New Puppies - the Cure for Insomnia-
What you can do to Help the New Puppy Adjust
Tina Spriggs


Puppies have a natural instinct inside that causes them to
whimper and whine when they are alone. It’s because dogs are
social creatures, much like humans. When they’re alone, they may
feel nervous or frightened. Before dogs were made into “man’s (or
woman’s) best friend,” they ran the land in wild packs. They
hunted, ate and slept together.

When you leave your puppy alone at night, especially during his
first few weeks at his new home, he is getting used to the
environment. He’ll most likely whine or cry. It could last the
whole nightlong. The best thing you can do is to soothe him, but
not cuddle him to sleep. Remember, you’re trying to establish
your role as leader and caretaker. There is a different time to
cuddle.

There is, however, a lot you can do to help put your new dog to
sleep, to make him feel comfortable in his new environment. Don’t
throw in the towel too early! Instead, try throwing him one of
your laundered t-shirts to sleep beside. In his puppy room or
crate, he’ll surely feel like you’re near when he smells your
shirt close. It will be as if there’s someone beside him, as if
his mother were with him in the wild outdoors.

If this fails, try moving his puppy crate to your bedroom for the
night. If he continues to whine, try tapping the cage once
forcefully. Then, in a low firm voice say, “No. Sleep,” or “No.
Quiet.” This may sound harsh, but if you snuggle or cuddle him to
sleep, you will actually be re-enforcing his whining behavior.
He’ll associate his whine with your loving attention. Try
throwing in a chew toy for him to suckle.

If you aren’t training with a crate, bring the puppy into your
room with a leash. Attach it to the wall or to the bottom
bedpost. Line the floor with newspapers around him. You can also
give him a chew toy. Here, if the puppy whines or moves around a
lot, repeat the above verbal commands. Tap the nightstand with
your hand as you tell your puppy to be quiet (it’s akin to
tapping the cage with some force). With both situations, you can
throw him a t-shirt for good measure. Or, you can even try a
ticking clock or radio beside the puppy at night. This is also
helpful if when you are away from your new puppy during the day.
The constant noise is very soothing.

One thing will surely help: be sure your puppy eliminates and is
played with vigorously before bedtime so he’s not riled up.

Much of this can be applied to older dogs too. You may not have
to take him out as often, but be sure to allow him to go to the
bathroom and receive some attention before bedtime. In any case,
you will have to teach your puppy or pooch that he will be
soothed and loved, but that there are bedtime rules.

It will seem like a lot of work, and you may lose some sleep.
But, take your time. And, before you know it, your puppy or dog
will sleep soundly, which will allow you and your family to sleep
the whole night through.


Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in
canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about
dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog
Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
http://www.dog-gifts-and-toys-for-dog-lovers.com/



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