Should You Sleep Near a New Puppy? What the Science Says

Sleeping near your puppy isn’t about “spoiling” them.
It’s about meeting a basic need for safety, security, and connection during a vulnerable transition period.

As professional dog trainers working across London and Sussex, this is one of the most common questions we’re asked by new puppy guardians.

Should I Sleep Near My New Puppy?

Yes. Sleeping near a new puppy helps them feel safe and secure during their first nights at home.
Research shows that responsive care at this stage reduces stress, supports healthy development, and lowers the risk of separation anxiety later in life.

Why Sleeping Near Your Puppy Helps

Science-backed puppy training focuses on emotional wellbeing as much as behaviour. Here’s what the evidence shows:

🐾 Builds secure attachment, helping puppies feel safe with their humans
💤 Reduces stress and night-time crying, improving sleep for everyone
🧬 Supports healthy brain development by lowering stress hormones
🐶 Improves housetraining success by allowing quicker responses to puppy needs
😌 Encourages independence through security, not fear
🛏️ Prevents crate or separation aversion caused by early distress
💡 Helps puppies settle faster into a new home
🧘 Sets the foundation for trust and long-term behaviour

When puppies feel safe early on, confidence and independence develop naturally.

Does Sleeping Near a Puppy Cause Bad Habits?

No.
Sleeping near your puppy does not create dependency or “bad habits”.

In fact, puppies who feel secure are less likely to develop anxiety-related behaviours as they grow. Independence comes from feeling safe; not from being left to cope alone.

How Long Should I Sleep Near My Puppy?

You don’t need to do this forever.

Most puppies only need this support for the first few nights or weeks. Once they’re settled and relaxed, you can gradually increase distance without causing distress.

What the Research Says

RVC (2024): Ignoring puppy distress increases the risk of separation anxiety later in life.
PubMed (1993): Early separation (before 12 weeks) is linked to poorer health and emotional development.
Scott & Fuller (1950s): The 3–12 week socialisation window is critical for stress resilience and behaviour.

These findings underpin modern, ethical and welfare-led dog training practices.

Can Ignoring a Puppy Crying at Night Cause Problems?

Yes.
Leaving a puppy to cry through fear or distress can increase stress and contribute to long-term anxiety. Fear is an emotion, not a behaviour; and it cannot be “trained out” by ignoring it.