How to Get Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, but it often comes with some sleepless nights. Puppies are just like human babies in that they need time to adjust to their new environment and develop a sleep routine. 

If your puppy is keeping you up at all hours, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can help your puppy sleep through the night and wake up feeling rested.

In this guide, we’ll discuss how to set your puppy up for nighttime success by adjusting their bedtime routine, ensuring they get proper physical and mental exercise, and teaching them to be content in their crate in the mornings.

Table of Contents:

1. Understanding Why Puppies Wake Up at Night
2. Setting a Consistent Bedtime Routine
3. Ensuring Proper Physical and Mental Exercise
4. Teaching Your Puppy to Be Content in Their Crate in the Morning
5. What to Do If Your Puppy Still Won’t Sleep Through the Night

Understanding Why Puppies Wake Up at Night

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why puppies wake up frequently at night:

• They have small bladders – Young puppies can’t hold their urine for very long and may need to go outside every few hours.
• They are adjusting to a new environment – Being away from their mother and littermates can feel lonely and scary at first.
• They have excess energy – If your puppy hasn’t had enough physical or mental exercise during the day, they may struggle to settle down at night.
• They are naturally more active during certain times – Dogs are naturally more alert and active during dawn and dusk. If your puppy seems extra energetic at bedtime, it’s likely due to this instinct rather than a problem with their schedule.

By addressing these factors, you can help your puppy build a healthy sleep routine.

Setting a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Puppies thrive on routine, so establishing a consistent bedtime is key to getting them to sleep through the night. Here’s how:

Gradually Adjust Bedtime

Dogs are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. If your puppy seems hyper at night, it’s not necessarily because their bedtime is too late—it’s simply their natural rhythm at work. Instead of trying to force an earlier bedtime, focus on helping them wind down properly.

To do this:

• Engage in structured exercise and mental stimulation in the early evening to help burn off energy.
• Allow them to have a calm period before bed with activities like gentle petting or a chew toy.
• Keep the environment quiet and dimly lit leading up to bedtime to signal that it’s time to rest.

By working with their natural instincts instead of against them, you can help your puppy settle into a sleep schedule that works for both of you.

Create a Calm Wind-Down Routine

Just like humans, puppies need a transition period between playtime and sleep. About 30 minutes before bed, engage in calm, soothing activities like:

• A gentle belly rub or massage
• A short, slow-paced walk
• Providing a safe chew toy to help them relax

Avoid stimulating play right before bed, as this can make it harder for your puppy to settle down.

🐶 Learn about ways to calm down a pup of any age with the Trifecta of Calm! 🐶

Offer a Final Potty Break

Take your puppy outside right before bedtime to reduce the chances of nighttime accidents. This will help them associate the last trip outside with the end of the day.

Keep the Sleep Environment Comfortable

Ensure your puppy’s sleeping area is:

• Dark and quiet – Consider using blackout curtains and a white noise machine if your home has a lot of background noise.
• Comfortable – A soft blanket or puppy-safe bed can help them feel cozy.
• Near you (at first) – If your puppy is struggling with loneliness, placing their crate near your bed can provide comfort. You can gradually move it to a different location if needed.

Ensuring Proper Physical and Mental Exercise

One of the most common reasons puppies struggle to sleep through the night is having too much energy. A well-exercised puppy is a sleepy puppy!

Physical Exercise: How Much Is Enough?

The amount of exercise your puppy needs depends on their breed and age, but a general guideline is:

• 5 minutes of exercise per month of age (e.g., a 3-month-old puppy needs about 15 minutes of structured exercise per session).
• Multiple short play sessions throughout the day rather than one long workout.

Some great ways to physically tire out your puppy include:

• A brisk walk
• Fetch in the yard
• Tug-of-war with a safe toy

Avoid over-exercising young puppies, as their joints are still developing. Learn the Do’s & Don’ts of Puppy Exercise! 🐶

Mental Exercise: Equally Important

Puppies don’t just need physical exercise—they also need mental stimulation to tire out their brains. Without it, they may be restless and unable to settle at night.

Some effective mental exercises include:

• Food puzzles – Slow feeder bowls or treat-dispensing toys make mealtime more engaging.
• Short training sessions – Teaching new commands or tricks helps burn mental energy.
• Scent games – Hide treats around the house and let your puppy sniff them out.

A puppy that is mentally and physically satisfied is far more likely to sleep soundly through the night - Check out 5 Types of Enrichment for more ideas!

Teaching Your Puppy to Be Content in Their Crate in the Morning

Even if your puppy sleeps through the night, they may wake up early and demand attention. Training them to be content in their crate until it’s time to wake up will help you avoid 5 AM wake-up calls.

🐶Learn 17 Pros & Cons about crate training! 🐶

Gradually Extend Wake-Up Time

If your puppy wakes up too early, try gradually extending their wake-up time. Each morning, wait a few extra minutes before getting them out of their crate. Over time, they’ll learn that morning doesn’t begin the second they stir.

Provide a Morning Activity

A safe activity can help keep your puppy occupied in their crate while they wait for you to wake up. Some options include:

• A frozen stuffed Kong
• A durable chew 
• A snuffle mat with hidden kibble or treats

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Teach a “Quiet” Cue

If your puppy barks or whines in the morning, resist the urge to let them out immediately—this reinforces the behavior. Instead:

1. Wait for a moment of silence before opening the crate.
2. Reward them for being quiet.
3. Over time, they’ll learn that quiet behavior is what gets them let out.

For more tips, check out our complete crate training guide!

What to Do If Your Puppy Still Won’t Sleep Through the Night

If you’ve tried everything and your puppy is still waking up frequently, consider the following:

Check for Medical Issues

Frequent nighttime waking could indicate a medical problem, such as:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Digestive issues
• Discomfort from teething

If you suspect a medical issue, consult your veterinarian.

Consider Environmental Factors

Sometimes, a puppy's sleep is disrupted by their surroundings. Check for potential disturbances that could be waking them up, such as:

• Noises outside – Late-night traffic, wildlife, or neighbors can startle a puppy awake. Using a white noise machine or playing soft background sounds may help.
• Temperature changes – Puppies are sensitive to being too hot or too cold. Make sure their sleeping area is comfortable with appropriate bedding.
• Lighting conditions – Even small amounts of light can keep some puppies alert. Consider blackout curtains to keep their sleep environment dark and restful.

By making small environmental adjustments, you may be able to help your puppy sleep more soundly through the night.

Recap: How to Get Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night

Getting your puppy to sleep through the night takes time, patience, and consistency. By setting a solid bedtime routine, ensuring they get the right balance of physical and mental exercise, and teaching them to be content in their crate, you’ll set them up for success.

Remember, every puppy is different—some will adjust quickly, while others may take a little longer. Stick with it, and before you know it, you and your puppy will both be enjoying full nights of restful sleep!

Want more? Check out our complete Crate Training Course! 🐶