New Puppy, How do I get him to sleep

[Ursula]

I am wondering if anyone has any tips on how to help my puppy sleep at bedtime. He was crate trained by his breeder, but I've never done the crate thing so I'm not sure how.

I don't want to let him run the room, but when I close the crate door, he just sits and whines and cries. Any tips?

[Saje]

Where is the crate? How long have you had this pup?

If he's already used to the crate then put it in the room with you. put him in and make sure he has a reward (dinner, a toy, a treat...) and close the door. Don't let him out if he whines. if you've only had him a short time he's probably more upset over the change then anything else. Did your breeder send a blanket or something familiar withhim?

[Max's Dad]

My 3 month old puppy is very active during the evening/night, and also has trouble falling asleep. A few days ago I started taking him for long walks, three times before bedtime, then playing with him a bit right before going to bed, and it's helped a lot.

I'd suggest trying the same thing; do something that'll tire your puppy out right before bedtime, let them get out all that energy, and maybe it'll fall asleep without as much whining.

-Tim

[Barb04]

You might also want to try putting a blanket over the top of the crate as it may make him feel more secure. My dog never liked the wire crate, only the heavy plastic formed ones that weren't as open.

He may have been crate trained before, but he's in a new home and needs time to feel comfortable again.

[Ursula]

I've just had him 2 nights and 1 day, well, today is day 2. I put him in my room with me, but he whined and whined. I think I'll try the treat idea, that sounds very helpful. I'm sure he does need to get a bit more acclimated to his new home. His breeder didn't send anything with him so he just has us I'm afraid. I'm sure he just needs a bit of time, but wandered if there were more thoughts. Thanks everyone for your input. I'll try some of those things out.

[bubbatd]

Poor little one !!! I always sent a stuffed fuzzy home with smells of litter mates and Mommy on it .... it won't last long . Give him something to cuddle with .

[Maxy24]

just ignore the whining, make sure his bladder is empty though before you put him to bed. Sometimes covering the crate with a blanket helps, sometimes is does the opposite.

[Ursula]

I wanted to say thanks to everyone. Little Bean is sleeping much better now.

[maxtressus]

Whenever I bring home a new puppy I always take a wind up clock that ticks and stick it under a blanket where the puppy is going to sleep. It was an old trick I learned when I was growing up, but I believe it makes them think it is their mothers heart beating.

Good to hear he is sleeping better now!