Your puppy's first nights at home: how to get through them without losing sleep

The first few nights shape how your puppy learns to sleep. The aim is not silence at any cost, but a sense of predictability.

A bed beside your own For the first few days, place your puppy's bed or crate beside your own bed. They have only just left their littermates, and your closeness will soothe them more quickly than any toy. After two to three weeks, you can gradually move the bed to its permanent spot.

Night-time toilet breaks A puppy under four months old will not make it through the entire night. Expect to take them outside once or twice. Keep toilet breaks quiet, with no play and as little light as possible — they should be a boring pause, not entertainment.

A bedtime routine Give the last meal three hours before bedtime, followed by a calm walk, a final toilet break and then straight to bed. Keep the order the same every evening.

Bed size Choose a bed based on the breed's expected adult weight, not your puppy's current size. A cover that is easy to wash is a wise choice — accidents are entirely normal during the first few months.

What not to do Do not go to your puppy every time they whimper, but do not leave them crying for hours either. A brief reassurance that you are there, without picking them up, usually works best.