How to Settle Your New Dog on His First Night Home

There are several ways to make your dog comfortable the first night at home.

Bringing a new dog into your family can be an exciting time. The first few days are full of new experiences for both your dog and your family. For your new dog, the first night in a new home can be scary and possibly result in a sleepless night for all involved. There are several ways to smooth the path, however, and hopefully ensure a good night for the entire family.

Things You'll Need

• Dog crate
• Sheet or blanket
• Stuffed animal, preferably from the location where your dog lived previously

Instructions

1. Place a dog crate in a warm, quiet area of your home. Avoid any area with drafts, including items like ceiling fans. Many people place the crate in a bedroom near the bed so the dog can be easily soothed during the night.

2. Place a stuffed animal in the crate. If possible, the stuffed animal should come from the home or location where you got your dog. If your dog is a puppy and was living with his mother and litter mates, a stuffed animal that has the smell of those animals will be a huge comfort to him. Anything that smells familiar, however, will ease the transition.

3. Lead the dog into the crate and close the door of the crate.

4. Place a sheet over the front of the crate, covering the door. Make sure the sides of the crate are not covered for air flow purposes.

5. Leave a small light on near the crate so your dog can see during the night. Since the surroundings are unfamiliar, the light will help your dog clearly see things and ease any anxiety.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot get a stuffed animal from the breeder or your dog's previous owner, bring your own when you pick up the dog. Try to get the other dogs from the litter or the dog's other owner to hold the stuffed animal. This will transfer the scent and help your dog the first night.

• Do not yell or hit your dog for whining or crying during the night. If the noise gets to be too much for you, move your dog's crate to another safe location in your home where you cannot hear the dog.

• Avoid bringing your dog into your bed. This will form a bad habit that will be hard to break.

References

• Dog Breeds: New Puppy Care
• Better Than Treat Brands: First Night in a New Home
• The Humane Society of the United States: Bringing Your New Dog Home; November 3, 2009