to follow our tips when choosing a bed for your puppy so that they can sleep with ease.

Another reason your puppy may not be able to sleep at night is because they are feeling cold. Puppies are used to sleeping with their mother and siblings that give them warmth. If this is the first night they sleep alone, they may be feeling cold. Provide them with a clean and soft blanket.

Lastly, your puppy will feel scared and alone the first night. This is a big change for them and the first time they will need to adapt to a new environment and new people. Be there for them when they cry so that they know that you are their human companion and they are not alone. You can also place their bed in your room so they know you're close to them when they're sleeping. This will help them feel safe and accompanied.

Where Should a Puppy Sleep The First Night - My dog doesn't want to sleep in their bed, what do I do?

Tips for helping your puppy sleep at night

The process of your puppy adapting to their new home can be difficult. Here are some tips to help them not only get used to their new reality but also so that they can sleep easily at night.

  • Mother's scent: if possible, place a blanket or rag that has their mother's or siblings' smell on their new bed. Although not essential, this can help them adapt quicker and fall asleep faster feeling safe and oriented.
  • Carrier: some puppies feel safer sleeping in a carrier. This may be because it acts as a refuge for them. Do not force them to sleep inside, simply place a carrier next to their bed and see what they prefer.
  • Toys: toys for your puppy will help them relieve their stress, build a better bond with you and release their energy before going to bed. By playing and going on short walks, your puppy will be tired and ready for bed. Also, by spending that time with you, they will feel safe in your company.
  • Dinner: before going to bed, make sure they have eaten well and have gone to do their necessities. This way, your puppies will be full and ready for bed. They won't get up because they are hungry, allowing them to sleep for more hours.

Many people ask themselves whether puppies can sleep through the night. The answer is yes, most puppies should be able to sleep through the night by the age of 4 months. By following these tips, your puppy should be able to sleep through the night before 4 months old.

If you want to read similar articles to Where Should a Puppy Sleep The First Night, we recommend you visit our Basic care category.

Write a comment
Add an image
Click to attach a photo related to your comment
What did you think of this article?
1 comment
Rating:
Kforest
Great article! Love that this author does NOT support crating, as a default! :) So refreshing~
1 of 3
Where Should a Puppy Sleep The First Night