Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting and joyful experience, but the first night can often be very challenging. Let me help you with “What to do if your new puppy cries the first night at home”.
Puppies may cry and quite often do cry due to the sudden change in their environment and separation from their mother and their littermates.
Here are some effective suggestions to help soothe and help your puppy to have a smooth transition into their new home.
One of the best ways I find to help your puppy sleep soundly through the night is to tire them out before bedtime. Spend some time playing with your puppy, engaging them in activities like fetch, tug-of-war, or very gentle wrestling. It is not over-the-top wrestling, just a calm wrestle, more like handling your puppy all over to help them get to know you.
A well-exercised puppy is more likely to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep longer. Just be mindful not to overdo it; puppies can become overtired and overexcited, which may make it harder for them to settle down, and this is certainly not our aim.
Puppies are used to the warmth of their mother and littermates, so providing them with a warm and cozy sleeping area is essential. You can use a heated pet bed, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to mimic the warmth they are accustomed to, making sure the warmth is comfortable and not too hot to avoid any risk of burns.
I use a crate! Why? Crate training is an excellent method for helping your puppy feel secure in their new environment. Place the crate near your bed so that your puppy can see, hear, and smell you. This closeness provides comfort and reassurance, reducing their anxiety and the likelihood of crying. Make the crate inviting by placing soft bedding and a few toys inside. A rug that has been rubbed over the mum and littermates is a great addition!
Having the crate beside your bed allows you to soothe your puppy easily if they start to cry during the night. You can gently reach in and offer a reassuring touch or talk to them in a calm, soothing voice. This helps to reinforce the feeling of safety and comfort, making it easier for your puppy to settle down and sleep.
As suggested above, familiar smells can be incredibly comforting for a new puppy by bringing home a blanket or soft toy that has been rubbed over their mother or one that their sibling puppies have rolled on. This familiar smell can help reduce their anxiety and provide a sense of security. Remember, place the scented item in their crate or bed to help them feel more at home.
Before putting your puppy to bed, make sure all their basic needs are met. Have they had enough to eat and drink and have they had the opportunity to relieve themselves? A hungry, thirsty, or uncomfortable puppy is more likely to cry during the night.
Establish a bedtime routine that includes a final meal, toilet break, short playtime, and soothing caresses to help them wind down.
Your presence and voice can be incredibly reassuring to a new puppy. If they start to cry, resist the urge to immediately pick them up, and instead, try talking to them in a calm, soothing tone. Your voice alone can provide the comfort they need to settle down. Over time, they will learn that nighttime is for sleeping and that you are nearby.
Remember, the first few nights are often the hardest. Patience and consistency are key. Keep to your routine and avoid giving in to excessive crying by taking the puppy out of their crate, unless, of course, they need to relieve themselves. This is my first course of action, and once toileted, I encourage them back into their crate for sleep.
Helping your new puppy adjust to their first night in a new home can be challenging, but with these strategies, you can provide the comfort and security they need to settle in. Tire them out with play, keep them warm, use a crate near your bed, soothe them with your presence, and provide comforting smells and a consistent routine.
So, “What to Do If Your New Puppy Cries the First Night?” By being consistent, you will help your puppy to adapt quickly, leading to peaceful nights for both of you.
Until next time!
