Puppy Bedtime Questions
Dear Scarlet..... how do I prepare my puppy for bedtime?
It is generally recommended to feed your pup his dinner no later than 6 p.m., and give him his last drink of water a few hours before bedtime. Finally, right before bedtime, quietly walk your pup to tire him, and then take him to his potty spot to eliminate.
Where should my puppy sleep?
It is probably best for your puppy to sleep in a crate in your bedroom or in your child's bedroom on his first night home. This will help in building a strong bond between the two of you, and will provide your dog with security. Your dog will be reassured by your smell and the sound of your breathing. Set the crate next to your bed, in a location where you can reach down and comfort him, if necessary. Do not allow your pup to sleep in your bed with you. At this age your pup cannot hold his bladder all night, so you will almost certainly end up cleaning up an accident
Won't my puppy need to go potty during the night ?
Yes. Your dog will probably settle down but wake up once or twice in the middle of the night to go potty. When this happens take him out to relieve himself. Praise him and then quietly put him back in his crate.
What can I do to keep my pup from crying so much?
Here are some ideas to consider:
- Use a hot water bottle- Fill a hot water bottle with warm water and wrap it in a cloth. Place it in your pup's crate.
- Place a ticking clock nearby- Some experts believe the ticking sound imitates the heartbeat of a pup's mom or siblings.
- Use a towel with mom's scent- Place a towel in the crate that has the scent of your pup's mom and/or siblings.
- Play a Canine Lullabies CD- This music was developed to soothe pups to sleep. (www.caninelullabies.com)
|