Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting adventure, but it can also mean sleepless nights for both you and your furry friend. Puppies are full of energy and curiosity, and they do not yet have a clear understanding of when it’s time to sleep. However, with the right strategies and a bit of patience, you can help your puppy settle into a healthy sleep routine. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips to help you teach your puppy how to sleep through the night so you can both enjoy a peaceful night of rest.
Follow a Consistent Daytime Schedule
Within a 24-hour period, expect your puppy to sleep anywhere from 16-20 hours. Although this may seem like a lot, keep in mind that puppies are similar to babies and need lots of sleep to grow and learn new skills. Although it may be tempting to let your puppy sleep as much as they want, it’s important to have them follow a structured schedule. Creating a daily routine can help your puppy adjust to nighttime sleep more easily. When you feed, play with, train, and conduct potty breaks for your puppy at the same times each day, they begin to understand what to expect next. A regular schedule helps regulate their internal clock and can make them more ready for bed when the time comes.
Tire Your Puppy Out
Just like children, puppies need plenty of physical and mental exercise during the day to burn off excess energy. A tired puppy is more likely to fall and stay asleep at night. If your puppy hasn’t gotten enough stimulation during the day, they may struggle to wind down at night. To prepare your pup for bed, we recommend taking them on regular walks, playing fetch, having a puppy playdate, or letting them run around the backyard.
Another way to tire your puppy out is to start training them. Not only is teaching your puppy basic commands vital, but it also provides them with mental stimulation that will tire them out as well. If you want to combine physical and mental stimulation, engage your puppy in interactive play. You can have them play hide-and-seek, puzzle toys, or puppy-friendly games. Make sure that your puppy gets plenty of exercise, but try to avoid excessive play right before bed. You want your puppy to be tired, but not overstimulated, which can actually make it harder for them to settle down.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Space
A comfortable and secure sleeping environment is crucial for helping your puppy feel relaxed enough to sleep through the night. Puppies often feel more at ease when they have a designated space where they can retreat. Many experts recommend crate training, which is helpful for both sleep and potty training. Crate training provides your pup with a designated area that they will associate with sleeping. Adding soft bedding and a familiar-smelling object can make the space feel more comforting. We also recommend positioning the crate in a quiet area of the house, which helps minimize distractions and makes your puppy feel secure. An established, comfortable sleep space will help your puppy feel safe and encourage better sleep habits.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime routine is one of the most effective ways to help your puppy learn to sleep through the night. Establish a calming routine each evening to signal to your puppy that it’s time to wind down. Start with quieter activities like gentle play or cuddling, and follow it with a potty break right before bed. Doing the same things every night helps your puppy understand that it’s time for rest. Over time, they will start to associate these activities with bedtime. Additionally, setting a regular bedtime each night helps regulate your puppy’s sleep cycle. The more predictable your puppy’s nighttime routine is, the easier it will be for them to settle into a restful night of sleep.
When Do Puppies Start Sleeping Through the Night?
Although there’s no set timeline for when your puppy will start sleeping through the night, you can expect them to learn this by the time they’re around 16 weeks old. However, this will depend on their training and overall development. If you’re having trouble getting Fido to sleep through the night, be patient with yourself and them. Each puppy adjusts to their new environment differently, so plan to be patient and adaptable during this stage.
Teaching your puppy to sleep through the night takes time, consistency, and patience, but it’s definitely achievable. By following these tips, you’ll set a foundation for consistent sleep. Remember, every puppy is different, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for yours. With these expert tips, you and your puppy are on your way to a peaceful, uninterrupted night of sleep.