It's best to use both: a crate for sleeping and short periods (teaching self-soothing and house training) and a pen for daytime supervision when awake, offering more space to move, play with toys, and relieve themselves in a designated potty area. A pen is ideal for longer stretches when you're home but busy (like cooking), while a crate provides security when unsupervised or overnight, preventing destructive chewing and accidents, say Chewy, this YouTube video, and this Reddit thread.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for puppies?

The "777 Puppy Rule" (or Rule of Seven) is a guideline for early puppy socialization, recommending exposure to 7 different people, 7 different locations, 7 different surfaces, 7 different types of toys, 7 different challenges, 7 different food containers, and 7 short car rides (or similar experiences) by around 7 to 12 weeks old to build confidence and prevent fear, with each positive experience paired with treats and praise to create a well-adjusted adult dog.
 

What is the 10 10 10 rule for puppies?

The {Link: 10-10-10 rule for puppies is a potty training guideline: take your puppy out for 10 minutes, to a spot with about 10 feet of space, and supervise them for 10 minutes (or until they go), using praise and treats when they finish; if they don't go, return to a crate for 10-20 minutes and repeat. This method emphasizes consistency, frequent outings (especially after waking, eating, playing), and positive reinforcement to build a solid house-training routine.

Where is the best place for a puppy to sleep at night?

Where Should a Puppy Sleep? Puppies, in particular, thrive on having a dedicated space that offers both comfort and security during the night. Ideally, a puppy should sleep in a crate or a small, puppy-sized bed in your bedroom for the first few months.

What is the 5 minute rule for puppies?

The "5-minute rule" for puppy exercise suggests 5 minutes of controlled activity (like leash walking) per month of age, twice daily, to protect developing joints, though it's a guideline, not strict science, and some experts say it can lead to under-exercising; focus more on type of exercise (calm exploration, sniffing) over just duration, avoiding high-impact, continuous activity while ensuring adequate mental stimulation and preventing overexertion by watching for signs of fatigue.

Stop Crying in the Puppy Pen

Should I wake my 10 week old puppy up to pee at night?

Should I wake my puppy up to pee at night? Young puppies have very small bladders and can't hold a pee in overnight, so you will need to get up at least a couple of times at night to take your puppy out. It's best to let your puppy let you know when they need to go.

What is the hardest month with a puppy?

The "worst" month of puppyhood varies, but common tough stages include 3-4 months (intense biting/teething, potty training issues, sleep disruption) and the 6-12 month adolescence period (rebelliousness, boundary testing, increased energy/independence, "terrible teens"), with the biting often peaking around 13 weeks. While teething (4-6 months) brings destructive chewing, adolescence brings behavioral challenges as hormones kick in, leading to disobedience and independence.
 

Can I leave my puppy in a playpen all day?

No, you generally shouldn't leave a young puppy in a playpen all day because they need frequent potty breaks and interaction, but a playpen is great for containing them safely for several hours (e.g., 4-5 hours for older puppies, less for younger ones) while you're busy, especially if it includes pee pads, toys, and water. The key is to provide regular, supervised outings for exercise and potty breaks, ensuring the pen isn't used for excessively long periods that cause distress or accidents, and gradually building their tolerance for alone time.

Should you put a puppy crate in the bedroom or living room?

Your dog shouldn't see their crate as a place of isolation.

Put the crate in a commonly used room during the day. If your pup is using the crate at nighttime, have it in your bedroom. Your pup will have the comfort of your sounds and scent, plus you can hear if they need to go out for a potty break.

How long does it take to housebreak a puppy?

How long does it take to housetrain a puppy? Housetraining a puppy typically takes 4-6 months, but it can vary depending on the puppy's size, age and previous housetraining habits. Consistency is key, so establish a regular potty schedule and reward successful trips outside.

What age to bell train a puppy?

When Can You Start Bell Training a Puppy? “Bell training can begin as soon as your new dog arrives in your home,” Reynolds explains. That goes for puppies as young as eight weeks, adults, and older dogs. With patience and consistent training, it's never too late for bell training.

What is the 10-10-10 rule for puppy training?

The "10-10-10 puppy training" method is a simple, consistent routine for house training, focusing on 10 minutes outside in a designated potty spot, allowing 10 feet of space for the puppy to sniff and go, and ensuring 10 minutes of supervision, with praise and treats immediately after they finish, and then back to the crate for 10-20 minutes if they don't go, repeating the cycle to build good habits and prevent accidents.

Is a 2 mile walk too much for a 4 month old puppy?

Walk, Don't Run

Veterinary researchers recommend that puppies can go for walks for about five minutes multiplied by every month of their age, once or twice a day, depending on speed of walk and how much time you have available.

What's the best bedtime routine for a puppy?

Key Elements of a Puppy Bedtime Routine

• Calm play instead of rough activity.
• Short training session using basic cues.
• Final potty break.
• Quiet bonding time.
• Placement in a designated sleep area.

Should a puppy sleep in my bedroom?

Some people are happy to have their dog sleep in their bedroom. For others, it's important that their dog sleep in another room. We recommend at least having them in your bedroom with you in the beginning in either a dog bed or crate. Having your puppy in your bedroom with you will make them feel more reassured.

How do you discipline a puppy for whining at night?

7 Tips To Stop Your Puppy Crying At Night

1. Never underestimate the power of the potty!
2. Crate train your puppy.
3. Provide comfort, but not attention.
4. Wear your pupper out – every day.
5. Keep a routine.
6. Limit access to distractions.
7. Check for other issues.

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