Raising a puppy can be as exciting as it can be exhausting, with many new owners finding themselves up at odd hours of the night.
Much like human babies, puppies need reassurance and routine as they settle into a predictable sleep schedule.
How long should puppies sleep?
Puppies require much more sleep than adult dogs- often between 18 and 20 hours each day.
Extended periods of rest supports their growth, mental development, and overall well-being. Without enough downtime, your puppy may become overexcited and they may find it difficult to adapt to life in their new home.
Naps should be scattered throughout the day, with longer stretches overnight. This can then be adjusted depending on their age and developmental stage.
How long will a puppy sleep at night?
When your puppy first arrives home, they will need lots of attention, company and frequent toilet breaks. This can mean sleep is disturbed, particularly during the housetraining phase.
By the time they are around four-months-old, some puppies can sleep through the night, but this will depend on their breed, individual bladder control and their bedtime routine.
How can I get my puppy to sleep through the night?
Habits throughout the day will have a direct impact on nighttime rest, so it's important to be mindful of your puppies overall routine.
These simple steps will all go a long way in helping your puppy sleep soundly through the night:
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Physical and mental stimulation
Daily walks, supervised play and simple games around the house will all help ensure puppies are ready to unwind at bedtime.
Exercise and physical activity should be combined with plenty of mental stimulation, in the form of brain games and interactive toys.
Too much excitement right before bed may lead to overstimulation and high energy levels, making settling your puppy down more difficult. Try to wrap up high-energy activities earlier in the evening, reserving the last hour for quiet games and gentle affection. This will result in a calmer transition to sleep.
Feeding schedule and timings
To avoid disrupting sleep, refrain from offering large amounts of food or treats too close to bedtime.
Plan dinner two or three hours before turning the lights out, using your puppy's mealtime to signal the approach of quiet hours.
Toilet breaks
Young puppies- especially those under four-months-old rarely make it through the night without needing a bathroom break.
Take your puppy outside for a final potty break before bed, ideally within fifteen minutes of their bedtime. Offer praise for calm behaviour and encourage a quick return to bed, avoiding the temptation to turn these outings into late-night play sessions.
Bedtime routines for a good puppy sleep schedule
Predictable habits help your puppy associate certain cues with winding down and relaxing, which plays a fundamental part in setting them up for success.
Try to stick to the same times for waking, napping, enrichment and meals throughout the day, in addition to making your pup's bedtime routine as soothing as possible.
Consider where your puppy will be sleeping. Is the space cosy and relaxing?
Creating a comfortable resting spot is essential for proper sleep. Many puppies feel safest with a comfortable bed that is warm, soft, and familiar. Placing items that carry comforting scents- such as a t-shirt worn by you- near their sleeping area can offer extra reassurance. Dim lighting and gentle white noise from a fan or machine helps block out disruptions and any unwanted noise.
If your puppy becomes restless or vocal, it's important not to let them cry it out. It's natural for puppies to crave companionship at night, with research suggesting scolding a puppy can actually make them more anxious about going to sleep.
Reaching the point of uninterrupted sleep is a gradual process. Every puppy learns at their own pace, and setbacks are normal. Try to celebrate each small victory, such as fewer interruptions as the days go by.
Time, a structured bedtime and thoughtful planning will have your puppy sleeping through the night in no time.
