Knowing when your puppy is going to sleep through the night is one of those pivotal questions, but there’s no hard and fast answer.
Introducing a young puppy to a new home is a time of joy and excitement for pet parents. However, along with the joy comes a flurry of new challenges and responsibilities. One particular area of interest that often stresses new puppy owners is achieving a good night’s sleep.
Dealing with a new puppy that won’t sleep through the night can result in sleepless nights for all involved. There is reasoning behind these middle of the night awakenings – from small bladders leading to required potty breaks, to bursts of energy that can only be curbed at the crack of dawn, and the unavoidable anxiety of adjusting to a new environment.
It’s important to remember that, like human babies, young puppies also have certain sleep patterns inherent to their age and development. Understanding the nuances of these sleep patterns is key to navigating this common challenge, thereby promoting your furry friend’s optimal health and well-being.
Settling in a new puppy and all it entails might seem daunting, but there’s good news – just like many puppy parents before you have discovered, with time, patience, and the right techniques, your canine companion will eventually start sleeping through the night. So let’s embark on this journey together and explore exactly when puppies begin to sleep through the night and how we can ease the process.
When Do Puppies Sleep Through The Night?
This is the pivotal question, and sadly, there’s no precise answer. Some puppy parents say that their dog sleeps from the first night! And they’re really lucky.
But, typically this is driven by when puppy can hold their bladder long enough to go through the night time sleep that matches your night’s sleep.
If we say that’s 6-8hrs? Then this means you can expect this around 3 to 4 months of age.
This also depends on how well puppy is doing with Crate training, and toilet training.
Understanding Puppy Sleep Patterns
Just like their adult counterparts, puppies need a lot of sleep. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a young pup to snooze for 18-20 hours a day. But how much puppies sleep, when, and for how long, can vary based on several factors.
Puppies at different ages have distinct sleep patterns. For instance, a puppy just a few weeks of age might spend most of its time sleeping, especially since their tiny bodies are growing and developing at a rapid pace. After all, they’re essentially furry babies with very small bladders and require lots of energy for their rapid growth!
By the time they reach around three to four months of age, their sleep starts getting more in line with that of adult dogs. Their sleep pattern starts resembling a consolidated sleep schedule where they remain awake for longer periods during the day and start sleeping through a good portion of the night.
Numerous factors can affect a puppy’s sleep habits. One primary influence is their new home environment. Adjusting to a new home can be an anxiety-inducing experience for a puppy, leading to the onset of separation anxiety which could disrupt their sleep.
Additionally, their sleep could be affected by their daily routine. Keeping a strict check on the puppy’s water intake and providing timely meals can play a critical role in minimizing nighttime waking for toilet breaks.
Not to mention, mental stimulation and physical activity level during the day also impact a puppy’s sleep. Providing adequate playtime, training sessions, and opportunities to expend that puppy energy can promote a quieter night and deeper sleep.
Understanding your puppy’s sleep patterns is the first step in helping your furry friend – and you – get a good night’s sleep. So, let’s explore further how these sleeping patterns change as your puppy grows, and more importantly, how you can work towards achieving those calm, sleep-filled nights you’ve been dreaming of.
Development Milestones Related to Sleep
Grasping the milestones of your puppy’s sleep development is essential for both new and veteran pet parents. Puppies, like young human babies, go through significant changes within their first few months of life, all greatly impacting their sleeping habits. So let’s elaborate on this exciting time, breaking down the general timeline and week-by-week expectations up to 16 weeks.
During the first six months, bringing a new puppy home can seem like an adventure filled with squeaky toys, soft snuggles, and unfortunately, a lot of sleepless nights. Young puppies are known to sleep most of their day away, clocking in a staggering 18-20 hours of sleep. But don’t be fooled, sleep at this stage is often fragmented, occurring in short bursts of energy followed by long nap times. Whole night sleep is a foreign concept for them, as their small bladders call for frequent potty breaks, often in the middle of the night.
Towards the end of the third month (or around 16 weeks), your puppy has grown familiar with its new environment, and you’ve probably established a bedtime routine. At this stage, nighttime sleep episodes may extend and cover your whole night, and your puppy may begin to sleep more at night than during the day. This development is great news for weary puppy parents praying for a full night’s sleep!
