If you’re already thinking that getting a new puppy is a lot like bringing a new baby home, you aren’t entirely wrong.
Your fuzzy new family member will undoubtedly bring you joy and more than a few laughs, but they will also steal some of your sleep. So when can you expect your pup to sleep through the night? And what can you do to encourage them so that you can get back to catching enough Z's yourself?
In general, puppies can sleep up to 18 hours a day, which sounds like a lot until you see how much energy they burn when they’re awake! New experiences, lots of play time, sights, sounds, and scents galore - it’s no wonder that when they take a break, they crash hard. When your puppy seems ready to take a daytime sleep break, it’s a good time to put some structure in place that can also help you at night. For example:
- Show them where to sleep. If they seem drowsy, gently bring them to their crate, bed, or a quiet space where they can rest. Over time, they’ll begin to recognize that area as their sleeping spot.
- Leave them to sleep, undisturbed. We get it, they’re just so cute you want them to sleep in your lap, but doing so could make them dependent on you for sleep later on. Make sure everyone in the family knows that when they are snoozing in their sleep spot, they should be left alone.
- Be ready for wake up time! When they do decide to open their eyes, there’s a very good chance your pup will need a bathroom break right away. The quicker you take them, the better chance they have of making it outside.
Building upon these habits, here are some ways to encourage your puppy to stretch out their nighttime sleep gradually:
- Make sure their crate is appropriately sized. They should be able to get up, turn around, and lay down again. Also, there’s no need for an expensive dog bed, since a young puppy is likely to rip it up. A simple, flat blanket or two is all they need. Just make sure it isn’t one that can be easily shredded, as this presents a choking hazard. Our trainers have more tips on crate use that can be seen here.
- Create a bedtime routine. Keep their sleeping area quiet and dimly lit, give them some cuddle time, and be sure to give them a potty break before they hit the hay.
- Expect interruptions. It will take your puppy some time to sleep through the night without a potty break, so be ready to respond. If you keep your puppy’s crate in your bedroom, you’ll hear them when they need to go, so you can quietly scoop them up to bring them outside. When they go, give them some subtle praise, then bring them in and put them back in their crate to continue sleeping.
With some planning ahead and reasonable expectations, this “new baby” phase of puppy parenthood will pass smoothly and you and your pup will be enjoying a full night’s sleep in no time. And if you need a little help along the way - with sleep or any other puppy training issues - be sure to check out our training services. Our pet experts have worked with countless families on how to best bring a new puppy into the family, and we’d be happy to help yours as well.