Taking a puppy home is one of the most joyous events in our lives. It’s like adopting a new child. Introducing them to our home, our family members, other fur members is very exciting. Numerous photos will be captured just as if it’s a human child. It’s all fun and games until night time.

What to Expect When You Take Your Puppy Home Especially at Night

First comes the car ride. Some pups will whine, some may not. Many will get car sick, and vomit. Especially on long car rides. Be prepared ahead of time. When you take your puppy home they may or may not be extremely shy. They will however be nervous to new elements. This will be the first time they will be away for an extended period of time from their siblings. They will adapt. They will choose an alpha. Generally the one who feeds them, takes them to go potty, and plays with them they will bond to the most.

Most breeders send their puppies home at 8 weeks of age. Which means they still will sleep a lot of the day. They will play in spurts and then sleep for an extended period of time. They will need to go potty after they wake up as well as after they eat. Most pups will enjoy playing with you and even enjoy lap time. Then comes the night.

Having a pup in your home for the first time can be like having a new born child in your home. Some puppies will whine the entire night. As soon as the lights go out, many pups begin the whining. Not all puppies will whine, and some may just whine for the first few minutes. However, it is normal for them to whine. So don’t worry. The first couple nights may be bad. After a couple nights of a routine they will be more comfortable. On a side note, often if you already have another dog at home a new puppy will adapt quicker. If they get along really well often I see little to no whining at all.

You will need to take them out during the night so that they don’t pee in your home or in their crate. As they get older you will have to do it less often. Eventually not at all. Some puppies do have smaller bladders than others, and therefore more frequent jaunts to the outside will be needed.

In the end, it will be worth it. You will have best friend that loves you like no other. You will have a foot warmer, an arm rest, a buddy to hug, a food beggar, someone to be there when you are down, someone to stair at you while you are in the restroom, and someone to be excited any time you walk in the door.