Where should my puppy sleep?

[Neve09]

Getting our first dog this week, thought I knew what I was doing but now I’m nervous! Grew up with dogs and puppies so fully aware how hard pups are, this will be my first that is actually mine rather than my parents.

Eager to crate train and we have a big crate with a nice comfy bed in it etc, we have a good space in our bedroom where I’d be happy for them to sleep long term, so should we start as we mean to go on and put the crate there from day 1, or does one of us stay downstairs to make for easier garden trips? Our house is small, so coming downstairs 2-3 times a night wouldn’t be too much effort.

Our puppy slept in their crate in our bedroom so if they needed the toilet we could hear them cry in the night and let them out or put them on a puppy training pad. As they grew older they were happy to move downstairs.

Have a look at the FB group dog training advice and support. They have great advice for crates and first night.

You don't know what the dog will be like.

Mine actually went through the night (11pm to 6am) without needing the loo at all when we got him at 10 weeks. So I never had to get up and take him out at all.
He slept with me, in my bed the first few weeks and then one night he didn't come out of his crate when I went to bed, so I left him downstairs. He sometimes comes up with me now and sometimes sleeps on his bed in the living room or the sofa, it's his choice.

If you want him in your room, I'd start in your room.

If you're happy for the dog to be in your room long-term, then I'd just start as you mean to go on. IMO there's absolutely no point sleeping on the sofa for weeks if the long-term plan is for them to be next to your bed

Ours has been in our bed room since day one and he was a dream to toilet train - we never had a single night-time accident as we were right there when he woke up to take him outside.

Start as you mean to go on.

So if you want DDog sleeping near your bed, then that's where she goes. As you think you can cope with nocturnal trips out (have coat, head torch, wellies, poo bags and, depending on size of garden, lead within easy grab) then I really wouldn't consider anywhere else.

Do remember to train DPuppy to be alone during the day as she'll be with you all night. You don't want to inadvertently get a 24/7 velcro dog (a fairly common lockdown issue, as dogs love having their humans round all the time and get very used to it very quickly). Start small, just popping out of the room and coming straight back, then very gradually increase the time.