As your puppy approaches seven to twelve months of age, you might notice a minor change in their sleeping patterns. While they still sleep a significant portion of the day- around 16-18 hours, they are likely to stay awake for slightly longer periods, notably during the day, and showing more activity level as their bodies and puppy’s brain begins to mature.
By the time your puppy reaches a year old, they’re developmentally akin to what you’d expect of human babies of about one to two years old. At this age, dogs still need about 14-16 hours of sleep in a 24-hour cycle. However, they can now sleep for longer periods at a stretch.
Remember! these are general guidelines and different dogs, even of the same age breed, may have different sleep requirements due to variation in activity levels or individual needs. As pet parents, the focus should be on ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment and a routine that facilitates enough sleep for your furry friend as they grow and develop.
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- Little book of puppy biting
- Socialization Guide
- Puppy Schedule Builder
- Core Training Pack
- Puppy Lifeskills Pack
Puppy Biting Solution
The little book of puppy biting is Ali’s guide to how to stop your puppy from biting – because we all know how tough it is!
This 20 page ebook guides you through:
- Why puppies bite
- What do do
- What not to do
- How to manage them
- And so much more
Enrichment guide
Kong’s are confusing, huh? They’re great tools, but they’re also really useful for stimulating your puppy’s brain – you just have to do it right.
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Establishing a Bedtime Routine
Establishing a bedtime routine is not just a great way to get a good night’s sleep — it’s essential for your puppy’s mental and physical well-being. Just like humans, puppies thrive on routine. A consistent bedtime routine helps signal to your puppy that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep, which can significantly improve sleep quality and duration, laying the foundation for healthy sleep habits that can last a lifetime.
Here are steps to create an effective bedtime routine for your new puppy, incorporating the journey from the excitement of bringing a puppy home to the tranquility of peaceful nights:
1. Create a Comfortable Sleeping Environment
Invest in a good quality dog bed for their safe place or a crate if you’re crate training. Ensure it’s cozy, warm, and located in a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of household activity. You might consider a crate cover to create a more den-like space for your puppy. A snuggle puppy, which often contains a heartbeat simulator and warmth, can also provide comfort and reduce separation anxiety.
2. Establish a Set Bedtime
Deciding on a specific time for bed each night helps set your puppy’s internal clock to expect bedtime, making it easier to fall asleep. Despite the lot of time they spend sleeping, having a specific bedtime can help concentrate more of those sleep hours during the night.
3. Include Quiet Time
Before the designated sleep time, include a period for your puppy to calm down from the day’s activities. This means reducing playtime and avoiding any stimulating activity that could make winding down difficult. A white noise machine can help soothe your puppy and drown out other household noise.
4. Last Call for Potty Breaks
Ensure you take your puppy out for one last toilet break before bed to reduce the chances of middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Puppies have small bladders, so making sure they empty them right before bedtime is crucial.
5. Stick to a Feeding Schedule
Monitor and control your puppy’s water and food intake in the evening. Giving meals and heavy water drinking too close to bedtime can lead to nighttime bathroom trips. It’s a good idea to have specific times for the last meal and slightly limit water before bed — of course, being careful not to withhold water for too long.
6. Routine Activities
Consistently performing the same few actions in order before bed can act as cues for your puppy. Whether it’s a gentle grooming session, a soft, comforting talk, or a specific ‘good night’ toy given only at bedtime, these actions can signal to your puppy that it’s time to settle down.
Following these steps can help ensure that your puppy — and consequently, you — enjoy a good night’s sleep. It’s beneficial not only for avoiding sleepless nights but also for your puppy’s brain development, immune system health, and overall happiness. Patience and consistency are key; it may take a little while for your puppy to adjust, but persistence will pay off in the form of restful nights and a well-adjusted canine companion.
Creating an Ideal Sleep Environment
Creating a conducive sleep environment for your pup can alleviate many sleep-related issues, in addition to promoting longer and deeper sleep sessions. There are various elements to consider when arranging the best bedtime environment for your furry friend.
Best Sleeping Arrangements for a Puppy
Where your puppy sleeps can significantly affect how well they sleep. Many puppy parents find crate training to be the optimal solution. Your puppy’s crate can provide a secure, den-like environment that comforts your puppy and reduces anxiety. The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down but not so large that they may decide to use a corner of it as the potty area.
