On the first night, and for about three weeks, have the puppy sleep in a dog crate next to the bed. Line the base with blankets so that it is cosy and drape another blanket over the top to help it feel more secure. Give the puppy the stuffed toy that has its littermates' scent on it to snuggle up to.
Take things slowly on your puppy's first day home
Start off by having them in one room and let them explore in their own time discovering the scents, sights and sounds of this new world. Allow your puppy to settle in gradually and in their own time.
Ignoring them at night won't help them build confidence and may make them worse which isn't what anyone wants. They need to be taught how to be independent slowly. We would never recommend ignoring your puppy when they cry at night, especially in their first few nights.
Put your pads in easy reach of your puppy's bed or crate at nighttime. Going to the toilet in the house, or their crate, can cause significant distress if they know it's not what you want them to do, so ensure they have the option of a 'safe' place to pee, and your puppy will sleep much better.
ANSWER: the average puppy will cry 5-10 minutes in his crate before you go to bed. At which point he will likely settle down and go to sleep. Over the next 8 hours, most puppies will wake up 2-4 times and will need to go outside and potty.
It's important to start introducing your dog to 'alone time' right from the outset - especially as a pup. Start with just a few minutes and then gradually extend the length of time if your pet remains calm while you are out of sight. Your dog can be in their crate, special area or on their own in the house.
Dog experts recommend not letting your puppy cry at night. It's likely to make their anxiety worse and could lead to behavior problems. Not only will you hear it, but your neighbors will hear crying, too. Even if you live in a soundproof home or have a mansion, the noise will be audible even if they're alone.
When Do Puppies Start Sleeping Through the Night? Most puppies will sleep through the night by the time they're about 4 months (16 weeks) old. But with some help, diligence, and proactive training, you may be able to get your puppy there even earlier!
However, there's no getting away from the fact that the early weeks with a new puppy are hard and they will most likely leave you feeling stressed, exhausted and questioning your sanity.
The first hour: settling in
This may make some puppies a little scared or fearful – which is a completely normal reaction. Even if your home is puppy-proofed, it's a good idea to restrict access to one or two rooms for the first day. Giving them access to the whole house straight away can be confusing and scary.
Their young bodies and brains are still developing, and leaving them alone for too long can lead to behavioral issues and conditions like separation anxiety. No dog should be left alone for a full 8-hour workday.
According to the American Kennel Club, puppies younger than 10 weeks cannot be left alone for more than an hour. From 3-6 months, they should not be left longer than their age in months (for example, 3-month-old puppies cannot be alone for longer than 3 hours).
There is nothing wrong with cuddling and playing with your new puppy, but try to limit picking them up. Continually holding your dog can make them begin to feel as though they are human and can encourage behavior that causes dominance struggles within your home.
You should never completely cover your dog's crate as it can block airflow. Keep blankets away from heat sources, ensure the fabric is breathable, and avoid using knit blankets that may snag or unravel. Monitor the conditions inside the crate in humid summer weather to ensure it doesn't get too hot.
Never leave pee pads in the crate with your puppy. Not only is it a chewing hazard, but it will also start to teach your puppy that it is ok to pee in their crate. Pee pads can be used in long-term confinement areas for your puppy.
Leaving your puppy alone at night or during sleeping time could be dangerous. Puppies may feel lonely and in need of company. But if you own a puppy, active time can be dangerous too! This is especially true for the first months in their new habitat.