Puppy's first few nights

[mountainboo]

My Cocker Spaniel pup will be here on the 12th December. I am unsure whether to keep her in the kitchen in her crate from night one or whether to keep her in her crate in our bedroom. My research suggests that young puppies should be treated in the same way a human infant would be? With this in mind perhaps she should stay in our room at night.

We have a 7 year old GSD, he has always slept on a bed in the hallway. He has never been allowed upstairs or indeed on our sofa, so clearly he knows that we are above him in the pack hierarchy and this suits him because of his breed. We also want to be very careful about introducing the two of them. He is very tolerant of other dogs, particularly pups and never aggressive but we want to take all the necessary precautions.

[jules77]

I would think most people are going to say in the kitchen.

I was told around 30 years ago that if you took young puppies to your own room it would be quicker to toilet train them, and I have to say it has always worked for me. But, we are stuck with all the dogs in the bedroom with us now. Not that I am bothered as I prefer them with me, but it isnt everyones cup of tea to have dogs in the bedroom.

[Ratty2E]

Where do you want him to sleep eventually? I'd start as you mean to go on. I'm sure your GSD will get on with the pup, he might well seem most put out and even growl at the pup to begin with. It's always best to let them find their own way and sort themselves out and not to interfere unless the pup is in mortal danger, which they rarely are.

[mountainboo]

Thank you both. I have looked at various websites Jules and your method is still the most popular and apparently the most effective. I think we shall her in a crate in the bedroom to begin with.

[lankeela]

I have had my pup for one week today and she has slept in her cage next to my bed - I get up at 7am or thereabouts each morning and she goes out for a wee and a poo straight away. Not one accident so far, and she happily goes into her cage last thing at night, safe from upsetting the other dogs who also share my bedroom.

[slinkycat]

We had Geoff in a cage in the kitchen when we got him. Had a few whines the first two nights then he was fine. As Redhelen suggested, we used a hot water bottle, plus a doggy cuddly toy.
Had couple of weeks of very early mornings, up at around 5 to let him out, but that gradually got later.
I said I would never let a dog in the bedroom but as I type Geoff is snuggled on the bed with hubby!

[mountainboo]

Thanks. I will try the hot water bottle and clock. I have a 3 and a half year old so early mornings are the norm in this household. I sincerely hope my new pup will be as easy as Lankeela's, but I will prepare for getting up in the night