The first days and nights with a puppy

Your new little companion is moving in. What do you have to consider during settling the puppy into its new home and how do you behave correctly? We explain how you can manage to move into the new environment as well as the first few days with your puppy and pave the way for the rest of your life together.

The Moving in

The time has come, the long-awaited day is finally here! Your puppy is moving in. This event demands your full attention.

The first day with your puppy

After an exciting drive, you open your front door. Your new puppy is sitting in its small transport box, which you now place in the hall of your apartment and carefully open the grille. Of course, he is a bit unsure at first, but also curious and can therefore not wait to perceive the many impressions and smells of his new surroundings. He will be very grateful to you if you keep your distance and watch him protectively from a distance, because you are just as unknown to him as the new environment and he will still build trust in you.

The first experiences and impressions of your puppy

On his journey of discovery through your home, your puppy will come across many exciting objects. Already in the first weeks of his life he was able to explore a lot with his siblings, but was usually quickly returned to his litter box and disciplined by his mother. Remember that the little dog is not stable on the paws for long and can only see well recently. Your little dog curiously sniffs everything he finds under the closet, the sofa and behind shelves and explores it extensively with his teeth. Pay special attention to power cables, decorations and small parts lying around and secure these things to protect the life and health of your puppy.

Our tip: For the first weeks together with the puppy in your apartment we recommend a simple furnishing without carpets and usual decorative frills. Consider also possible poisonous plants, detergents and medicines. If possible, always have a towel ready in case of a mishap.

Bedtime: The first nights with a puppy

You have probably given yourself a lot of thought beforehand about how the first night with a puppy will go, where it should sleep or how often a puppy has to go out at night. The first time is arduous, it will demand a lot from you. But you will see that your puppy settles in quickly and feels comfortable with you if you stand by him with empathy and caring now, at the beginning of your relationship.

The first night

In the late evening you get tired and want to cuddle in bed. Run your puppy again and let him do his business. Think about how you want to shape the evening ritual in the future and start implementing it now.

1. Feed
2. Playing
3. Relax
4. Walk
5. Short loves
6. Set up a sleeping place and use a statement like "Good night!"

Where should your puppy sleep on the first night?

Can your dog's child go to bed with you or should the little puppy not get used to sharing it with you? If you prefer not to give a large part of your bed to your little dog in the long run, it is advisable to leave your blanket and a pillow in the living room and make yourself comfortable on the sofa during the acclimatization period.

Our tip: After spending the first night together on the sofa, the question arises how you want to spend the nights in the future. Where your puppy sleeps long-term and how relaxed this situation is for both of you depends on early training. Can your puppy share your bed with age, can they lie in their own basket in your bedroom or is their permanent place on a ceiling in the living room? Depending on the sleeping situation you choose, individual training is necessary.

Everything is weird

Last night the little four-legged friend cuddled up to his siblings and enjoyed the warmth of the other. He lacks this familiar feeling and smells and can get restless or even whimimmer and cry. To make the first nights easier for your doggie, pick it up to you. You will both benefit as your warmth and closeness will soothe him, reducing the grief over the loss of his sibling.

Why is my puppy whining and crying?

On the one hand, a puppy will whine because it misses the warmth and smell of the mother and siblings. Your puppy will also tell you with whimpering and restless behaviour at night that he has to go to the toilet because he does not want to make his sleeping place dirty. With your help and guidance, your little dog will quickly understand where he can go to the toilet.

Settling the puppy into its new home

The first days your darling is curious and wants to discover the whole world. At the same time, he is often tired during this time and needs a lot of rest and relaxation - a puppy should be allowed to sleep or doze for about 20 hours a day.

Your puppy and the first days in your new home

Make the first days and nights as pleasant and easy as possible. Give your puppy time to settle in and give it a lot of rest. You should therefore avoid visiting relatives and friends, especially in the first two weeks. This is how your puppy learns to understand that you are their caregiver.

Many smells and impressions

First, your dog will notice many smells and sounds in its new environment. Suddenly the dishwasher starts, fat sizzles in the pan, the sofa smells like your guests of the last few weeks and the vacuum cleaner is a terrifying challenge. Help your darling to process the many impressions without developing fear. Puppies should not walk stairs in the first weeks. If you want to satisfy the curiosity of your little dog in the apartment/house, carry him up the stairs and stay close during his discovery tour. So that your puppy can not get injured, you can easily secure the stairs with protective grilles.

Find the right measure

Puppies usually want everything at once. Your little dog was just asleep in his puppy enclosure and at the next blink of an eye he happily dismantles the wooden base of your sofa. While you are still in the process of sanding the small splinters, the sniffing nose has already hit the empty food bowl, has carried it under the living room table and is working on it with his little teeth. The adventurous tour was exciting, which is why your little four-legged friend finally puts pee on your laminate floor. Keep calm and take a deep breath before turning to your pup. Do not unsettle him with your displeasure about his behavior, but show him alternatives - go for a walk through the garden to give your darling the opportunity

Our tip: Mishaps happen! Therefore, positively reinforce the correct behavior of your puppy by praising him. However, avoid punishing their wrongdoing. You can find tips on house training your puppy in our article “This is how your puppy can be house trained”.

The first weeks with a puppy: demanding, but unforgettable

Once your cuddly four-legged friend has moved in, you will realize what it means to raise a dog. However, do not be discouraged if you are tormented by lack of sleep, if another mishap has occurred or if you have to spontaneously change your plans in order to acclimatise your puppy. As trite as it sounds, your new family member will grow up so quickly! Therefore, you should do one thing above all in these first formative weeks: Enjoy the beautiful and funny moments with your puppy, there will be some!