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.
The crate should be a comfortable and warm place. For at least the first few weeks, it should be placed in your bedroom where you sleep. Remember that your puppy is in a new home, away from his mom and siblings, and those first few nights will be scary!
For that reason, the very best place for your puppy to sleep is in a crate or a puppy pen next to your bed. You can choose if you want to have them next to you in the bedroom, or if you want to set up a temporary bed next to wherever you would prefer them to sleep.
Choosing the right bed is essential. A dog's bed is a place he can retreat to when he needs time by himself. Though many people think dogs can curl up and sleep most anywhere, your furry friend really shouldn't be sleeping on the floor. You also probably don't want him climbing up on your beds or sofas.
Well, the truth is, when your puppy is new to your home, then you should make sure for the first few weeks it sleeps in a crate near to your bed. This way, the puppy will not have separation anxiety and will feel comforted knowing it's next to you.
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.
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).
“Some puppies can sleep for several hours at night right away!” If your puppy cries in the crate at night, your instinct will be to help him—and that's the right thing to do. Although sometimes people worry that getting him out of the crate might teach him to cry, that shouldn't deter you.
For the first few nights, your puppy will need time to adjust to being without their mum. Wherever you decide to settle them in your house, it's a good idea to spend the first few nights in the same room with them so they don't wake up in a panic because no-one is there.
Many veterinarians and dog training experts say that your puppy should only sleep in your room until she is potty trained, which typically takes about four months. But the truth is, if you want your pup to continue sleeping in your room after she has outgrown her puppy phase, then that's ok too.
UNDERSTAND NORMAL DOG BEHAVIOR
It is not instinctive for dogs to relieve themselves outside; it is only natural for them to not go where they sleep. Everyplace else is fair game!
Typically, dogs between 7-16 weeks can sleep 6-8 hours, but they still need to take a potty break at night. So if your dog wakes up at night, it means it needs to pee. Do not play or pay attention to it during this time.
Crating your puppy at night helps potty-train them, eliminates destructiveness, and allows you to have a good night's sleep. Crates hone a dog's natural tendency to seek small, dark areas much like dens in the wild. To a crate-trained dog, the crate is their den and a home inside their home.
The answer is: it depends. If your puppy is young (under 4 months old), it may need to be taken out more frequently, and waking them up may be necessary. However, if your puppy is older, it likely won't need to go as often and can hold its bladder for longer periods of time.
A crate cover, like a blanket or crate-specific covering, can be beneficial to many dogs and can help reduce anxiety and soothe dogs by limiting visual stimuli, which in turn can prevent excitement and barking.
Knowing what to put in a puppy crate at night will make your puppy as comfortable as possible. A soft crate bedding and some toys will be helpful. Also, ensure that the dog's crate itself is chew-proof so he's not escaping when you're asleep.
Separation anxiety is when dogs feel intense distress being apart from their owners. It's very common and a lot of puppies suffer from it, but it won't go away by itself.
Create a Safe Confinement Area
Crate training is a great way to keep older puppies safely sequestered while you're at work. (Tip: You can help your puppy build positive associations with the crate by leaving the door open and putting tasty chew treats inside.)
Unlike the crate where you can't leave a young puppy for long periods; the puppy will be fine in the playpen and you can go out for longer periods. Just make sure your dog is ready before you leave for a long period so the puppy does not feel left alone form the start and associate that with the playpen itself.
Interrupt Playtime
In some cases, letting out a loud noise will make your puppy even more excited, and they might continue to bite. At this point, ignore your puppy, stop any interactions and walk away. Stopping playtime abruptly is far more effective than yelling at your puppy or punishing them.
You'll really doubt yourself. The second night should already be better. Most pups will cry for around half the time. By the third night it should be just a few hours, and an average pup is quiet for the fourth.
A properly sized crate will feel natural to her, like her den would in the wild. But without a few carefully chosen belongings, it won't invite her inside and welcome her to stay, during the daytime or at night. By all means, put toys and bedding in your puppy's crate.