Place the crate in a quiet, low-traffic part of the house where they won’t be disturbed or over-stimulated. If you prefer your puppy to sleep in your bedroom, keep the crate or sleeping area away from the bed to limit distractions.
If you’re not inclined towards crate training, consider an enclosed puppy-safe area with a comfortable dog bed. It’s essential to puppy-proof the area by removing any hazardous objects, loose wires, or anything your puppy might chew.
Toys and Comfort Items That Aid Sleep
Toys can be a great way to keep your pup entertained during the day, but they can also double up as comfort items to aid sleep. Soft plush toys or a snuggle puppy that mimic the warmth and heartbeat of another dog can be a comforting presence for your pup, helping to relieve anxiety and promote better sleep.
A special tip is to have a ‘bedtime-only’ soft toy. Giving it to your puppy only at bedtime can help signal them that it’s time to settle down for sleep. Do ensure all toys are safe for your pup – avoid any with small, removable parts that may be a choking hazard.
Calming aids like pheromone diffusers or sprays, which mimic dog-appeasing pheromones, can also help create a soothing environment. And remember, sometimes, the most comforting item of all for your pup can be an old t-shirt or a soft blanket that carries your scent.
This device works a treat – we use it all the time at home when we’re trying to capture calmness whether that’s when we’ve got big machinery going in the yard – or with fireworks – and it works awesomely with puppies too.
This is my favourite bed, and very much a long lasting phenomenal investment. They also do crate pads!
If you are struggling getting puppy to settle, something like this heartbeat toy can really help them settle in their new environment and not feel so lonely.
this may be an affiliated link and I may earn a small comission, however this does not change my opinion in any way!
Common Sleep Issues For Puppies and Troubleshooting
Puppies, much like human infants, can experience a variety of sleep issues as they adjust to life in their new home. Identifying and effectively handling these disturbances can lead to better rest for both puppy and owner.
Typical Puppy Sleep Disturbations and What to Do
1. Nighttime Whining and Barking
This common issue could be due to the need for a potty break, hunger, or simply seeking attention. To reduce the chances of this behavior, ensure your puppy has gone to the bathroom before bedtime and has had enough playtime and exercise during the day to tire them out. If the behavior persists without a clear cause, you may well be rushing your separation training, and I’d thoroughly advise closing the distance between you and puppy whilst puppy sleeps, or investing in a heartbeat toy.
2. Frequent Waking
Your puppy might wake up several times at night due to discomfort, noise, or the need to eliminate. Having a consistent bedtime routine and a comfortable sleeping environment can mitigate this problem. If it’s a potty issue, the frequency should lessen as your puppy ages and gains bladder control.
3. Restlessness or Insomnia
Sometimes puppies can show signs of restlessness or insomnia due to overstimulation before bedtime or an inconsistent sleep schedule. Establishing a quiet, relaxing pre-sleep routine can help ensure they’re in the right state of mind to snooze through the night.
4. Separation Anxiety
This can be a major cause of sleep disturbance for puppies. Providing a comforting item like a piece of your clothing can help, as well as gradually getting them used to the idea of being alone for short periods.
5. Teething
Around 16 weeks, your puppy will start teething. Teething is really painful for our puppies, and at this time, you can expect (much like human children) that your pup’s sleep will go out of the window around this time. That’s normal. Give them something cold like a cold carrot, frozen washcloth or similar, and if needed, bring them back closer to you to sleep to give them the additional comfort they may need.
How to Ensure Your Puppy’s Needs Are Met to Avoid Nighttime Waking
1. Sufficient Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Balancing out your puppy’s day is a really important part of your puppy’s day. Giving adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation during the day will help your puppy to sleep well overnight.
2. Last Potty Break
A last call for a bathroom break before bedtime is crucial to avoid accidents or waking up during the night. Keep this potty break calm and low-key to not excite your puppy before bed.
3. Proper Feeding Schedule
Feed your puppy at least a few hours before bedtime to ensure they’ve had enough time to digest their food and go potty. Avoid any heavy meals right before sleep, because they’re going to need to wake up to pee and poop!
