Puppy's First Night: What to Know About Bringing a New Puppy into Your Home for the First Time

I want to address some important questions that clients often ask me about bringing a new puppy home.  Firstly, why do we recommend using BOTH a crate AND long-term confinement area? In addition, do we recommend these tools even if they live in a small apartment or condo? 

The short answer is yes. Even with a small apartment, most clients should use both a confinement area and a crate.

The reason is crates and confinement areas help with house training and home alone training. It also reduces the amount of destruction a new puppy can do when you inevitably  leave them alone first time.  (Think showers, trips to the bathroom, short errands, work, etc).

By using a confinement area (restricting your puppy's access to only one room) you don’t have to “puppy-proof” the entire house and it's easier to supervise and interrupt unwanted behaviors.  People usually baby-gate a high-traffic area that is easy to clean up, like the kitchen.

Crates are important for differnent reasons. Getting a young puppy can feel a bit overwhelming, so having a place your dog can go where you don’t have to worry is a big relief. Think of it like a crib for a child, a safe place they can learn to “self-soothe” and nap.  Odds are you will need the break as much as your puppy will!   

Housetraining

The most important reason for to use a crate is that it makes housetraining SO much easier. Dogs have a natural tendency to not "soil the den," so using a crate takes advantage of those instincts. It also helps us predict when your dog needs to go so you can

1. Minimize accidents.
2. Teach your puppy where's a good place to go.
3. Reward your puppy when he does!

Independence

Finally, teaching your young pack-animal that he will have to be left alone for 3-4 hours (at least!) while we go to work, out to dinner, movies etc. is important!  So is quickly teaching him where to go to the bathroom.  Finding ways to reduce destructive behaviors with tools like confinement areas and crates makes training so much easier!

Remember, being alone doesn't come naturally to our dogs, so it's important to be proactive and teaching them right away how to be comfortable when left alone. 

For more information on Housetraining, Home Alone Training and raising a puppy, visit Zen Dog Training Online.