How to Get a Puppy to Sleep Through the Night
1. Why Your Puppy Isn't Sleeping at Night
You brought home a fluffy bundle of joy, and then night fell. If your puppy is not sleeping at night, you're probably exhausted, frustrated, and Googling solutions at 3 AM. You're not alone. According to the American Kennel Club, sleepless nights during the first few weeks are normal with a new puppy, and the good news is, it doesn't have to last forever.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly why puppies wake up during the night, how long it typically takes them to sleep through, and the proven, step by step strategies for how to get a puppy to sleep through the night. By the end, you'll have a clear action plan to transform those restless nights into peaceful ones.
2. Understanding Why Your Puppy Is Not Sleeping at Night
2.1 Natural Puppy Sleep Behavior
Puppies sleep between 18 and 20 hours per day. So why is yours wide awake at midnight? According to PetMD, their sleep cycles are short and fragmented, unlike those of adult dogs. Add to this their immature bladders: most pups under 12 weeks can't go more than 2 to 3 hours without a bathroom break. Expecting an 8 week old to sleep through an 8 hour night is physiologically asking the impossible.
2.2 Common Causes of Night Wakings
- Separation anxiety: new home, no littermates, feeling alone and scared
- Hunger or thirst: small stomachs and fast metabolisms
- Need to potty: limited bladder control is physiological, not behavioral
- Too much pent-up energy: a puppy that doesn't exercise will resist sleep
- Overstimulation before bed: rough play or loud noises right before sleep
The ASPCA's guide on puppy behavior notes that separation anxiety is one of the leading causes of nighttime distress in newly homed puppies, especially in the first 1 to 2 weeks.
Key Insight: Puppies don't wake you up to annoy you, they have unmet needs. Identifying the cause is the first step to solving the problem.
3. How Long Until Puppies Sleep Through the Night?
Most puppies begin sleeping longer stretches between 12 and 16 weeks, though some settle as early as 8 weeks with consistent training. The Humane Society points out that crate training, when done correctly, is one of the most reliable ways to accelerate this timeline.
| Age | Typical Sleep Stretch | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | 2–3 hours | Frequent wake ups; potty breaks every few hours |
| 10–12 weeks | 4–5 hours | Routine takes hold; 1 nighttime wake up is typical |
| 12–16 weeks | 6–8 hours | Most puppies sleep through the night with proper training |
Larger breeds tend to develop bladder control faster. Smaller and toy breeds may take a bit longer. Focus on progress, not perfection.
4. Step by Step: How to Get a Puppy to Sleep Through the Night
Follow these five steps consistently, and you'll see real results within 1–2 weeks.
Step 1: Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine. Dogs thrive on predictability. A good sequence every night: final meal → calm play → potty break → cue word ("bedtime") → lights low. The AKC emphasizes that maintaining a consistent daily schedule is one of the single most impactful things a new owner can do in the first months. Stick to the same time every night, even on weekends.
Step 2: Set Up the Perfect Sleeping Area. A crate mimics a den and leverages your puppy's instinct not to soil their sleeping area. The Humane Society's crate training guide recommends starting with short, positive crate sessions during the day before expecting your puppy to sleep in one at night. Add a soft blanket, a worn T-shirt with your scent, and a white noise machine to ease separation anxiety.
Step 3: Tire Your Puppy Out But Not Too Much. Walks, fetch, and puzzle feeders earlier in the day create a tired, sleepy pup. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, puppies need both physical exercise and mental stimulation to be truly ready for rest. Avoid vigorous play in the hour before bedtime, as it triggers the "zoomies" and makes settling impossible.
Step 4: Limit Food and Water Before Bed. Remove the water bowl 1–2 hours before bedtime. Give the last meal earlier in the evening. The Humane Society's potty training resource specifically advises picking up your puppy's water dish about two and a half hours before bedtime to reduce the likelihood of nighttime accidents. Always finish with a final potty break; this step is non-negotiable.
Step 5: Handle Night Wakings Correctly. No lights, no play, no excited energy. According to VCA's crate training overview, calm and quiet nighttime elimination breaks teach your puppy that waking the family does not lead to playtime. Take them outside quietly, do a boring potty break, and return them with minimal fuss.