4. Cozy Bed
A warm, comfortable bed that’s free from drafts and noise can help your puppy settle and feel secure.
5. Addressing Health Concerns
Keep an eye out for any indications that your puppy may not be feeling well, such as changes in sleep patterns or potty habits. A visit to the vet can rule out or treat any potential medical issues.
By understanding the typical disturbances to a puppy’s sleep and taking steps to address them, you can significantly improve the chances of your puppy — and therefore, you — getting a restful night’s sleep.
Consistency, understanding, and responding to your puppy’s needs will eventually help overcome most sleep issues. Always remember that patience is key during these formative weeks and months. With love, care, and a bit of troubleshooting, your puppy should be well on their way to establishing healthy sleep patterns.
Training Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night
Proper sleep training can help teach your puppy to sleep soundly and comfortably throughout the night. These techniques can encourage good habits and reduce the stress often associated with acclimating a new puppy to their home.
Sleep Training Techniques Specific to Puppies
1. Establish a Routine
Puppies thrive on routines. Setting a specific time for bed and creating a pre-sleep ritual can help to signal that the day is winding down. This ritual can include lower energy activities such as gentle petting, a calm potty break, listening to soft music or chilling on the sofa with the TV on!
2. Crate Training
Using a crate can be an effective tool in sleep training. The crate should be a safe and comfortable environment, providing a secure space that the puppy views as their own. Make sure to introduce crate training positively and gradually. Crate training is another step though.
3. Positive Reinforcement
When your puppy sleeps well or remains calm during the night, offer praise and rewards. Positive reinforcement can promote good behavior, including remaining quiet and settled through the night.
5. Limit Evening Stimulus
An hour or so before bedtime, start to dim the lights, reduce noise levels, encourage settling and limit any hyperactive play. This helps your puppy settle down and recognize that it’s almost time to sleep.
OR
6. Consistent Stimulus
If you live in a busy environment, like a city or town, or beside a train line or airport, you may consider white noise and curtains to manage exposure, and focus on the position of your dog’s crate or bed to ensure that they’re in a relatively stable environment, so that you’re not suddenly getting woken up by your puppy because of the first train in the morning or similar.
Crate covers work really well for managing light exposure too.
A comination of all my best selling puppy books! Contains;
- Little book of puppy biting
- Socialization Guide
- Puppy Schedule Builder
- Core Training Pack
- Puppy Lifeskills Pack
Puppy Biting Solution
The little book of puppy biting is Ali’s guide to how to stop your puppy from biting – because we all know how tough it is!
This 20 page ebook guides you through:
- Why puppies bite
- What do do
- What not to do
- How to manage them
- And so much more
Enrichment guide
Kong’s are confusing, huh? They’re great tools, but they’re also really useful for stimulating your puppy’s brain – you just have to do it right.
this may be an affiliated link and I may earn a small comission, however this does not change my opinion in any way!
When to Seek Professional Help
Let me caveat this whole section by saying exceedingly few dogs or puppies have true sleep “issues” unlike humans. While many puppies will respond well to a consistent sleep training regimen, there may be times when reaching out to a professional could be beneficial.
1. Persistent Sleep Disturbances
If despite all efforts, your puppy is not sleeping through the night and it’s affecting their health or behavior, it might be time to talk to a professional.
2. Excessive Nighttime Anxiety
Some puppies may exhibit distressing levels of anxiety, crying uncontrollably, or showing destructive behavior when left alone at night. A professional dog trainer can offer strategies and solutions, which may include behavior modification techniques.
3. Health-Related Sleep Issues
If your puppy exhibits signs of health issues such as frequent nighttime urination, it’s essential to seek the advice of your vet to rule out any medical problems.
By skillfully applying these sleep training techniques and monitoring your puppy’s progress, you can guide them into healthy sleep habits. However, never hesitate to consult with professionals if challenges arise that are beyond the scope of routine training. They can provide tailored insights and advanced strategies to ensure both you and your puppy enjoy peaceful, uninterrupted nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best sleeping arrangement for a puppy?
Puppies often sleep best in a secure, comfortable environment. Many puppy parents find crate training to be an effective way to provide a confined and safe space. However, some might prefer a puppy-proofed area with a comfortable dog bed.
