What should I expect the first night with my puppy?

Your new puppy will be lonely and anxious the first few nights he spends away from his mom and litter mates. So be prepared to reassure and soothe him when he complains. Some owners find that a lullaby works like a charm.

A tired pup is more likely to sleep well, so play with him for a while before bedtime. When he gets sleepy, take him out to go potty, then put him to bed. Leave a radio on at very low volume. If puppy’s bed is in a wire crate, cover it with a big towel to help make him feel snug and secure.

Puppy will need to go potty at least once in the night, and again, first thing in the morning. Repeat the potty routine every night until puppy is old enough to sleep through the night.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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