One of the most frustrating things about bringing home a new puppy can be the lack of sleep you will get for the first few weeks. The puppy is used to instant comfort from its mother and litter mates and it will take some time for it to learn to comfort itself. There are a few things you can do to help them settle in. Remember puppies cry and may for up to two or three weeks. This is NORMAL. It will get easier as time goes by so don't fall into the "take me onto the bed" habit or you will have a bedmate for life.
1. Make sure the crate is not too big. While you will want a crate that is large enough for your grown dog it will be too large for your puppy. To make the crate smaller put a box or laundry basket in the back of the crate but be aware it will be chewed on!
2. If you have one of the wire crates put a blanket or quilt over it to create a "den" but leave the door uncovered so they can see out.
3. Locate the crate in your bedroom for the first few weeks if you can so that you can reassure the puppy during the night verbally. If you don't have room for the crate use a night light near the crate so they can see a bit of what is around them. They may not be used to the dark. Many puppies have had a "warming" light in the crate and have not been alone in the dark before.
4. If you have an older dog, place the crate near the older dog for company and comfort.
5. Tire the pup by playing for a while just before bed and take outside just before putting them in the crate for the night. Do not feed or water just prior to saying goodnight.
6. If your pup was sent home with a blanket or toy from the breeder as we do, wash the blanket and toy after a few days. Also bathe the pup to remove the "pack" smell and to get them used to "your" smell.
Most of our "New Year's" puppies have gone to their new homes. They are eight weeks old and we have two still at home with us. Mazi will be going home in mid March is being crated separately from Gracie although their crates are side by side. The still cry a bit when put to bed and would prefer to be in the same crate. We are preparing them for the coming separation now by doing this now so it is easier later.
