Congratulations on adopting a puppy! You are about to experience a whirlwind of joy, excitement, and love, along with some challenging nights. The key to teaching your puppy to sleep is establishing a routine, structure, and consistent feeding and water times. The good news is that puppies thrive on routine, and with our guidance, you can smoothly transition your pup from waking up multiple times a night to sleeping through without any disturbances.
During the initial weeks, it is common for a puppy to not sleep through the night right away. This is because they are still getting acclimated to their new environment and may feel curious. Nonetheless, it is your responsibility to ensure their success by taking appropriate measures.
By following a consistent routine, you will notice progress within a few weeks. Typically, puppies become capable of holding their bladder and sleeping through the night between 16 to 18 weeks old, which is equivalent to 3 to 4 months. However, it is important to remember that errors made at the start can have long-lasting effects. Fortunately, we have tips approved by trainers and insider knowledge for pet parents to help you stay on track.
How to Get Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night
1. Get Your Puppy Used to Their Crate
Although it may seem bothersome, crate training is essential for peace of mind in the future. Sleeping in your bed should be avoided until your puppy is capable of holding their bladder overnight, as it will likely result in wet sheets. To prevent waking up in a damp area, provide your puppy with a crate or enclosed space with comfortable bedding for the night.
2. Establish a Bedtime Routine
In order to maintain a consistent bedtime routine for your puppy, it is important to plan ahead and follow the same steps each night. Begin by gradually reducing food intake a few hours before bedtime and shift the focus to activities that induce relaxation. Create a soothing environment by dimming the lights, playing gentle classical music, and providing a cozy nest for your puppy to curl up in. Consider including one of your worn clothing items in their bedding to make them feel more connected to you.
Rather than experimenting with different sleeping areas, it is advisable to sleep in close proximity to the crate. It is possible that a young puppy may experience heightened anxiety when left alone or fear of missing out on activities. Therefore, encouraging the puppy to perceive it as bedtime for both of you might alleviate their FOMO and ease their anxiety.
3. Meet Their Physical & Mental Needs
If your puppy has been mentally and physically exhausted during the day, they are much more likely to sleep through the night. Even if your puppy cannot go for walks yet due to incomplete vaccinations, it is still feasible to tire them out either at home or in your yard.
4. Respect Their Potty Schedule
Allocate 5-10 minutes before bedtime for your puppy to relieve themselves outdoors. Generally, puppies will require elimination approximately 20 to 30 minutes following their meal; however, it is advisable to allow them outside, even if they have already done so, as a precautionary measure. Although puppies can endure longer periods without urination during the night, ensuring they urinate before going to sleep is also an advantageous practice for future potty training.
5. Set a Timer for Midnight Potty Breaks
If your puppy sleeps in a crate, you will likely need to take them out for a bathroom break during the night. Puppies are unable to hold their urine for extended periods of time because their bodies are not capable of it. Additionally, puppies do not enjoy being confined in their waste, so if an accident occurs, they will alert you. (It is preferable that they inform you, or else you will be surprised in the morning!)
6. Ignore Barking and Whining
If your puppy has already gone to the bathroom, disregard their pleas for your attention. One of the quickest things a puppy can learn is that whining and barking will prompt you to come over. If they are aware that all they need to do is create some noise to capture your attention, you will never be able to have a peaceful night’s sleep.
7. Adjust Your Definition of “Sleeping Through the Night”
During the initial phases of being a puppy, “sleeping through the night” refers to waking up between 5 and 6 a.m. Similar to newborns, puppies in their early stages are expected to be refreshed and energetic in the morning as they are still adapting to sleeping soundly. It is a typical aspect of being a pet parent to wake up early and take your puppy outside right away.
BONUS: How To Crate Train Your Dog
The length of time it takes to crate train a dog varies depending on factors such as age, temperament, and past experiences. When crate training, it is crucial to remember two important things. Firstly, the crate should always be linked to positive experiences. Additionally, the training process should be broken down into small, gradual steps to prevent rushing through it.
Step 1 involves the introduction of your dog to the crate.
