First few nights at home

[Max & Ollie]

I am picking up Oliver (F1) in two weeks. I have been reading The Happy Puppy Handbook: Your Definitive Guide to Puppy Care and Early Training by Pippa Mattinson and there are two options presented for where to place the crate overnight for the first few days:

1) Where the crate will normally be (aka the "cold turkey approach" - the puppy will be scared being alone, but he just needs to get used to this) 

OR

2) In the bedroom (aka the "temporary roommates approach") so that he can smell and hear you. This will make him feel safe, therefore making him less inclined to cry. 

I am wondering - has anyone tried the second approach for the first few nights? It's not supposed to be a permanent placement, just to make the puppy feel more comfortable - he is, after all, in a new place and away for the first time from his brothers and sister. 

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[andrea shayegani]

I slept on the couch with the crate next to me NEAR the permanent spot. Only 1 night. Then, when he was in the permanent spot and was crying, I would pat him and soothe him until he was calm. Good luck!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We always kept the crate in our bedroom.  We used the crate both in the day and at night, but for a longer time at night.  Our dogs still sleep in our bedroom if they wish.  One usually on our bed and one on the floor.

[Laura and Angus]

We had the crate in our to room until he didnt need the crate anymore and then we put a bed in the same spot, which he now sleeps on (unless it's hot and then he's in the bathroom on the tile). I can't imagine how upset our pup would've been had he not been in our room that first week. My boyfriend actually slept on the floor next to the crate the first night because our pup was crying so badly!

Good luck with your new baby!