Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but getting them to settle down and sleep through the night can be a challenge. Puppies are often anxious in their new environment, and their natural routines are disrupted. However, with a little guidance and patience, you can help your puppy adjust and establish healthy sleeping habits. Here are some tips to ensure your puppy has a restful night’s sleep.
Snuggle with a Plush Toy
A plush toy can provide immense comfort to a new puppy, mimicking the sensation of sleeping next to their littermates. Puppies often feel lonely and anxious during their first nights away from their mother and siblings, but a soft, warm toy can offer a sense of security. For added comfort, try the KONG Wild Knot Bear, which is soft and cuddly on the outside while durable and strong on the inside. Another great option is the All For Paws Little Buddy HeartBeat Sheep, which features a calming heartbeat to help reduce anxiety.
Crate Training
Crate training is an effective method to give your puppy a safe, cosy space that they can call their own. When properly introduced, the crate can become a den-like environment where your puppy feels secure. This not only encourages good sleeping habits but also helps with housebreaking, as dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area. To make the crate more inviting, try the Snooza Crate Mat, a soft, cushioned bedding that fits perfectly inside most crates, providing a plush surface for your puppy to rest on. It’s also machine washable, making clean-up a breeze.
Keep Your Puppy Close at Night
During the first few nights, your puppy may feel anxious being separated from you, especially during bedtime. To ease their anxiety, move their bed or crate close to yours so they can sense your presence. This proximity helps them feel safe, making it easier for them to drift off to sleep.
Consider using the Puppia Soft Dog Bed, designed to offer optimal comfort while being lightweight enough to move around the house. Its soft and durable fabric provides warmth and security for your puppy to feel at ease.
Use Puppy Pads for Nighttime Potty Breaks
Young puppies often need to go to the bathroom during the night, and the fear of accidents can make them restless. To avoid disruptions and make clean-up easier, place puppy pads in their sleeping area. This gives your puppy a designated spot to relieve themselves if they can't hold it through the night.
The Rufus & Coco Wee Pads are highly absorbent and leak-proof, making them perfect for overnight use. These pads are treated with an attractant to encourage your puppy to use them, minimizing accidents outside the designated area.
Playtime Before Bed
Like children, puppies have a lot of energy, and one of the best ways to help them sleep better is by tiring them out with playtime before bed. A good session of fetch, tug-of-war, or other active games will allow your puppy to burn off excess energy, making it easier for them to settle down at night.
Try using the KONG Puppy Toy for a fun and engaging play session. This chew toy can be filled with treats or peanut butter, providing mental and physical stimulation before bedtime.
Conclusion
Getting your new puppy to sleep may require some patience and a consistent routine, but by using comforting tools like a plush toy, crate training, and keeping them close at night, you can help your puppy feel more secure and relaxed. Incorporating puppy pads for nighttime bathroom needs and scheduling playtime close to bedtime can also make a significant difference.
At Woonona Petfoods, we offer a range of products like plush toys, crate bedding, and puppy pads to help create a peaceful sleeping environment for your new puppy. Visit us today to find everything you need to support your puppy’s healthy sleeping habits!
