Where should your puppy sleep? The complete guide to the first few nights

A key question for the first few nights

Your puppy has just left their mother and littermates. The first few nights are often difficult: crying, restlessness, frequent waking. Where you decide to have them sleep will have a lasting impact on their behavior — and on your sleep too.

Option 1: in your bedroom

Advantages: the puppy can hear you breathing, which is very reassuring during the first few weeks. This reduces stress and nighttime crying. You're also there if they need to go outside to relieve themselves during the night.

Drawbacks: if you don't want this habit to continue, you'll have to manage a transition later, which can be frustrating for the puppy.

Solution: place their bed on the floor next to your bed — never in your bed if you don't want it to become a permanent habit.

Option 2: in a separate room

Advantages: establishes clear boundaries from the start. The puppy learns to sleep alone, which helps prevent separation anxiety later on.

Drawbacks: the first few nights are often very difficult — prolonged crying, significant stress. You need to be mentally prepared and not give in every time they cry (which would reinforce the behavior).

Solution: choose a quiet room, ideally close to your bedroom, with a cozy bed that envelops them and makes up for the absence of their littermates.

How to transition gradually

1. Weeks 1-2 — bed in your bedroom, next to your bed
2. Weeks 3-4 — gradually move the bed toward the door, then into the hallway
3. Week 5 and beyond — settle them in their permanent room, leaving the door open at first

This gradual transition avoids an abrupt change and reduces separation-related stress.

Mistakes to avoid

• Giving in every time they cry — reinforces the behavior of constantly seeking attention
• Changing the bed’s location too often — routine is essential for your puppy’s sense of security
• Always letting them sleep with you — a hard habit to break later if that’s not what you want long term
• Buying a bed that’s too large — a puppy needs to feel snug, not lost in a large space

Easing anxiety during the first nights

A Stress-Relief Dinosaur Plush Toy placed in the bed can make a real difference during the first few nights — its soft, plush texture comforts your puppy and helps make up for the absence of littermates.

The right gear for a good start

For the first few weeks, choose a Round Bolster Bed size S — its cocoon shape makes up for the absence of littermates and comforts your puppy with its snug fit.