Sitspark

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Puppy's first night: crate, crying and sleep

On the first night your puppy has just left their mother and litter. The goal is not independence; it is feeling safe enough to sleep.

  1. Put the crate or bed next to your bed

    Close enough to hear and smell you. You can move it out of the room over the next weeks.

  2. Make the crate a good place in the daytime

    Leave the door open and toss treats inside so your puppy walks in by choice. Add a safe chew toy.

  3. Last outing right before bed

    Calm, boring, on the lead. Then straight to bed.

  4. Crying: check, don't party

    Take them out for a quick, quiet toilet trip, then back to bed. A hand by the crate is fine; games are not.

  5. Build up alone time slowly

    Seconds, then minutes, in the daytime. Never use the crate as a punishment.

By breed group. Companion breeds settle faster close to you. Northern breeds and hounds may 'sing': it is noise, not distress, if their body is relaxed.

Panic that does not ease (drooling, trying to break out) needs a slower plan and possibly a professional.

Sitspark's bark monitor lets you practise time alone and see how long your puppy stayed calm. The first class and the first lesson of every class are free, with no account.

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