How to Get Puppies to Sleep Through the Night

A seven- to eight-week-old puppy needs about eighteen to twenty hours of sleep a day. In order for puppies to get the amount of sleep they need, they must get plenty of exercise, have regimented nap times, and take frequent potty breaks. When bringing a new puppy home for the first time, expect for there to be an adjustment period—it may take time for your new pup to settle into their new home. Consider providing a designated sleeping area, such as a dog bed or crate (if you use the latter, make sure you understand the basics of crate training). Make their bedtime routine a positive experience by incorporating dog treats, chew toys, and snuggles before turning in for the night. Playing white noise of classical music can help drown out puppy whining, especially if you’re crate training your puppy.

Puppies typically learn to sleep through the night by the time they’re about sixteen weeks of age. However, puppy owners can expedite the process by employing some tried-and-true dog training techniques, such as crate training. Don’t be alarmed if you bring home a new dog and they struggle to sleep through the night. The first night in a new home is a challenging event for young puppies and older dogs alike. With determination and a lot of patience, your puppy should start to sleep through the night around four months of age.

All dogs are different and will respond differently to training techniques. But there are some sleep training tips for helping your dog sleep through the night.

• Consider crate training. Crate training is helpful for potty training, providing a safe place while you’re away, and helping them get the sleep they need. Consider placing one or two inexpensive blankets at the bottom of your puppy’s crate. If possible, ask the breeder for a dog toy that has the scent of their litter-mates to place inside their crate. Some dog owners choose to place the dog crate near their own bed to help ease separation anxiety.
• Make time for daytime naps. Just like human babies, puppies are less likely to sleep when they’re overly tired. Don’t try to keep them awake all day in hopes that they’ll sleep through the night. Instead, provide lots of playtime and a comfy place for them to snooze throughout the day.
• Make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise. Regular play sessions provide physical and mental stimulation that helps tire your pup out and prepare them for a restful night of sleep.
• Keep a consistent bedtime routine. To help with house-training, limit your puppy’s food and water intake several hours before bedtime. A good bedtime routine could include playtime, cuddling, and a bathroom break to end the day.
• Be prepared for middle-of-the-night potty breaks. When you first bring home your furry family member, they will likely need to poop and pee in the middle of the night. When taking your dog out at night, calmly pick them up out of their kennel, take them outside, let them do their business, and immediately return them to their crate for sleeping.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.