New Puppies-The Cure For Insomnia-What You Can Do To Help You New Pupppy Adjust

Puppies have a natural instinct inside that causes them towhimper and whine when they are alone. It's because dogsare social creatures, much like humans. When they're alone,they may feel nervous or frightened. Before dogs were madeinto "man's (or woman's) best friend," they ran the landin wild packs. They hunted, ate and slept together.

When you leave your puppy alone at night, especiallyduring his first few weeks at his new home, he is gettingused to the environment. He'll most likely whine or cry. Itcould last the whole nightlong. The best thing you can do isto soothe him, but not cuddle him to sleep. Remember,you're trying to establish your role as leader and caretaker.There is a different time to cuddle.

There is, however, a lot you can do to help put your new dogto sleep, to make him feel comfortable in his newenvironment. Don't throw in the towel too early! Instead, trythrowing him one of your laundered t-shirts to sleep beside.In his puppy room or crate, he'll surely feel like you're nearwhen he smells your shirt close. It will be as if there'ssomeone beside him, as if his mother were with him in thewild outdoors.

If this fails, try moving his puppy crate to your bedroom forthe night. If he continues to whine, try tapping the cage onceforcefully. Then, in a low firm voice say, "No. Sleep," or "No.Quiet." This may sound harsh, but if you snuggle or cuddlehim to sleep, you will actually be re-enforcing his whiningbehavior. He'll associate his whine with your lovingattention. Try throwing in a chew toy for him to suckle.

If you aren't training with a crate, bring the puppy into yourroom with a leash. Attach it to the wall or to the bottombedpost. Line the floor with newspapers around him. Youcan also give him a chew toy. Here, if the puppy whines ormoves around a lot, repeat the above verbal commands. Tapthe nightstand with your hand as you tell your puppy to bequiet (it's akin to tapping the cage with some force). Withboth situations, you can throw him a t-shirt for goodmeasure. Or, you can even try a ticking clock or radio besidethe puppy at night. This is also helpful if when you areaway from your new puppy during the day. The constantnoise is very soothing.

One thing will surely help: be sure your puppy eliminatesand is played with vigorously before bedtime so he's notriled up.

Much of this can be applied to older dogs too. You may nothave to take him out as often, but be sure to allow him to goto the bathroom and receive some attention before bedtime.In any case, you will have to teach your puppy or pooch thathe will be soothed and loved, but that there are bedtimerules.

It will seem like a lot of work, and you may lose some sleep.But, take your time. And, before you know it, your puppy ordog will sleep soundly, which will allow you and yourfamily to sleep the whole night through.

About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

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