This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
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Puppies are not used to sleeping alone. Since they were born, they've most likely been snoozing alongside their mother and other pups from their litter. It can be traumatic for them to learn to sleep on their own in their own beds. The best way to keep them safe and in their own bed is to have them spend their first nights at your house in a crate that physically limits their movement and helps with potty training. If you take the time to create a comfortable sleeping set-up for your puppy and to patiently train them, your new pet will soon learn to love settling down for a good night's rest.[1]
Steps
Is It Bad To Let Your Puppy Sleep With You?
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Once your puppy can quietly and happily sleep in their crate, you may want to switch them to a bed. They shouldn't have any problem adjusting since the crate training has helped establish the expectations for their sleeping time.Thanks
- Be patient with your puppy while they learn the ropes. It may take several nights for them to adjust to their new sleeping arrangement, which is only natural.Thanks
- Remember to always be patient and consistent with your puppy if you want their training to take hold.Thanks
Warnings
- If you want your puppy to sleep in their own bed, never invite them onto your bed.Thanks
- Never punish your dog for being a bad sleeper. The most effective and humane way to train your dog is through positive reinforcement, like praise and treats.Thanks
- Never put your puppy in a crate as a punishment. If you want your puppy to sleep well in their own bed, you need them to associate their crate with rewards and relaxation. Confining them to their crate as a disciplinary measure will only reinforce their fear and suspicion of it.[11]Thanks
References
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/dog/puppycenter/adoption/evr_dg_surviving_the_first_night_with_your_puppy
- ↑ http://thehousebreakingbible.com/wp/training-crate-choices/
- ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/training/crate-training-your-puppy
- ↑ http://www.petcha.com/teach-puppy-sleep-night/
- ↑ http://www.hillspet.co.uk/en-gb/dog-puppy/bringing-your-puppy-home.html
- ↑ http://www.petcha.com/teach-puppy-sleep-night/
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/dog/puppycenter/adoption/evr_dg_surviving_the_first_night_with_your_puppy
- ↑ http://www.petcha.com/teach-puppy-sleep-night/
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/dog/puppycenter/adoption/evr_dg_surviving_the_first_night_with_your_puppy
About This Article
To get your puppy to sleep in its own bed, start by getting a crate that's just big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down in. Then, get your puppy used to the crate by giving it treats and playing games in it. Once your puppy is comfortable with the crate, place its bed in there and have it sleep in there at night. Keep the crate near your bed at first, and then gradually move it further away as your puppy gets used to sleeping without you. For more advice from our Veterinary co-author, like how to tire your puppy out before bed, scroll down!
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