Your puppy has just arrived with you in its new home. This means that the first night in an unfamiliar environment will soon be upon us.
So what to do? Should he Puppy sleeping in its crate the first night?
What speaks for it, what speaks against it and what alternatives are available to you? We’ll tell you in our guide!
In a nutshell: Should my puppy sleep in the crate the first night?
Your pup should ultimately sleep where he feels safest the first night. Because moving and moving in, the little fur nose is really stressed and unsettled.
safety and security are therefore more important than the supposedly «right» place to sleep.
Basically, a box is well suited for your puppy because it can convey exactly that to him. However, your puppy should slowly get used to its crate.
The first night in the crate: how I prepare my puppy for it
A crate for your puppy to sleep in the first night can be a good idea. Or maybe not.
Because: Many dogs – and therefore also puppies – don’t find transport boxes that great and have to get used to them first.
If you choose this type of sleep, it is important prepare them properly. Because it involves a lot more preparation than you might think.
This includes, among other things: One food bowl far back so that the puppy can actually go into the crate.
You should too give timeto explore the box. So don’t force him to go into them.
The following applies here: The puppy must voluntarily decide to explore the inside of the box more closely. So that he feels comfortable doing this a blanket that smells like the old homeSense.
Dog box as a place to sleep for puppies: yes or no?
Yes or no? The decision to use a dog crate as a place to sleep for puppies has both advantages and disadvantages. So that you are optimally prepared, here is a list of the pros and cons.
Per
Your puppy feels in the dog box safe and secure. Especially when you put a blanket inside that smells like dog mom and siblings.
This at least alleviates the pain of separation a little. And the little furry nose can travel to the land of dog dreams with peace of mind.
You can set up the dog box in a place where your puppy feels particularly safe. Ideally, this place is right next to your bed.
Last but not least, your puppy is used to the dog box. So if a visit to the vet is due, the typical «box panic» not so pronounced.
Good to know:
Another advantage: the dog box can help your puppies housebroken to make sure he doesn’t pee in his basket. Because the following applies: He will not soil his own «nest».
Try the first few nights Listen to your puppy’s sounds. And to link certain needs with these – for example, if he has to pee.
cons
The dog crate may convey security. For some puppies, however, it can mean additional stress.
The reason for this is also the narrowness of the box. Instead of feeling safe, the little dog howls and howls incessantly.
Another disadvantage can be that the Dog box as a new home in a new home is looked at. So the puppy doesn’t dare to get out of her.
What you might let go of the first few nights can turn out to be a serious problem in the long run.
Good to know:
No matter how you decide. The final choicewhere he wants to sleep should meet your pup. Because he’s the one who has to deal with a new environment.
Where he feels safest is therefore up to him. And if this is in your bed by your side, then this is where he wants to sleep the first night. And should be allowed to do so.
How long should a puppy sleep in a crate?
What is a good idea for your puppy for the first few nights, should be reduced again after a few weeks.
That means: If the little guy has settled in with you and sleeps through the night, he can news sleeping place found become.
In general: as long as the box is open – and that should be the case every night, including the first one – there is nothing wrong with choosing the box as your favorite place to sleep.
What to do if the puppy whines or rampages in the box?
Dog boxes are used, among other things, because they limited space offer. This means that a puppy can hardly riot here.
By the way, you should only do the box when the puppy is used to it and goes in voluntarily.
If he whines and squeaks, try to ignore him, even if it’s going to be difficult for you.
If he manages to be quiet for at least 10 seconds, you can open the box again. Leave him alone, don’t pay any attention to him. He should get used to the box by himself.
VERY IMPORTANT: Never lock the little brat in the box as a punishment – this is animal cruelty and has nothing to do with upbringing or boxing training!
Nevertheless, it can happen that he is still a little uneasy. If that’s the case, it may help a dividing wall to be installed in the box.
This reduces the space in which the little mouse can romp again.
If the puppy starts howling and howling, it may be because the Dog crate too far away from you is set up.
In this case, it can already help if you place the box closer to your bed. This is how the little furry nose knows that you are close by.
Experiences of puppy owners with dog boxes
Of course, there are already countless dog owners who have had experience with their puppies and the dog box.
«(…) In the beginning she whined for 2 minutes and then fell asleep. Of course she didn’t sit in the box all the time (…) The box also came into the bedroom and that also worked from the start.»
«Back then, our dog already knew a box from the breeder, we got a very similar one and put the blanket in it at home, which he also had from the breeder. Of course, he already knew the box and immediately and very often accepted it as a place of retreat.”
Conclusion
As you now know, there are various reasons that speak both for and against sleeping in a dog crate. Which Variant always the right one may be – ideally your puppy will decide that.
In any case, we wish you and your little fur nose well good luck on the first nights together in your four walls.
Have you already had experience with your puppy and the dog box? Then share them with us in the comments!