5. Should You Let Your Puppy Cry at Night?
This is one of the most debated topics in puppy parenting. If your puppy just had a potty break and is physically comfortable, a small amount of whining at bedtime is normal. Many puppies self-soothe within 10 to 15 minutes. However, if the crying is prolonged, the ASPCA advises against leaving a puppy to cry it out entirely, as this can worsen separation anxiety rather than resolve it.
The goal is to build independence gradually. Start with the crate in your bedroom, then slowly move it further away as your puppy grows in confidence.
6. Best Sleeping Setups: Crate vs. Dog Bed
| Crate Training | Dog Bed / Open Sleeping | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Supports house training, a safe den-like environment, and reduces accidents | Comfortable, feels natural, great for trained older puppies |
| Cons | Requires gradual introduction; some puppies resist at first | Risk of accidents, potential chewing hazards, and less structure |
The AKC's crate training benefits article confirms that most veterinarians, trainers, and breeders recommend crate training dogs from a young age. Most trainers recommend starting with a crate for the first 4 to 6 months, then transitioning to a dog bed once reliable sleep habits are established.
7. Common Mistakes That Keep Puppies Awake
- Evening naps that run too long: a rested puppy won't be tired at bedtime
- Inconsistent schedule: varying bedtime by even an hour confuses their internal clock
- Rewarding whining with attention: if crying always results in cuddles, your puppy learns it works
- Too much freedom too soon: free-roaming before they're trained leads to accidents and restlessness
The AKC's puppy potty training guide highlights inconsistency as the number-one reason puppy training stalls, and sleep training is no exception.
8. Nighttime Training Tips That Actually Work
- Reward calm behavior: any time your puppy settles quietly, offer calm praise or a small treat.
- Use a cue word: consistently saying "bedtime" creates a powerful sleep association
- Gradually extend sleep duration: if your puppy can do 3 hours, aim for 3.5 next week
- Try calming aids if needed: VCA Animal Hospitals' guide on separation anxiety notes that creating a secure, familiar sleeping environment with calming cues such as a favorite blanket, background music, or pheromone products can meaningfully reduce nighttime anxiety.
9. When to Be Concerned
While nighttime wake ups are normal, these signs warrant a conversation with your vet:
- Excessive crying that doesn't improve after 2 to 3 weeks of consistent training
- Signs of digestive distress: bloating, diarrhea, or straining
- Severe anxiety: panting, pacing, destructive behavior, or trembling
- Sudden sleep changes in a puppy that was previously sleeping well
10. Your Nightly Sleep Checklist
- Final potty break completed
- Food and water are removed 1 to 2 hours before bed
- A consistent bedtime routine followed
- The sleeping area is cozy, safe, and comfortable
- Environment is calm: low lights, minimal noise
- No late-night stimulation or rough play
- Cue the word "bedtime" used
11. From Sleepless Nights to Peaceful Sleep
This phase is temporary. Every bleary-eyed 3 AM potty trip will pass. With consistent training, the vast majority of puppies are sleeping through the night by 16 weeks. For ongoing guidance, the AKC's puppy sleep resource and PetMD's puppy care section are excellent free resources to bookmark as your pup grows.
The foundation you build now, the routines, the structure, the calm nighttime environment, doesn't just fix your puppy's sleep. It builds a secure, well-adjusted dog who trusts their home and their owner for years to come.
Be patient, stay consistent, and know that peaceful nights are just around the corner. You've got this.
FAQ
Why is my puppy not sleeping at night?
Puppies are not sleeping at night due to separation anxiety, an immature bladder, hunger, excess energy, or overstimulation before bed. Most puppies under 12 weeks cannot hold their bladder for more than 2–3 hours.
How do I get my puppy to sleep through the night?
To get a puppy to sleep through the night: establish a consistent bedtime routine, use a crate or comfortable sleeping area, exercise your puppy earlier in the day, limit food and water 1–2 hours before bed, and take a final potty break right before sleep.
At what age do puppies sleep through the night?
Most puppies begin sleeping through the night between 12 and 16 weeks of age. With consistent crate training and a bedtime routine, some puppies achieve this as early as 8–10 weeks.
Should I let my puppy cry at night?
Brief whining at bedtime can be allowed to settle naturally. However, prolonged crying should not be ignored; it often signals a genuine need, like a potty break or separation anxiety. Build independence gradually rather than using a full cry it out method.
Is crate training good for puppies at night?
Yes. Veterinarians and trainers widely recommend crate training. It mimics a den environment, supports house training, and gives puppies a safe, secure sleeping space that reduces nighttime anxiety.
