Getting a new puppy is an exciting time! However, when bedtime rolls around, many new pet owners find themselves wondering what to do with their energetic furball. Puppies require a lot of sleep and have specific bedtime needs. Establishing a proper nighttime routine can help your puppy sleep through the night and prevent unwanted behaviors like crying, barking, and chewing.
Why is a bedtime routine important?
Puppies thrive on consistency and scheduling. Having a predictable bedtime routine helps them understand when it’s time to start settling down for sleep. It also satisfies their need to spend time with their pet parents before bed. A proper nighttime schedule teaches them good habits and sets them up for success as adult dogs.
Additionally, puppies need lots of sleep – about 18-20 hours per day! Having a set bedtime ensures your pup is getting adequate rest for healthy development. Puppies that don’t get enough sleep are prone to behavior problems like hyperactivity, mouthing, and aggression. A bedtime routine encourages your puppy to wind down and get the sleep they require.
How much sleep does my puppy need?
Puppies need significantly more sleep than adult or senior dogs. Here are some general sleep guidelines based on age:
| Age | Sleep Needs |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 18-20 hours |
| 12 weeks | 16-18 hours |
| 16 weeks | 14-16 hours |
| 6 months | 12-14 hours |
| 1 year | 10-12 hours |
| Adult | 8-10 hours |
Of course, every puppy is different. Pay attention to your pup’s signals. If they seem overtired and rambunctious, they likely need more sleep. Adjust their bedtime accordingly.
What time should my puppy go to bed?
An appropriate bedtime for your puppy depends on their age and your schedule. Very young puppies may need to go to bed as early as 6 or 7 PM. Older puppies can stay up until 9 or 10 PM.
Here are some guidelines for an ideal puppy bedtime based on age:
- 8-12 weeks: 6:00-8:00 PM
- 3-6 months: 8:00-10:00 PM
- 6-12 months: 9:00-11:00 PM
Of course, you know your puppy and lifestyle best. If your schedule only allows for a later bedtime, your pup should still get enough daytime naps to avoid overtiredness. The most important thing is that bedtime happens at around the same time each evening.
How to create a bedtime routine
Establishing a proper bedtime routine is essential for helping your puppy learn good sleep habits. Here are some tips for creating a nightly schedule:
Provide daytime exercise and training
Make sure your puppy gets adequate exercise and playtime during the day. Tired puppies settle down for bedtime much easier. Take your pup on walks, have active play sessions, and work on training throughout the day. Bringing your puppy to doggy daycare or having a dog walker take them out midday is also helpful.
Have a set feeding time
Feed your puppy dinner at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. Having a full tummy too close to bed can make it hard for them to settle. Establish a consistent dinnertime routine.
Take your puppy potty right before bed
Make sure to take your puppy outside to relieve themselves right before bedtime. This helps minimize potty accidents overnight. Keep this potty break calm and boring – no playing allowed!
Create a peaceful sleeping area
Your puppy’s sleeping quarters should be cozy, calm and distraction-free. Use a crate or puppy-proofed room. Place the crate in your bedroom at first so your puppy can hear you nearby. Make sure they have a comfy bed and some chew toys. Keep the area peaceful by turning off TVs and radios.
Engage in calming activities
Spend 15-20 minutes before bed engaging in soothing activities to put your puppy in sleepy mode. Cuddle or massage them gently. Speak softly and give soothing praise. You can also try controlled breathing exercises together to relax.
Establish a potty routine right before crating
Take your puppy potty immediately before placing them in their crate or bed. Some pups may benefit from going potty on leash to ensure they fully eliminate. Give lots of praise for going potty then go directly inside and put them to bed.
Use a cue like “bedtime” when putting your pup to bed
Use a consistent cue word like “bedtime” or “night-night” when putting your puppy to bed. This helps signal to them it’s time to settle and sleep. Speak softly and give reassurance if they protest at first. It may take time, but eventually they’ll learn this cue marks bedtime.
Ignore minor fussing
Your puppy may fuss or cry a bit when you first put them to bed – this is normal. As long as their basic needs are met, ignore minor vocalizations to teach them to self-settle. Never reward fussing with attention. Be patient and consistent.
Reward calmness and quiet
When your puppy is quiet and calm in their crate, reward them verbally (“good settle”) or with treats tossed gently inside. This reinforces the behavior you want at bedtime.
Common bedtime challenges
Despite your best efforts, puppies may still struggle at bedtime. Here are some common challenges and how to handle them:
Crying and barking
It’s normal for puppies to protest for the first few nights. Try ignoring the crying for 5-10 minutes to see if they can self-settle. Reassure them verbally without opening the crate. If the crying escalates or continues past 10 minutes, take them out for a boring potty trip then immediately back to bed. Continue ignoring mild vocalizations – don’t give attention.
Potty accidents
If your puppy has repeated accidents overnight, they likely can’t hold their bladder that long yet. Take them out for potty breaks once or twice during the night on a schedule. Limit food and water before bedtime. Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to avoid repeat mistakes.
Waking up too early
Puppies are prone to waking before you’re ready. Ignore early rise times to teach them to settle until the desired wake up time. Alternatively, set an alarm to take them out potty before their usual wake time.
Health issues disrupting sleep
Certain health issues in puppies can severely impact sleep. See your vet if your puppy shows signs like coughing, vomiting, diarrhea or pain/discomfort at night. They may require medical treatment to sleep peacefully.
When to transition out of the crate
At some point, your puppy will be ready to transition out of their crate and sleep loose in your bedroom or a puppy-proofed area. Experts generally recommend waiting until your puppy is toilet trained and no longer destructive when unsupervised. Other signs of readiness include:
- No longer chewing, biting or mouthing
- Able to settle calmly outside the crate during the day
- No longer has potty accidents overnight
- Sleeps through the night without fussing
When transitioning your pup at night, start by opening the crate but leaving the door closed. After a few nights with no issues, start leaving the crate door open. Finally, you can remove the crate altogether but keep the bed inside their sleeping area at first for familiarity.
Conclusion
Establishing good sleep habits in your puppy is important for their health and behavior. A proper bedtime routine teaches puppies how to settle at night and ensures they get the ample rest they need to grow and develop. Have patience during the training process – with consistency over time, your puppy will learn to become the perfect sleep partner!