The First Night Home: How to Prevent Crying & Stress With your new puppy

A Guide for New Brittany Puppy Owners

Bringing your new puppy home is exciting — but that first night can catch many owners off guard.

Your puppy just left their littermates, their mom, familiar smells, and everything they’ve ever known. Even the most confident Epagneul Breton can feel stress that first evening.

The good news? With the right setup, you can dramatically reduce crying and help your puppy settle calmly.

🏡 Why Puppies Cry the First Night

Crying is not “bad behavior.” It’s instinct.

At 8 weeks old, puppies:

• Are used to sleeping in a pile with littermates

• Have never slept alone

• Feel vulnerable in new environments

• Don’t yet understand they are safe

Your job that first night isn’t “training.”

It’s reassurance + structure.

🛏 Step 1: Set Up the Crate Properly

Crate training should start on night one.

What you need:

• Properly sized crate (just big enough to stand and turn)

• Soft bedding

• A blanket over 2–3 sides (creates den feel)

• A safe chew item

💡 Pro tip: Place the crate in your bedroom the first few nights. Your presence alone reduces anxiety dramatically.

🌙 Step 2: Tire Them Out (Gently)

Before bedtime:

• Short play session

• Potty break

• Calm indoor time

Do NOT overstimulate right before bed.

An overtired puppy can cry more.

🕒 Step 3: Expect a Potty Break

At 8 weeks, most puppies can hold their bladder:

2–3 hours

Plan for:

• One middle-of-the-night potty trip

• No play

• No excitement

• Straight outside → potty → back to crate

Keep it boring.

🐶 What To Do If They Cry

This is where most owners make mistakes.

✔ If the crying lasts less than 5–10 minutes:

Let them settle.

Many puppies self-soothe quickly.

✔ If crying continues:

• Gently place your hand near the crate

• Speak calmly

• Avoid taking them out unless you suspect potty

❌ Don’t:

• Bring them into bed immediately

• Start playing

• Turn it into attention time

You don’t want to teach: “Crying = freedom.”

❤️ The Balance: Comfort Without Creating Dependency

Your puppy needs:

• Security

• Predictability

• Leadership

A well-raised Brittany becomes extremely bonded to their owner — but that bond starts with structure, not chaos.

First-night crying is temporary.

Inconsistent boundaries create long-term issues.

🧠 Extra Tricks That Help

• Use a blanket that smells like your home

• White noise machine (helps mask silence)

• Keep lights dim

• Stick to a schedule the next day

Within 2–4 nights, most puppies sleep significantly better.

🚨 When To Be Concerned

Crying paired with:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Refusal to eat

• 
  

→ Contact your breeder or veterinarian.

Normal adjustment crying is common.

Distress with physical symptoms is not.

🐾 What Most Owners Don’t Realize

The first night sets the tone for:

• Crate training success

• Separation confidence

• Sleep habits

• Future independence

Stay calm. Stay consistent.

Your puppy isn’t trying to manipulate you — they’re learning.

Final Thoughts

The first night home is emotional — for both of you.

But when handled correctly, it builds:

• Confidence

• Trust

• Stability

  
  

And in a few weeks, you’ll barely remember the crying…

You’ll just remember the bond.