Puppy's First Night at Home: What to Expect and Do
The first night with a new puppy is exciting and a little nerve-racking. Your puppy has left its mother and littermates, arrived in a strange place and is now expected to sleep in the dark. It is no surprise that there is often crying. With a calm plan and realistic expectations, you can get through it, and each night will be easier.
Before bedtime
Set your puppy up for sleep with a good evening routine.
- Exercise and play. Gentle play and a short walk can tire the puppy, but avoid overexciting it just before bed.
- Last meal early. Feed the evening meal a few hours before bedtime so your puppy has time to digest and toilet.
- Toilet trip. Take your puppy outside right before bed and wait until it goes. Reward it.
- Calm time. Dim the lights and keep things quiet for the last half hour.
Set up the sleeping area
- Place the crate or pen near your bed, in a draft-free spot. Hearing and smelling you helps puppies settle. See our guide to crate training at night.
- Provide a washable bed or blanket. A worn T-shirt that smells like you can be comforting.
- Add a safe chew toy.
- Consider a warm, not hot, water bottle wrapped in cloth for very young puppies, if it is safe and your puppy does not chew it.
- Keep a dim night light if your puppy seems scared of the dark.
Our guide to puppy beds and bedding explains how to choose.
What to expect
Your puppy may cry, whine, bark or scratch. This is normal. It may also wake up to toilet during the night, and some puppies sleep surprisingly well because they are exhausted. Be prepared for a broken night.
How to respond to crying
- Check the basics. Is the puppy cold, hungry or needing the toilet?
- Take your puppy out if you think it needs the toilet. Keep it calm and boring: no play, no chatter.
- Return the puppy to bed. If it is not distressed, let it settle without too much fuss.
- Offer calm reassurance with a soft voice or hand through the crate, if needed.
- Stay consistent. Avoid giving in with long play sessions at 3 a.m.
If your puppy is truly panicking, comfort it. A distressed young puppy does not need to be taught a lesson. Our guide to getting a puppy to sleep through the night explains how to build good sleep habits over the coming weeks.
Night-time toilet breaks
Young puppies cannot hold their bladders all night. Set an alarm for the middle of the night if needed, or respond when your puppy wakes. Take your puppy out quietly, wait for it to go, praise softly and return to bed. As your puppy matures, the need will shrink.
Common mistakes
- Overtiring or overexciting the puppy at bedtime
- Giving big meals or lots of water right before bed
- Ignoring signs that the puppy needs to toilet
- Punishing crying
- Moving the puppy to your bed and then trying to move it back
- Expecting a full night's sleep right away
Be kind to yourself
You will probably be tired. Nap when your puppy naps in the following days, and remember that this stage is temporary. Each night will probably be a little easier than the one before. See our first week guide for what to expect next.
The takeaway
The first night is about comfort and consistency. Provide a safe, cozy space, respond kindly to your puppy's needs and keep expectations realistic. Soon your puppy will see its new place as home.
Frequently asked questions
Should I let my puppy cry it out on the first night?
Not with a very young puppy. Check for toilet needs and comfort, then settle your puppy with calm reassurance. Letting a distressed puppy panic alone can build anxiety.
Where should my puppy sleep the first night?
In a crate or pen near your bed so you can hear and reassure it. You can move it gradually later.
How often will my puppy need to go out at night?
Young puppies often need one to three breaks. Take them out quietly, without play, and return to bed.
Can my puppy sleep in my bed?
It is your choice, but many trainers advise waiting. A bed is a high place for a young puppy, and toilet accidents or falls can happen.