Short answer
Either can work, and Dogs Trust gives two ways to settle a puppy: start with its bed in your bedroom and move it further away every few nights, or have a sleepover near your puppy and gradually move your temporary bed away1. Be prepared for toilet breaks, and "Just go at your puppy's pace"1.
Two ways to settle your puppy
This article answers one question from our step-by-step guide to crate training.
Dogs Trust describes two techniques for the first nights1:
- Bed in your bedroom: "Start with their bed in your bedroom. Slowly move it further away every few nights."1
- Sleepover near them: "have a sleepover near them. Gradually move your temporary bed away from them every few nights."1
Your puppy's pace
Dogs Trust says: "Just go at your puppy's pace."1
Toilet breaks
Dogs Trust says: "It will take some time before your puppy can make it through the night without needing a toilet break, so be prepared to let them out regularly."1
Crate, playpen or bed?
Dogs Trust's techniques are about where your puppy's bed is, not what kind of bed. On what to use at night: Dogs Trust says: "Playpens can be more appropriate than crates for use at night as they offer more space for movement."2
If you use a crate, remember the time limits. The Royal Kennel Club says: "do not leave your puppy in the crate for more than a couple of hours during the daytime"3. The PDSA says: "Dog crates should never be used as punishment or for longer than three hours at a time (less if your dog isn't used to it)."4
A crate can be part of the set-up without being shut: the PDSA says to secure the door open when you're not actively training4.
Setting up for the first night
- The PDSA says: "Place the crate in a quiet, draught-free spot, out of direct sunlight."4
- The RSPCA says: "Make sure they have access to water."5
- The Royal Kennel Club says: "Always remove the puppy's collar when in the crate in case it gets caught up on it."3
- The PDSA says: "A blanket over the top and sides (leave the front open) can make the crate cosier by helping to block out noise and draughts."4
- If you're using an adult-size crate, see how crate dividers work for a growing puppy.
If your puppy cries
New homes are a big change for a puppy. The PDSA says: "If your dog shows any signs of distress, like whining or scratching, go back to the previous stage."4
If your puppy stays very distressed, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.
Starting crate training
Crate training is separate from the first nights, and goes at your puppy's pace. The steps are in our crate training guide. Our puppy crate guides cover the right crate size for each breed:
- Labrador puppy crate
- Golden Retriever puppy crate
- German Shepherd puppy crate
- Cockapoo puppy crate
- French Bulldog puppy crate
- Cavapoo puppy crate
- Border Collie puppy crate
- Springer Spaniel puppy crate
Breed crate guides
Every breed needs a slightly different crate. These guides cover UK size guidance for the breed, sizes in each brand in inches and cm, and how to measure.
- Labrador Retriever crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
- Cockapoo crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
- Cavapoo crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
- Golden Retriever crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
Find your dog's crate size All breeds
Questions
Should my puppy sleep in my bedroom?
Dogs Trust suggests starting with your puppy's bed in your bedroom and slowly moving it further away every few nights1.
Should my puppy sleep in a crate the first night?
Will my puppy need the toilet at night?
Yes. Dogs Trust says it will take some time before your puppy can get through the night without a toilet break, so be prepared to let them out regularly1.
What if my puppy cries at night?
Go at your puppy's pace1. If your puppy stays very distressed, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.
Should my puppy wear its collar in the crate?
No. The Royal Kennel Club says always remove it in case it gets caught up3.