Bedtime for Puppy

by Amber A
(Gering, NE U.S.A.)

Hi again,

Thanks for the helpful info before! Also, do shih-poos feel more comfortable at nighttime if they sleep closer to their owner?

Currently, we have her sleeping down in the laundry room with her kennel open so she can move around if needed. We just got her a few days ago and so she still complains since she is new to our home like you said before - but I was also wondering does she need to sleep closer to us to be comfortable and sleep better or what does that breed need?

Thanks again for all your help!




Hi Amber
You're welcome for the help, glad it was useful.

All puppies, of any breed, prefer to be close to their family members. They have a very strong 'pack instinct' which encourages them to seek out the other members of their pack (that's you now) for safety and security.

Of course, a puppy in your home can't follow all of it's natural instincts (THAT would be a recipe for disaster!), and has to learn to sleep alone, unless you want to have her in your bed with you every night.

Having a pup sleep with you can make for very restless nights for everyone, and the potential for 'potty accidents' is huge. A compromise can be to put the pups' crate in your room, where she can 'smell' you and hear your voice/breathing. Sometimes this comforts a pup, other times it may make them more anxious as they want to be right next to you! It can depend on her personality.

If you choose to leave her in the laundry room, she'll do just fine. It's just a case of her getting used to this arrangement. Sleeping arrangements are really a personal choice, so do whatever feels best to you.

Good luck.