How to get through your puppy's first night home with minimal stress for both of you.

The First Night Survival Guide

Your puppy's first night home is one of the hardest—for both of you. They've just left their mother and littermates, and everything smells and sounds different. Here's how to get through it with patience and calm.

Set Up the Sleep Area

Place the crate next to your bed for the first few nights. Being able to hear and smell you is enormously comforting. As your puppy settles, you can gradually move the crate to its permanent location over a week or two.

The Bedtime Routine

Tire them out with a gentle play session an hour before bed.
Take them out for a final potty break right before crate time.
Offer a stuffed, frozen Kong in the crate to keep them occupied as they settle.
Keep lights low and energy calm.

When They Cry

Expect some crying—it's normal. Offer quiet, calm reassurance by speaking softly or placing a hand near the crate. Resist the urge to immediately take them into your bed; this teaches that crying earns a reward. If they're truly distressed, a brief potty break (on leash, no play) then back to the crate can help.

What Helps

A blanket over part of the crate to make it feel like a den
A worn t-shirt with your scent inside
A ticking clock wrapped in a towel (mimics a heartbeat)

The first night is the hardest one. It gets easier from here. Book a virtual evaluation if you'd like a personalized plan.