When bringing home a new puppy, one of the first decisions owners need to make is choosing where the puppy will sleep. This decision can impact the puppy’s transition to its new home and set the stage for good behavior and house training down the road. Here are some quick answers to common questions about puppy sleeping arrangements to help choose the best room for your new furry friend.
Should puppies sleep in a crate?
Yes, puppies should sleep in a crate during the night and when left alone during the day. Crates provide a safe, enclosed space that mimics the den environment puppies are used to. Puppies are less likely to have accidents and get into trouble in a crate. Crates also help establish a regular routine which aids house training. Make sure the crate is appropriately sized for the puppy, provides enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, and contains soft bedding.
Should the puppy sleep in my bedroom?
Yes, it’s best for puppies to sleep in their owner’s bedroom during the first few months at home. This allows you to better monitor the puppy and attend to its needs at night. Being close helps the puppy feel more secure in its new environment. Room sharing also makes it easier to respond immediately and positively reinforce correct bathroom habits. As the puppy ages and becomes more independent, you can transition it to sleeping in another area of the home.
Where is the best place to put the puppy’s crate?
The crate should be placed in a low traffic area of the bedroom away from vents, direct sunlight, and drafts. Avoid placing it directly next to your bed so the puppy learns to settle on its own at night. But keep it close enough that you can hear and respond to stirrings or whines indicating a need to go out. A spot next to a wall or in a corner is ideal. You can provide a cover to help the crate feel more den-like.
When can a puppy start sleeping outside my bedroom?
Puppies can start sleeping outside your bedroom around 16-20 weeks of age once they are reliably house trained and settled into a routine. Gradual transition is best. Start by moving the crate just outside the bedroom door, then to the hallway or an adjoining room over the course of several weeks. This allows time to ensure the puppy can make it through the night without potty needs before being moved too far away.
What other rooms are options for a puppy to sleep in?
Once a puppy is old enough to transition out of the owner’s bedroom, other possible rooms for relocating its crate include:
- Spare bedroom or office – Provides more separation at night as the puppy matures but keeps it confined to one area of home.
- Main living area – Allows supervision when owners are home and about in the main living spaces.
- Kitchen – Offers easy access to outside for potty breaks if there is direct outdoor access.
- Mudroom or laundry room – Keeps the puppy very near the exterior door for toilet needs.
What rooms should be avoided for puppy sleeping quarters?
Certain rooms are less ideal choices to serve as a puppy’s sleeping area:
- Basement – Too far removed from family and may be insufficiently heated.
- Bathroom – Too small and poor ventilation.
- Garage – Extreme temperatures, hazards like chemicals and machinery.
- Yard – Exposure to weather, prey, and unsanitary conditions.
What factors influence selecting the right puppy sleeping room?
Consider the following when deciding what room your new puppy should sleep in:
- Age – Younger puppies do best in owner’s bedroom. Older puppies can handle more separation.
- House training progress – Puppies still having accidents should remain closer at night for easy monitoring.
- Access – The room should allow easy owner access and direct outdoor access for potty trips.
- Comfort – The puppy needs a draft-free area with comfortable temperature and bedding.
- Separation from humans – More independent puppies can sleep farther away from heavy human traffic/activity.
- Separation from other pets – Introduce household pets gradually to allow the puppy to bond with owners first.
What supplies does a puppy sleeping area need?
Make sure to provide the following puppy sleeping space essentials:
- Crate – Properly sized with secure, adjustable divider panel for growing puppy.
- Bedding – Comfortable, washable crate pads and blankets.
- Water bowl – Access to fresh, clean water at all times.
- Toys – Safe rubber chew toys to occupy the puppy.
- Pheromone diffuser – Helps provide a calming effect.
You may also wish to place wee-wee pads nearby for late night potty needs if not able to take the puppy outside immediately.
What tips help a puppy adjust to a new sleeping space?
Below are some tips to help ease the puppy’s transition to its new sleeping arrangements:
- Establish a consistent nighttime routine with set feeding, play, potty-break, and bed times.
- Provide lots of daily exercise and stimulation so the puppy is tired out at bedtime.
- Allow access to special chew toys or treats only when in the crate to build positive associations.
- Use soothing music, television, or talk radio to reduce first night stress.
- Place worn articles of your clothing in the crate to feel comfort from your scent.
- Reward calm behavior in the crate with praise and small treats.
How much time should a puppy spend in its crate daily?
Puppies under 6 months should not spend more than 2-3 hours confined to a crate at any one time. Total crating time should not exceed 8 hours in a 24 hour period. Puppies have small bladders and quick access to food and water is important for growth. Provide ample exercise, training, attention, and potty breaks when not confined. As house training improves and the puppy ages, you can gradually increase crate time appropriate to its needs and tolerance.
What signals indicate a puppy is ready to change sleeping rooms?
Signs your puppy may be ready for a change in sleeping quarters include:
- Sleeping through the night without needing bathroom breaks.
- No longer crying or whining when confined to the crate overnight.
- Not using wee-wee pads regularly overnight.
- Easily spending 2-3 hours at a time in the crate while you’re home.
If these milestones are reached, try moving the crate to a new room and monitor the puppy’s response. If the puppy seems comfortable and relaxed in the new area, the change was likely successful.
Conclusion
Determining the optimal room for your puppy to sleep in takes some careful consideration. While your bedroom is ideal initially, the puppy can transition to other rooms of your home over time as it matures and becomes more independent. Just be sure to choose an area that meets your puppy’s needs for safety, comfort, and easy owner access. With patience and consistency, your puppy will adjust to its new sleep space and be snoozing happily in no time.