Place the crate in a frequently used section of your house, like the family room. Line the crate with a cozy blanket or towel. Approach your dog alongside the crate and communicate in a cheerful tone. Ensure the crate door is securely propped open to prevent any sudden scares for your dog.
To motivate your dog to go into the crate, start by placing some small food treats near it, then inside the door, and finally completely inside the crate. If initially, he doesn’t go all the way in, that’s alright – don’t compel him to enter. Keep throwing treats into the crate until your dog walks calmly all the way inside to retrieve the food. If he doesn’t show an interest in treats, attempt throwing a beloved toy inside the crate. This process can take a few minutes or even several days.
Step 2: Providing your dog with its meals inside the crate.
Start by introducing your dog to the crate and then start feeding him his regular meals near the crate. This will help your dog associate the crate with a positive experience. If your dog willingly goes into the crate during the next step, place the food dish at the back of the crate. However, if your dog is still hesitant to go inside, only put the dish as far in as he is comfortable. Gradually move the dish further back in the crate each time you feed him.
Begin by having your dog stand comfortably in the crate to eat his meal, then close the door while he’s eating. After he finishes his meal, open the door right away. Gradually increase the amount of time the door stays closed with each subsequent feeding, until he remains in the crate for approximately 10 minutes after eating. If he starts to whine in order to be released, you may have extended the time too quickly. In that case, try keeping him in the crate for a shorter period of time next time. If he continues to whine or cry while in the crate, it is essential that you do not let him out until he stops. Otherwise, he will learn that whining is an effective way to be released from the crate and he will continue to do it.
Step 3: Gradually training your dog to stay in the crate for extended periods
Once your dog is comfortable eating his regular meals inside the crate without showing any signs of fear or anxiety, you can start confining him there for short periods of time while you are at home. Use a treat to call him over to the crate and then give him a treat. Prompt him to enter the crate by giving the command “kennel up” and pointing to the inside while holding a treat. Once your dog goes inside, praise him, give him the treat, and close the door.
In order to acclimate your dog to the crate, follow these steps: 1. Initially, sit calmly near the crate for a duration of five to 10 minutes. After that, move to another room for a few minutes. 2. Return and repeat the process of sitting quietly near the crate for a short time. Once done, release your dog from the crate. 3. Repeat these steps multiple times throughout the day. 4. Gradually increase the duration of time you spend away from your dog’s sight and the duration of time your dog stays in the crate with each repetition. 5. When your dog is able to stay calmly in the crate for approximately 30 minutes without you present for the majority of the time, you can start leaving your dog crated for short periods of time when you’re away or allowing them to sleep in the crate at night. 6. It may take several days or even weeks to reach this stage.
Step 4: Preparing a crate for your dog.
- Part A: Crating your dog when left alone
After your dog is spending about 30 minutes in the crate without becoming anxious or afraid, you can begin leaving him crated for short periods when you leave the house. Put him in the crate using your regular command and a treat. You might also want to leave him with a few safe toys in the crate. You’ll want to vary at what point in your “getting ready to leave” routine you put your dog in the crate. Although he shouldn’t be crated for a long time before you leave, you can crate him anywhere from five to 20 minutes prior to leaving. Don’t make your departures emotional and prolonged, but matter-of-fact. Praise your dog briefly, give him a treat for entering the crate and then leave quietly. When you return home, don’t reward your dog for excited behavior by responding to him in an excited, enthusiastic way. Keep arrivals low key. Continue to crate your dog for short periods from time to time when you’re home so he doesn’t associate crating with being left alone. Your dog should not be left alone in the crate for more than four to five hours at a time during the day. - Part B: Crating your dog at night
Put your dog in the crate using your regular command and a treat. Initially, it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside to eliminate during the night, and you’ll want to be able to hear your puppy when he whines to be let outside. Older dogs, too, should initially be kept nearby so that crating doesn’t become associated with social isolation. Once your dog is sleeping comfortably through the night with his crate near you, you can begin to gradually move it to the location you prefer.
