Welcoming a new puppy home can be one of life's most exciting events, but often, nighttime is when tensions may rise when your puppy tries to adjust to a whole new world. Your puppy is used to sleeping with littermates and mom, so sleeping alone in an unknown room can be scary. Mybestie.gr shares five tried-and-true tips to make this transition much easier for your puppy and help you sleep better, too.

1. Stick to a schedule

The routine lets the puppies - among most dogs - know exactly when their day will fall into place. Giving your puppy a scheduled feed, playtime, and a night bedtime lets him estimate the time to sleep. Try an evening play session-keep him busy-to wear off energy, followed by relaxing activities such as a short walk or quiet time before bed. This would make your puppy relaxed enough to sleep at night.

Moreover, do not engage in heavy activities with your puppy before bedtime, since that overstimulates them. Instead, engage them in passive activities that will help them learn to associate bedtime with sleep, not play.

2. Crate training offers comfort and security

Crate training can offer a cool, quiet place for your puppy to sleep and can even replicate an instinctive "den" environment, which many dogs find appealing. First, render the crate appealing with a soft blanket or any familiar scent, like a toy from the first home.

Secondly, after this, introduce the crate gradually in a positive light: give treats or special toys only when your puppy is inside the crate, helping them associate it with rest rather than confinement. Also, draping a blanket over the crate can be very effective in stimulation reduction and extending their sleeping time by making a darker den-like space. When your puppy has crate accidents, clean the space as much as possible to remove odors that might invite more accidents.

3. Potty break before bed

Puppies have small bladders and may need to go outside in the middle of the night. Take your puppy outside for one final bathroom break right before bedtime to minimize any nighttime accidents. You'll want to account for nighttime potty breaks with younger puppies, which you can gradually scale down as they age. This way, it sets up a neat, orderly night with housetraining that could minimize sleep disruptions for both of you. Keep these nighttime breaks very low-key; avoid bright lights, no playing, so that they understand afterward it's time to sleep.

4. Employ aids that calm

Puppies can develop separation anxiety while adjusting to sleeping alone, leading to whining or barking. Utilize calming aids like a heartbeat toy or snuggle blanket to help your puppy feel more relaxed and secure due to separation. These are tools that may help your puppy simulate the presence of his littermates and would provide a soothing effect; this would make them settle down more quickly and just sleep through.

You can also use a chew toy or licking mat right before bed, as the repetitive activity naturally soothes their nervous system. Experiment with various toys and textures to find those comforters which work the best for your puppy. Just remember to supervise them if the toy has small parts, and always check it for wear.

5. Do not reinforce attention seeking behavior

Every whimper doesn't need a response because responding to whimper can actually teach your puppy that he gets attention for his whining and barking. If he whimpers at night, try checking on him only when you think he might have to go outside. Never eye contact or over-soothe at all costs. On the other hand, reward your puppy after he is quiet and still. This lets him know that quiet, not whining, gives him good things. It's hard, especially in those first few nights, to ignore your puppy's cries, but consistency is the key. Avoid paying him too much attention, and he'll learn to settle down by himself.

Helping a puppy sleep through the night takes time, patience, and consistency. By following such strategies, you are on your way to nights to be enjoyed and joyful mornings. Along with a normal bedtime routine, making the crate comfortable, and engaging in some relaxing techniques, bedtime needs to be a non-event for a new puppy. And remember it takes time to get accustomed to a new sleep schedule, so don't be in a rush for your puppy to get into these habits. For more details, you may want to read further material in sleep routines of puppies and crate training methods.