| Congratulations! You have finally made the big | | | | owner. Remember, your puppy’s first night at |
| commitment and brought an adorable new puppy into | | | | home with you is also his first experience separated |
| your family. Bringing your new puppy home marks | | | | from his mother and littermates, and instincts will lead |
| the start of a long and rewarding companionship, but | | | | him to cry in effort to reunite with them. Your |
| puppy ownership is not always unproblematic the | | | | reaction to the puppy’s crying will set the stage |
| first night. Your puppy is used to the company of his | | | | for his future behavior, so it is important to react |
| mom, brothers and sisters, and moving into an | | | | appropriately to his cries. First, realize that your |
| unfamiliar home with his new human family will require | | | | puppy may cry because he needs to use the |
| some adjustment. | | | | bathroom. If he is quiet and then suddenly begins to |
| First, you must decide whether you want your puppy | | | | cry, this may be the case. Young puppies in the |
| – and soon to be full-grown dog – to sleep in | | | | two-month old age range need to use the bathroom |
| the bed with you or stay in a separate bed in the | | | | about every three hours, so you will need to take |
| floor or crate. Some people believe that allowing a | | | | your puppy out more than once during the night |
| dog to sleep in the bed leads to behavioral problems, | | | | during the early months. Be sure to pick up your |
| but the decision is a matter of personal preference. | | | | puppy and carry him outside to his spot so that he is |
| Either way, it is a decision that requires commitment. | | | | not tempted to eliminate too soon in the house. |
| Dogs thrive on routine and consistency, and being | | | | On the other hand, if the puppy has been outside |
| fickle about the boundaries will only lead to confusion | | | | recently and seems to be constantly crying for |
| for your puppy. Remember, if your puppy has the | | | | attention, it is important not to encourage this |
| opportunity to sleep in the bed with you once, he will | | | | behavior. If he cries and you react by soothing and |
| likely try to do so every night. | | | | petting him, you can bet he will use crying as a tool |
| There are steps you can take before bedtime to | | | | to get your attention in the future. While it can be |
| make for a better night’s sleep. Remove the | | | | difficult to resist comforting your crying puppy, doing |
| puppy’s water and food bowls in advance, and | | | | so will teach him that crying is not the trigger for |
| have a good play session to wear him out before | | | | attention. A firm “no” or “quiet” may |
| bedtime. And of course, always take your puppy | | | | help some puppies understand what you want them |
| outside to relieve himself right before turning in for | | | | to do, but under no circumstances should you get |
| the night. | | | | angry and shout at the puppy. |
| If you intend to crate train your dog, the crate is an | | | | From the first day you bring your new puppy home, |
| excellent place to establish his bed. Keeping the crate | | | | a consistent routine should be established, and |
| in the bedroom where you sleep may help eliminate | | | | sleeping arrangements should be a part of the |
| or minimize your puppy’s crying. Keeping your | | | | routine. Your puppy will soon be accustomed to his |
| puppy confined to his crate at night should also help | | | | new home and bed, and will no longer cry during the |
| with house breaking too, as dogs tend to naturally | | | | night. Though the first few nights may be trying for |
| avoid soiling their sleeping areas. | | | | a new puppy owner, establishing your expectations |
| Many puppies whine the first night or so in their new | | | | from the start will lead to a fulfilling relationship with |
| homes, which can result in frustration for the new | | | | your new best friend. |