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Getting Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night

September 1, 2013

While it may take a while for your new puppy to sleep through the entire night, there are a few ways you can help your puppy stay quiet and relaxed at nighttime, letting you sleep longer. Here, a West Greenwich vet tells you how.

No Food or Water Before Bed

Since a puppy’s bladder is much smaller than an adult dog’s, they can’t hold it as long. If they go to sleep on a full stomach and bladder, it won’t be long before they’re whining to go out. Don’t feed your puppy in the three hours before bedtime, and do your best to withhold water for the last hour or so. This should elongate the time he sleeps through the night.

One Last Bathroom Break

Just before bed, take your puppy out for the night’s last bathroom break. Eliminating just before bed—along with limited food and water in the last several hours—should extend the time your pup sleeps at night.

Tire Your Pup Out

Sometime before heading to bed, schedule a play session with your pup. Romp around with him, using toys, and get him moving around actively. With any luck, he’ll be all tuckered out by the time you’re heading to bed, zoning out for hours before waking up again. Consult your veterinarian for advice on good, healthy exercise for your dog.

Put Puppy’s Crate in Your Room

Assuming your puppy is already crate-trained, you can consider putting the crate in your bedroom. Many puppies will feel more comfortable sleeping alongside their owners, rather than being left alone in another room. This comfort may help your pup sleep longer and more soundly. Another advantage is that your pup will be right there when he does eventually have to go—you won’t have to stumble through the dark house to find his crate.

Our Advice on Getting Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night in 2024

Why is limiting a puppy’s food and water intake important before bedtime?

Limiting a puppy’s food and water intake before bedtime is crucial because their smaller bladders cannot hold as much for long periods, making them more prone to needing bathroom breaks during the night. Reducing intake in the hours leading up to sleep decreases the likelihood of middle-of-the-night whining and accidents, promoting uninterrupted sleep for the puppy and owner. This practice helps establish a consistent nighttime routine, contributing to the puppy’s overall house training and comfort through the night.

How can physical activity before bed help your puppy sleep better?

Engaging your puppy in physical activity before bed helps exhaust their energy, making them more likely to be tired and ready for sleep. This playtime not only aids in physical development but also stimulates their mind, contributing to overall well-being. As a result, the puppy is less restless and more inclined to settle down for a longer, more peaceful sleep through the night. This approach aligns with their natural cycle of activity and rest, ensuring they receive the necessary restorative sleep for healthy growth and development.

What role does crate placement have in helping a puppy sleep through the night?

Placing a puppy’s crate in your bedroom can significantly aid in helping them sleep through the night. This setup offers the puppy a sense of security and comfort, knowing their owner is nearby, which can reduce anxiety and distress that might otherwise disrupt their sleep. Additionally, having the crate nearby enables immediate response to the puppy’s needs, such as a late-night bathroom break, minimizing disturbances. This arrangement fosters a stronger bond between the puppy and owner, encouraging a more peaceful and consistent sleep pattern.

How does making a puppy comfortable at night affect its sleeping pattern?

Making a puppy comfortable at night significantly improves its sleeping pattern by reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of security, leading to more extended and restful periods of sleep. Comfortable bedding, a familiar-smelling item, and a quiet environment can mimic the warmth and coziness of sleeping with littermates, easing the transition to sleeping alone. This stability helps establish a consistent sleep-wake cycle, which is crucial for the puppy’s physical and emotional development. A well-rested puppy is more alert, happier, and has a better temperament during the day.

What are the benefits of having your puppy’s crate in your bedroom?

Having your puppy’s crate in your bedroom offers numerous benefits, including promoting a sense of security and comfort, which can significantly reduce nighttime anxiety and stress. This arrangement fosters a stronger bond between the puppy and owner, as the puppy feels the presence of their caregiver, easing the transition to a new environment. Additionally, it allows for quicker response to the puppy’s needs, such as bathroom breaks, making house training more efficient. Overall, this setup contributes to a more peaceful sleep for the puppy and the owner.

After a few weeks, puppies should be learning to sleep longer hours at night, letting you get your beauty sleep again. Ask your West Greenwich, RI veterinarian for more advice and tips.

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