Bringing home a new puppy is exciting—but the sleepless nights? Not so much. Just like human babies, puppies need time to adjust to their new world, and that includes learning how to sleep soundly through the night. If your puppy is whining, pacing or waking you up every few hours, you’re not alone.
The good news is that with consistency, patience and a few smart strategies, you can help your pup settle in for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Why Puppies Struggle with Nighttime Sleep
Before we jump into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why puppies have trouble sleeping through the night. When you first bring a puppy home, they’re likely:
- Adjusting to being away from their littermates
- Getting used to new sights, smells and sounds
- Still developing bladder control
- Feeling anxious or overstimulated
Your job is to create a calm, predictable environment that helps your puppy feel safe and sleepy.
1. Set a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and puppies are no exception. Establish a simple, consistent evening schedule that lets your puppy wind down. This might include:
- A light play session to burn off energy
- A potty break outside
- A calming cuddle or gentle brushing session
- Quiet time with a chew toy or soft blanket in their sleeping space
Keeping things predictable each night signals to your puppy that it’s time to relax and rest.
2. Make Sure Your Puppy Is Tired (But Not Overstimulated)
A tired puppy is more likely to sleep well. But be smart around bedtime because overstimulation before bed can backfire and make it harder for them to settle. Aim for a balanced evening routine:
- Use up energy with daytime walks and playtime
- Avoid riling them up right before bed
- Give them something to chew or lick (like a safe stuffed toy) as a natural way to soothe themselves
3. Create a Cozy Sleeping Area
Whether you’re crate training or not, your puppy should have a designated sleep space that’s calm, secure and away from distractions. Here’s what helps:
- A comfortable bed or blanket
- A crate or puppy pen with enough space to turn around
- Soft background noise (white noise or gentle music can be calming)
- A warm toy or heartbeat-style plush can mimic the comfort of their litter
Avoid letting them sleep in a loud or high-traffic area where they might be easily disturbed.
4. Use Crate Training to Your Advantage
Crate training can be a great way to encourage nighttime sleep, as long as the crate is used as a safe space, not a punishment. Puppies naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, which also helps with potty training.
Pro tips:
- Make the crate inviting with a soft bed and a favorite toy
- Keep the crate in your room at first to reduce separation anxiety
- Gradually build up time in the crate during the day so it feels familiar by bedtime
5. Manage Nighttime Potty Breaks
Young puppies simply can’t “hold it” all night. And that’s okay. Most puppies need at least one potty break during the night for the first few weeks.
What to do:
- Take them out right before bedtime
- Keep overnight potty trips calm and boring with no play or treats
- Return them to bed immediately afterward
As your puppy grows and bladder control improves, these nighttime breaks will naturally become less frequent.
6. Be Ready for Some Whining and Know When to Respond
It’s normal for a new puppy to whine or cry at night, especially in the first week or two. The key is to respond thoughtfully.
- If you are sure they don’t need to potty and they’re just seeking attention, try not to reinforce the behavior by immediately responding.
- A brief calming phrase or gentle shushing from across the room may be enough to reassure them.
- If they continue, check calmly without making a fuss, then return them to bed.
Over time, puppies will learn that nighttime is for sleeping and not socializing.
7. Be Patient and Keep Your Expectations Realistic
Puppies don’t sleep through the night from day one. Most 8–10-week-old puppies can last about 4–6 hours at most without needing a potty break. By the time they’re around 16 weeks, many can sleep 6–8 hours consistently.
Stick with your routine, offer comfort without coddling and celebrate progress along the way.
Bonus Tips:
- Feed dinner 2–3 hours before bedtime to reduce overnight bathroom needs
- Avoid giving water an hour before bed (but don’t restrict too much)
- Keep nighttime interactions calm and quiet to reinforce the sleep association
You’ve Got This
Helping your puppy sleep through the night takes patience, empathy and a little trial and error, but the reward is worth it. Remember, every pup is different. What works for one might not work for another, but with a solid bedtime routine, a cozy sleeping space and a little understanding of your puppy’s needs, your puppy will learn that nighttime is for sweet dreams—not 2 a.m. zoomies.
