I just got a puppy today, it's night time here and it has not been sleeping for more than 20 minutes at a time. He sleeps in my arms and when I put him in his bed he wakes up 15-20 minutes later and starts whimpering away till I hold him again so he could instantly fall asleep again. Is it OK to let him sleep in bed with me through the night or is he going to get used to it and not accept anything else in the future? Or is there an explanation on why he's doing this?

Updated On April 7th, 2020

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | 1 month and 6 days old

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

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Hi there. It's fine to let him sleep in bed with you if you don't mind, and if you're a light enough sleeper to wake up during the night if he needs a potty break (which is likely!). It's normal for young puppies to be frightened or unsure about sleeping alone at first. Until today, he always slept with his littermates in a warm snuggly pile, with his mom nearby. So being by himself in a cold bed is scary, and not natural.

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