How to Get Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night | Tips for New Puppy Owners

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience, but it can come with some sleepless nights! If your puppy is having trouble settling and sleeping through the night, don’t worry. We’ve got expert tips to help you and your puppy get a good night’s rest.

1. Provide Enough Exercise & Mental Stimulation

A tired puppy is more likely to sleep through the night. Make sure your puppy gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation during the day. Short walks (if fully vaccinated), play sessions, and training activities are great ways to burn off energy. Just avoid over-stimulating them before bedtime, as an overtired puppy can struggle to settle.

2. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine for Your Puppy

Just like us, puppies benefit from a consistent bedtime routine. Creating a calm, predictable schedule before bed can signal to your puppy that it’s time to wind down. A short walk (if your puppy is fully vaccinated), followed by quiet time and a final toilet break, can help your puppy get ready for sleep. Routines also provide reassurance, helping your puppy feel more secure at night.

3. Create the Ideal Sleeping Environment for Your Puppy

Setting up a cosy, secure space is crucial for helping your puppy sleep through the night. Here are some tips for creating a suitable sleeping area:

• Location: Place your puppy’s bed or crate in a quiet area, away from household noise but close enough for them to feel secure. In the early days, keeping your puppy’s bed near your room can help reduce anxiety.
• Crate Training for Puppies: Crate training can be an effective tool for night-time. A crate offers a den-like environment that helps many puppies feel secure. If you’re considering crate training, check out our guide        to see if it’s the right choice for you and your pup.
• Comfortable Bedding: Ensure your puppy’s bed or crate is comfortable, with soft bedding and enough room for them to move. Adding a blanket with familiar scents (like a blanket from their litter or a piece of your clothing) can help soothe them at night.
• Room Temperature: Puppies have a harder time regulating their body temperature, so make sure their sleeping area isn’t too hot or cold. A comfortable room temperature will help them stay cosy throughout the night.
• Soothing Sounds: Some puppies may benefit from soft background noise, like white noise or calming music, which can help drown out unfamiliar sounds and make them feel more relaxed.

4. Offer a Final Toilet Break

Puppies have small bladders, and a final toilet break before bedtime can reduce the likelihood of midnight wake-ups. Make sure your puppy has the chance to relieve themselves right before settling down for the night.

5. How Much Sleep Do Puppies Need?

Did you know that puppies need around 18 to 20 hours of sleep each day? Sleep is essential for your puppy’s growth and development, so make sure they’re getting enough rest throughout the day and night.

6. Be Patient and Consistent

Remember, adjusting to a new home and learning to sleep through the night takes time. If your puppy wakes during the night, keep the interaction calm and brief. With patience and consistency, your puppy will soon start to sleep longer and settle more easily at night.

Need Help with Puppy Training?

At Jordan Dog Training, we offer expert puppy training programs that cover everything from toilet training to teaching your puppy to sleep through the night. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help!