Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming for both you and your puppy, especially when it comes to their first night at home. Puppies are adjusting to a new environment, new smells, and new sounds, and it’s natural for them to feel a little anxious. As a pet parent, you want to help your puppy feel secure and comfortable, but it can be challenging if you’re unsure how to make them feel at ease.
At Bark Busters, we specialize in in-home dog training that focuses on creating a calm, structured environment for your puppy. Here’s how you can help your new puppy settle in on their first night at home without causing anxiety.
Why Puppies Feel Anxious on Their First Night
The first night in a new home is a big adjustment for a puppy. After leaving their littermates and familiar surroundings, your puppy may feel a sense of loneliness, confusion, or fear. These emotions can lead to anxiety, which may manifest as whining, crying, or restlessness.
Some common reasons puppies experience anxiety on their first night include:
• Separation from their littermates: Puppies often miss the comfort of their siblings and mother.
• New environment: Everything in the new home is unfamiliar; new smells, sights, and sounds can be overwhelming.
• Lack of routine: Puppies thrive on routine, and sudden changes to their environment can make them feel insecure.
While it’s normal for your puppy to feel a little anxious, there are steps you can take to ensure they feel safe and secure as they adjust.
How to Help Your Puppy Feel Secure on Their First Night
3.1. Create a Comfortable Sleeping Space
One of the most important steps in helping your puppy settle in is creating a comfortable and safe sleeping space. Place your puppy’s bed or crate in a quiet area where they can feel secure. If possible, keep the crate or bed in a location where they can see or hear you, especially during the first few nights. Puppies often feel more at ease when they’re near their new family members.
3.2. Use a Familiar Scent or Blanket
A comforting scent can make your puppy feel more at home. Consider using a blanket or toy that smells like their littermates or mother. If you’ve had the opportunity to take a scent from their previous environment, like a towel or bedding, placing it in their crate can provide familiarity and comfort. This familiar scent can help ease your puppy’s anxiety as they settle into their new space.
3.3. Establish a Routine
Puppies thrive on routine, and establishing a consistent bedtime routine will help them feel secure. Start the evening with a calm play session or a short walk to help your puppy release some energy. Afterward, feed them a small meal and engage in some quiet bonding time, such as petting or light grooming. Creating a calming ritual before bedtime lets your puppy know it’s time to wind down and go to sleep.
3.4. Gradually Transition to Alone Time
If your puppy is struggling with separation anxiety on their first night, it’s important not to rush the process. Gradually increase the time they spend alone in their crate or bed to help them become more independent. Starting with short periods of separation and working up to longer durations allows your puppy to adjust without overwhelming them.
3.5. Be Patient with Crying or Whining
It’s natural for puppies to cry or whine when they are first left alone. This is their way of communicating that they are anxious or uncomfortable. While it’s tempting to rush over to comfort them, it’s important not to reward the behaviour by immediately giving in. If you do, your puppy may learn that crying results in attention, which can lead to more anxiety in the future.
Instead, let your puppy cry for a few minutes and see if they settle down on their own. If the crying continues, you can check on them briefly without picking them up or giving too much attention.
3.6. Avoid Reinforcing Fear with Overreaction
If your puppy is scared or anxious on their first night, it’s important not to overreact. Over-comforting your puppy can reinforce the behaviour of being anxious. Stay calm and composed, and avoid making the situation more stressful by showing that you are anxious too.
If your puppy does have a rough first night, it’s important to remember that this is a normal part of the adjustment period. Puppies are resilient, and with time, they will learn to feel more at home and confident in their new environment.
3.7. Consider a Puppy Crate or Playpen
Using a crate or a playpen can be an incredibly useful tool on the first night at home. A crate provides a secure and cozy environment for your puppy to sleep in and offers them a space of their own. Many puppies feel comforted by the confines of a crate, as it gives them a sense of safety and structure.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your puppy continues to show signs of distress, such as excessive whining or destructive behaviour, it may be time to seek professional help. Separation anxiety is a serious issue that can affect your puppy’s long-term well-being. A Bark Busters trainer can assess the situation and create a customized training plan to address your puppy’s specific needs. Our Life Of Dog guarantee means we’re with you every step of the way to help your puppy adjust and feel comfortable.
Conclusion
In summary, your puppy’s first night at home should be a positive experience that sets the stage for a lifetime of good habits. By creating a safe, comfortable environment, establishing a routine, and offering reassurance, you can help your puppy feel secure and calm. With Bark Busters’ in-home dog training, we provide the guidance and support you need to help your puppy settle in without anxiety.
Find a Bark Busters trainer near you today for more information on how they can support you and your puppy through the first few weeks of training and beyond.
FAQs
Q: How long will it take for my puppy to adjust to their new home?
A: Every puppy is different, but with consistent training and comfort, most puppies adjust within a few days to a week. Some may take longer, depending on their temperament.
Q: Should I let my puppy cry it out in their crate?
A: It’s important to balance letting your puppy settle and offering comfort. Gradually reducing your presence is key. A Bark Busters trainer can advise on what is correct for your puppy.
Q: Can Bark Busters help if my puppy has trouble settling in at night?
A: Yes! Bark Busters specializes in puppy training and can help guide you through the process of crate training and settling your puppy without causing anxiety.
Q: Does crate training really help with separation anxiety?
A: For many puppies, yes! Crate training, when introduced correctly, provides your puppy with a safe and secure space that can help reduce anxiety. Our in-home dog trainers at Bark Busters will guide you through the process to ensure your puppy’s crate becomes a positive, calming space.