Where Should My Puppy Sleep at Night?

The decision to bring home a puppy is a big one. There’s a lot that you need to do to prepare. You need to get toys, bowls, food, and a leash. While you’re selecting adorable and engaging toys and picking out the perfect collar, there are a few choices you’ll have to make. One of these choices is determining where your puppy will sleep. 

Why a Crate is a Great Place to Sleep

When it comes to a proper place to sleep, your puppy should have his own area where he knows he’s safe and where they can get rest. A crate is an excellent solution. It offers a confined space that protects him and keeps him from getting into trouble while you and the rest of your family are asleep or away. Teaching your puppy that the crate is a safe, comforting place can help him to continue to see it that way into his adult years. 

Selecting the Right Crate

Choosing the right crate is essential. You don’t want to have to buy more as your puppy gets older. Select a crate that will be large enough for your puppy to turn around in and lie down in once he’s fully grown. 

Setting Up Your Puppy’s Crate

Once you’ve purchased the crate, it’s time to decide where to place it and what to put inside. The crate should be somewhere your puppy can sleep comfortably but that isn’t away from the rest of the family. Good options include a quiet space in the living room or kitchen. You may also choose to place the crate in your bedroom, at least for the first few weeks, so that your puppy won’t be lonely and you can hear him if he needs to go out. 

You should also lay down a soft surface for your puppy to sleep on. A bed provides cushion, but your puppy may destroy it. A towel can also work. You may decide to place a toy or two inside. You may want to avoid ones that squeak if your puppy is going to sleep in your bedroom though. 

Dos and Don’ts of Crate Training

Teaching your dog that the crate is a safe space will take some time. When you first set it up, leave the door open and make it appear inviting. Let your puppy go in voluntarily and praise him when he does. 

When teaching your dog to stay inside, start small. Leave him inside for just a few minutes and then let him out again. Continue the process, increasing the time he spends there. You should also increase your distance from the crate so he gets used to you not being there.

During crate training, you should avoid:

• Forcing your puppy inside

• Giving him a treat as soon as you let him out

• Keeping him cooped up for too long

• Using the crate as a form of punishment

Where your puppy will sleep is an important decision to make before bringing your new canine companion home. Proper crate training helps to establish the crate as a safe place and can be beneficial to both your puppy and your family for their whole life.