Puppy's First Night Home: A Survival Guide

Bringing a puppy home is exciting — until about 2 a.m., when the crying starts and everyone remembers that puppies are basically babies with sharper teeth. The good news: a little setup makes the first night dramatically easier.

Before bed, give your puppy a final potty break, a calm play session, and a cozy, enclosed space. A crate or playpen with a warm blanket gives a puppy the den-like security it craves. Keep it beside your bed the first few nights so your puppy isn't alone in a strange room.

When the crying starts — and it will — resist the urge to bring the puppy into bed. A quick, boring potty trip, then right back to the crate, teaches that nighttime is for sleeping. Consistency on night one pays off for months.

A soft plush toy or safe chew in the crate gives a lonely puppy something to snuggle and settle with.

Common questions

Should the crate be in my bedroom? Yes, at first. Puppies sleep better near their people, and you'll hear potty signals sooner.

How long will the puppy cry? Usually a few nights, less each time, if you stay consistent.

When is the last meal before bed? A couple of hours before bedtime, with water picked up an hour before, to reduce overnight accidents.