Q2: How can I ensure my puppy’s needs are met to avoid nighttime waking?
To prevent nighttime waking, make sure your puppy gets sufficient exercise during the day, has a proper feeding schedule, and gets their last potty break before bedtime. Also, provision of a cozy sleep area and swift addressing of any health concerns are crucial.
Q3: What are some common sleep issues for puppies?
Common sleep issues include nighttime whining and barking, frequent waking, restlessness or insomnia, and separation anxiety. Effective troubleshooting may include setting a routine, positive reinforcement, and addressing any underlying health concerns.
Q4: How can I train my puppy to sleep through the night?
You can use various sleep training techniques such as establishing a routine, crate training, using positive reinforcement, practicing controlled comforting, ignoring attention-seeking behavior, and limiting evening stimulus.
Q5: When should I seek professional help for my puppy’s sleep issues?
You should consider seeking professional help if your puppy’s sleep disturbances persist despite your efforts, if they show excessive nighttime anxiety, or if they have health-related sleep issues. A professional dog trainer or a vet can provide specialized strategies and solutions.
Q6: Can toys or comfort items help my puppy sleep better at night?
Yes, providing a special ‘bedtime-only’ toy or a comfort item like an old t-shirt with your scent can help soothe your puppy and may lead to better sleep at night.
Q7: How long does it typically take to sleep train a puppy?
The time it takes to sleep train a puppy can vary. Many puppies can start to sleep through the night by 4-6 months of age, but this depends on individual development and the consistency of the training routine.
Q8: Is it normal for puppies to experience sleep disturbances after changing homes?
Yes, it’s very normal for puppies to experience some sleep disturbances after bringing them to a new home, as they are adapting to a new environment and schedule. Consistency and comfort are key in helping them adjust.
Q9: How much sleep does a puppy typically need?
Puppies often need between 15-20 hours of sleep per day, depending on their age and breed. They usually sleep more than adult dogs as they are growing and developing rapidly.
Q10: What should I do if my puppy cries during the night?
If your puppy cries during the night, ensure that they don’t need a potty break or aren’t in any distress. If all their needs are met, you may use controlled comforting techniques, but make sure not to encourage the behavior.
Q11: Are there any specific breeds that have more sleep issues than others?
While individual puppies within any breed can have sleep issues, some breeds with high energy levels or predispositions for anxiety might face more challenges. Consult with your vet for breed-specific advice.
Q12: Should I wake my puppy up to go potty at night, or wait for them to wake me?
This depends on your puppy’s age and bladder control. Younger puppies usually need one or two potty breaks at night. As they grow and can hold their bladder for longer, they’ll need fewer nighttime breaks.
Q13: How can I tell if my puppy’s sleep schedule aligns with their natural sleep rhythm?
Observe your puppy’s behavior. If they seem well-rested, alert, and happy during their waking hours and settle down easily, it’s likely that their sleep schedule is fitting their requirements.
Q14: Can a puppy’s diet affect its sleep?
Yes, a puppy’s diet can indeed impact their sleep. Heavy meals close to bedtime, or the wrong balance of nutrients, might cause discomfort or energy spikes. Stick to a balanced diet and establish a consistent feeding routine earlier in the evening.
Q15: Is it better to keep the puppy in the same sleeping spot every night?
Consistency is comforting to puppies. Keeping the same sleeping spot can help them feel more secure and promotes a sense of routine which aids in better sleep habits.
Conclusion
Training a puppy to sleep through the night can be a challenge but is much easier with our Rebarkable Puppy Bundle. This resource, created by a qualified trainer, provides practical step-by-step solutions based on positive reinforcement techniques. It’s an investment for smoother training, building a strong bond with your puppy, and restoring peace in your house.
Don’t delay your puppy’s perfect night’s sleep – get your Rebarkable Puppy Bundle today!
Author, Ali Smith
Ali Smith is a professional, qualified, and multi-award winning trainer is the founder of rebarkable. She has always believed animals deserve kindness and champions force free methods. Believing that dog guardians will all choose the kindest options if proper information is provided, she aims to help all dog guardians who need it and make dog training as accessible as possible
Ali lives win Maryland, US with her husband and her three dogs.
