Last thing at night, before you head to bed yourself, you should bring your puppy outside to the designated area to ‘get busy’.  You should then bring your puppy to its crate by coaxing it in with a treat and a verbal command (e.g. into bed). 

As this is the first night without its mother or littermates, you might want to leave a warm hot water bottle in the crate (be sure not to put boiling water in, in case the puppy chews through and punctures it) and also a softly ticking clock can replicate the sound of the mother’s heartbeat and provide a calming effect.

Then when you are ready, turn off the lights.  If it is restless, leave it alone.  If it cries, do not let it out of the crate (if you’re sure it doesn’t need to relieve itself) – reassure it with your voice. 

Missing my Mum and Playmates!

If you do let it out of the crate, it will know that crying works and it will continue to do this every time.  Be patient.  Remember the hard work you are investing now will bring you 14 – 20 years, with a happy balanced dog that is a pleasure to be around.

That’s it – you’re off to a great start.