{"id":20357,"date":"2022-07-27T14:05:53","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T14:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/applaws.com\/?p=20357"},"modified":"2022-08-30T14:35:19","modified_gmt":"2022-08-30T14:35:19","slug":"should-your-puppy-sleep-in-your-bedroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/applaws.com\/us\/dog\/should-your-puppy-sleep-in-your-bedroom\/","title":{"rendered":"Should your puppy sleep in your bedroom?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are many doggy “do’s” and plenty of doggy “don’ts” that all pet parents should try to adhere to.<\/span><\/p>\n

But there is also that gray area of uncertainty where decisions are purely dependent on personal preference.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes you just have to make a judgment call when it comes to caring for your canine and then make any necessary adjustments from there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Being a first-time pet parent is a learning curve for everyone and there’ll be many trials and tribulations along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do whatever feels right for both you and your puppy, experiment a little, and you’ll soon land on a structure that works.<\/span><\/p>\n

The new addition to your family will, however, need plenty of attention early on, they’ll want to feel close to their new companion.<\/span><\/p>\n

That’s why we would recommend allowing them to share your bedroom, at least for the first couple of weeks or so.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Does allowing your puppy to sleep in your bedroom cause issues later on?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

The balance between getting your pet’s sleeping arrangement right and wrong is about as delicate as the pup itself!<\/span><\/p>\n

Allowing them to stay in your bedroom at the very start is absolutely the right move as your presence will likely ease their stress.<\/span><\/p>\n

They’ve just been separated from their mother and siblings, they’re in unfamiliar territory, feeling vulnerable, so they’re going through a lot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your puppy will just need comforting, reassuring, and recognisable sights, sounds and smells to help them settle into their new surroundings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember, they’d have had the love and warmth of their brothers and sisters to blanket them at night in their previous abode.<\/span><\/p>\n

And while their human companions can’t replicate that feeling completely, their care, attention and affection is a more than satisfactory alternative. It’ll just take some getting used to.<\/span><\/p>\n

But this is just the start. All pet parents will feel protective at this stage, almost maternal, but bedtimes can’t stay like this forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

You might end up in the ‘doghouse’ when re-locating your tail-wagging team-mate, but if they’re allowed to overstay their welcome, or they’re invited up onto the bed, you’re making a rod for your own back.<\/span><\/p>\n

By doing this you’re running the risk of your puppy developing some undesirable characteristics. Becoming bed buddies can quite quickly spin out of control as this set-up is then the expectation. They’ll soon be reluctant to leave their quilted comforts, they might even become territorial, and that could become a pretty big problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here at Applaws, to help your new family member properly acclimatize to those dark nights, we would advise introducing a gradual separation, whereby their crate\/bed is moved to a new spot, inch by inch, until their new sleeping quarters have been found and they’ve barely recognised your absence.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How to get your puppy to sleep at night<\/b><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Exercise:<\/b> Puppies sleep a lot during the day, in fact they can spend between 18-20 hours snoozing. Rest is important for your pup’s growth and contributes to their development, but it also means that they still have plenty of energy to burn at night. A little bit of playful activity before bedtime can drain their stamina and make them feel a bit more fatigued.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Bedroom buddy: <\/b>Your puppy will be missing the familiarity of family at nighttime after moving away from \u2018home\u2019. It’s important to replace\/replicate that closeness by letting them know that you’re there for them. If they can sense that you’re near, it will make it easier for them to settle, so you can both get a good night’s sleep.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

       <\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Creature comforts:<\/b> Fill their crate (not excessively) with all their favorite toys\/items. Any form of distraction, mixed with recognisable scents, sights and sounds, will ease their distress, calm their anxiety and help them to relax. A warm and comfortable environment will improve their chances of getting a solid night’s sleep.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

         <\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Toilet: <\/b>Toilet breaks are essential for our pups before bedtime. Attempting to get 40 winks in an unfamiliar setting is hard enough without the added concern of having an unemptied bladder\/bowel. A quick toilet stop can help relax your pet’s body, it helps heighten their comfort, and limits the amount of times they’ll have to disrupt everybody’s sleeping patterns when getting up to do their business during the night.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

           <\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Soothing sounds:<\/b> Playing calming, re-assuring noises before and during bedtime can help console your perturbed pet as they look to settle into their new surroundings. Relaxing sounds can go a long way to alleviating whining or irritability, it can cancel out unfamiliar\/unsettling sounds and help your puppy have a peaceful night.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

             <\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Routine: <\/b>Once you’ve established a pattern, stick with it. A set structure is as beneficial for pet parents as it is for their pups. When they develop an understanding of what happens and when, they’ll fall into a routine and quickly feel at home. Playtime, toilet time and bedtime are all important parts of their schedule.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

               <\/p>\n

              Should you be worried if your puppy cries during the night?<\/b><\/h2>\n

               <\/p>\n

              There shouldn’t be any cause for concern if your best friend develops a case of the ‘boohoos’ at bedtime.<\/span><\/p>\n

              The nights are long, dark and lonely, especially for those poor little pups who have just been separated from their family.<\/span><\/p>\n

              The mother of the litter, and their siblings, would have been their safety blanket as daylight disappeared.<\/span><\/p>\n

              So being on their own, in new surroundings, filled with unfamiliar sights, sounds and scents, can come as a bit of a shock to the system.<\/span><\/p>\n

              All this change, which is sprung on them suddenly, is overwhelming and will understandably cause uncertainty and upset, so it might take them some time to adjust.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Crying is a natural mechanism for anybody feeling threatened, fragile or vulnerable, whether you’re human or a domestic animal, which is why it\u2019s vital to offer reassurance, remain calm and be patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

              The first few nights are likely to be sleepless ones \u2014 for all parties \u2014 so attend to them when necessary. Leaving them to cry will only add to their distress and anxiety levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

              It’s a scary time for our delicate dogs and it’s only natural for them to need time and training to reach a point where they feel comfortable sleeping independently through the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

               <\/p>\n

              Never punish your puppy<\/b><\/h3>\n

               <\/p>\n

              A healthy sleep pattern is crucial for the growth and physical\/cognitive development of our dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Establishing a structured routine at the earliest point will help to prevent your pup from picking up any undesirable traits in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Pets can become territorial if they’re allowed to join their humans in bed for a prolonged period of time or they can develop separation anxiety if\/when finally moved from the bedroom after an extensive stay.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Getting from ‘A’ to ‘B’ and then ‘C’, depending on the amount of steps you introduce, can take some time, so just persevere, be patient, and try not to impose any punishments.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Some puppies will reach a point of happiness and independence quicker than others, they learn\/adapt at different speeds, but you’ll all be getting 40 winks soon enough if you learn to work together.<\/span><\/p>\n

              If you liked this guide, you may also enjoy:<\/p>\n