BEDDING:  It's highly recommended that your precious puppy spend much of the next several weeks in a crate.  It's great for house training (see our page on recommendations for this fun process!), but it also helps the little one feel secure in a nest-like environment, especially at night.  It needs to be just large enough for the puppy to stretch out and stand up in, but not large enough for him/her to potty in one end and sleep in the other (puppies will keep their sleeping nest clean).  Some people opt for buying a small plastic kennel to start off with, knowing that they will need to purchase a larger one when their dog is full grown (although a 24" plastic crate is good if you want to place a Snuggle Puppy in the crate to help with loneliness at night).  Others go with a metal crate that has a divider panel which can be adjusted to enlarge the crate as the dog grows.  You can choose between the 24" or 30" metal crate - I prefer the 30" so that the puppy can grow into it.  If you do choose the metal crate option, be sure to place a blanket around the crate to create a dark, nest-like feel to it. Then add a comfy washable cushion to make it feel like home.  It's recommended that the kennel or crate be placed in a room far away from where you sleep.  You will need to get up once during the night to take him/her outside to potty, but aside from that, you need your sleep!

​

If you would like, you can bring your cushion and Snuggle Puppy (or other stuffed toy) with you on Visitation Day - that way we can have the mom and littermates lay on and play with them and then you will have their scents ready to bring home with you.  We have heard back from folks that this has really helped the transition to their new home and new surroundings!