prepforpup - sleeping dogs

There are few things as dreamy as a snoozing puppy but our little furballs can struggle with long overnight sleeps in the first few weeks. Dr Carri Westgarth has these tips to help them settle at bedtime.

1.

Always ensure that your puppy has had enough food, exercise and bathroom breaks throughout the day.

2.

Settle them in a safe, relatively small space so that they feel secure. Crates can be helpful here.

3.

If your pup whines and frets at being separated from you, try having a dog crate or dog bed in your room and then gradually move this out onto the landing and finally downstairs as they adapt. (Or learn to love dog snoring!)

4.

The scent from dog-soothing pheromone sprays or plug-ins can help dogs feel reassured.

5.

Try the 3-T-Shirt Trick: one t-shirt you wear at night, one you leave with your dog (so they have your smell) and one goes in the wash.

4.

The scent from dog-soothing pheromone sprays or plug-ins can help dogs feel reassured.

5.

Try the 3-T-Shirt Trick: one t-shirt you wear at night, one you leave with your dog (so they have your smell) and one goes in the wash.

Contrary to popular belief, allowing dogs on sofas or human beds is not detrimental to good behaviour. In fact, sofa cuddles can be one of the nicest times in the dog-owner relationship!

Problems only occur when rules are confusing or inconsistent, so decide as a family whether your dog is allowed on the sofa or bed:
a) whenever it wants
b) only when invited or
c) not at all.

Your dog will be happiest when you are in agreement.