How can owners help puppies sleep through the night?
Written by
David Smith
Reviewed by
Prof. Henry Webster, Ph.D.The key to puppy success when sleeping comes down to predictable patterns and physical readiness. Establish regular bedtimes consistent with your schedule. Include vigorous play in the evening, followed by physically calming activities. End the routine with a thorough bathroom break right before crating. Proper preparation allows for no nighttime disturbances.
Evening Preparation
- Final water access 2 hours before bed
- Vigorous play session 1 hour prior
- Calming massage or gentle brushing
- Thorough bathroom break immediately before crating
Crate Environment
- Pheromone spray on bedding
- Safe chew toy like frozen Kong
- Covered crate for den-like darkness
- White noise machine to muffle sounds
Puppies are expected to have realistic bladder capacities. Puppies require midnight potty breaks until they are about four months old. Use the one hour per month rule. A two-month-old pup may hold it for a maximum of two hours. Set alarms for timed potty outings and do not wait for whining to begin.
Make potty breaks speedy and boring. Carry pups straight outside without any playing. Use a special bathroom command, such as "go potty." Give soft praise after they eliminate. Immediately return to their crate. This teaches that the dog only needs to eliminate during business trips at night.
When addressing continuous night wakings, examine your daytime routines. Ensure your dog is getting the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation. Consider having meals earlier. You can already try certain calming supplements, for example. Melatonin, but only under the guidance of your veterinarian. Keep the temperature of the crate 65-68°F (18-20°C) to assist as well.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Dog Crate Training Steps
