How to teach your puppy to sleep at night

Updated 11/12/2023

We all love puppies. After all, they bring so much joy into our lives! But one of the most common problems pet parents face is teaching their puppies how to sleep through the night.

This can be a real challenge, but with a little bit of patience and perseverance, it can be done. We believe there's nothing you can't do with the power of puppy love!

Puppies need to learn how to sleep through the night for a few reasons. First, it helps them to get the rest they need in order to grow and develop properly. Secondly, it's important for their health and wellbeing.

Puppies that don't get enough sleep are more likely to develop behavior problems and can be less responsive to training. Finally, it helps to establish a routine for your puppy that will carry on into their adult life.

TrustedHousesitters is a pet-loving community that goes above and beyond to make sure all pets are happy and healthy. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on how to get your puppy to sleep at night.

How much do puppies sleep?

As a rule of thumb, puppies around 8 weeks of age sleep around 18-20 hours per day. This may seem like a lot, but they need all that sleep in order to grow and develop.  Puppies tend to have multiple naps during the day and sleep less solidly at night than older dogs do. This is probably because their brains are busy processing lots of information from their day and because they need to toilet more frequently. Read our blog post on the topic to find out more about how much sleep dogs need.

How long will a puppy sleep at night?

'How long a puppy will sleep at night' is another question. On average, a puppy will sleep for 6-10 hours per night. However, how long a puppy sleeps at night will depend on its age. Younger pups may wake frequently, but will start sleeping for longer periods as they get older.

Where should my puppy sleep at night?

Puppies should sleep in a comfortable and safe place where they can feel warm and secure. This may be in their crate, in a dog bed next to your bed, or in a separate room. It's important that the sleeping area is quiet and dark, and that the puppy isn't disturbed by noise or light.

Different methods to get your puppy to sleep

There are a few methods you can use to get your puppy to sleep through the night. The one that works best for your pup will depend on their personality and temperament. Here's how to help puppy sleep at night:

Follow a schedule

Always have a routine. This means getting them up at the same time each morning, taking them for walks and meals at the same time each day, and putting them to bed at the same time each night. Puppies are creatures of habit and they thrive on routine. By following a schedule, you will help your puppy to understand when it's time to take a nap, as well as when it's time for some fun in the yard.

Exercise and mental stimulation during the day

A tired puppy is a sleepy puppy! So make sure you give your pup plenty of exercise and mental stimulation during the day (something that obedience training for dogs is great for). A long walk in the morning followed by some playtime in the afternoon will help them to wear themselves out and be ready for a good night's sleep. Just remember to kiss them goodnight and don't forget to let them know what a Good Boy or Girl they've been!

Don't overfeed them at night

If your little pooch is full of energy at bedtime, it's likely because they've eaten too much. Be sure to feed them their last meal a few hours before going to bed so that they have time to digest their food and burn off some energy. Additionally, avoid giving them snacks or treats before bed as this will only make them more hyperactive. It's true your pup means the world to you and should get everything they ask for, but please keep treats for the daytime only!

Crate training

Crate training is an excellent way to help your puppy feel safe and secure at night. It also helps to prevent them from having accidents in the house.

Always make sure that your puppy's crate is comfortable and warm, with a soft bed or blanket to snuggle into. Never use the crate as a punishment, as this will only make your pup scared of it. Instead, use positive reinforcement, such as treats and toys, to make the crate a happy place for your pup.

Prepping your puppy for bed

Prepping your little cutie for bed means gradually winding down their activity level in the hours leading up to bedtime. Here’s how to get a puppy to sleep through the night:

Toilet time

During potty training, pups are still developing their bladder and bowel control, so they may need to relieve themselves two or more times during the night. Preplan your pup's nighttime potty breaks by creating toilet time before bedtime and again in the middle of the night. This will help avoid any accidents in the house.

Evening exercise

As we mentioned earlier, a tired pup is a sleepy pup! So be sure to tire them out before bedtime by giving them a nice long walk, getting in a tug of war, or playing fetch in the living room. This will help them to relax and drift off to sleep quickly at bedtime.

Brushing their teeth

Brushing your pup's teeth before bedtime will help keep their gums healthy and their breath smelling nice! Just use a soft toothbrush and some doggy toothpaste (never use human toothpaste as it can be harmful to dogs).

Bedtime routine

Create a bedtime routine for your pup that will help them to relax and prepare for sleep. This could include things like letting them out for one final toilet opportunity, brushing their teeth, or taking them to their sleeping place. By doing the same things each night in the same order, you will help your pup to know that it's time for bed – it's always a special moment when you can see them looking all sleepy and content!

Tips for helping a puppy to sleep through the night

• Establish a sleep training routine: Just like adults, young puppies need a bedtime routine to help them relax and prepare for sleep.
• Keep the sleeping area quiet: Be sure to keep your puppy's sleeping area quiet and without any bright lights or noises that could disturb them.
• Don't overstimulate them before bed: While some playtime before bed is fine, avoid overstimulating your puppy with too much activity so that you don't make it harder for them to settle down and sleep.
• Make the crate inviting: Make your puppy willing to sleep inside the crate by making it a cozy and happy place.
• Call 24/7 Vet Advice Line: If you’re a TrustedHousesitters Standard or Premium member and are worried about your puppy's sleep, you can call the 24/7 Vet Advice Line to talk to a nurse any time of day or night.

Once you've followed these tips, your puppy should be sleeping through the night in no time! Just remember to be patient and consistent, most puppies improve as they get older, and soon you'll have a well-rested pup who is ready to take on the day.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

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If you need more advice for puppies, here’s some guides that you’ll like: 

• Beginners guide to puppy training
• New puppy checklist
• How to toilet train a puppy

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