Puppies' Daytime Kennel Sleep: Necessary Or Not?

Puppies have very different sleeping patterns from adult dogs and tend to sleep a lot. They require 18-20 hours of sleep per day, and their sleep is strongly polyphasic – they alternate short periods of feeding and activity with sleep throughout the day. While it is not necessary to crate a puppy, it is a good way to keep them safe and manage their sleep schedules. Puppies should sleep in a quiet, safe, and comfortable place, and it is important to establish a bedtime routine for them.

Why crate training is beneficial for puppies

Crate training is a vital part of bringing a dog into your home and can benefit puppies in numerous ways. It can give puppies a sense of security and comfort, acting as a den, and provide owners with peace of mind. Here are some reasons why crate training is beneficial for puppies:

Independence and "Off Switch"

Crate training teaches puppies independence and how to settle down when they are tired. It helps them develop good habits and prevents them from developing bad habits when they are young and impressionable. Puppies can learn to self-soothe and deal with their anxiety by retreating to their crates when they feel overwhelmed or need a break from a bustling household.

House Training

Crate training is an essential tool for housebreaking puppies. Dogs instinctively keep their sleeping areas clean, so they learn to hold their bladders and bowels while in their crates. This makes potty training easier for both the puppy and the owner.

Safety

Crate training provides a safe space for puppies when they cannot be directly supervised. It prevents them from getting into dangerous situations, such as chewing on furniture or ingesting toxic substances. It also ensures their safety during emergencies, as they can be quickly evacuated and kept calm and secure in their familiar crates.

Transport

Crate-trained puppies can be safely and easily transported in cars or by air during long-distance travel. They are more likely to be calm and relaxed in their crates, making the journey more pleasant for both the humans and the canines involved.

Stress Reduction

Crate training can reduce stress for puppies in new and overwhelming situations. For example, during fireworks, thunderstorms, or construction work, puppies can retreat to their crates when the environment becomes too loud or chaotic. Crates can also provide a safe haven for puppies when they are recovering from surgery, helping them to rest and reduce the risk of complications.

Socialisation

Crate training can aid in socialisation by providing a safe and comfortable space for puppies when they are interacting with new people or other animals. It can be especially useful for rescued dogs, giving them a sense of security and comfort as they adjust to their new surroundings.

In conclusion, crate training is beneficial for puppies as it teaches them independence, aids in house training, ensures their safety, and provides a sense of security and comfort. It is an important tool for all dog owners to consider when bringing a puppy into their home.

How to crate train a puppy

Crate training is a great way to give your puppy a safe and comfortable space of their own. It can also help with housetraining and prevent destructive behaviours. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Crate

Select a crate that is large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, lie down, and stretch out comfortably. If your puppy is still growing, choose a crate that will accommodate their adult size, or one with a divider that can be adjusted as they grow.

Make the Crate Welcoming and Safe

Place the crate in a room where your family spends a lot of time, such as the family room. Put soft blankets or a dog bed inside to make it comfortable, although some dogs prefer hard surfaces. Keep the door propped open to allow your puppy to explore the crate at their leisure.

Introduce Your Puppy to the Crate

Use a happy and positive tone of voice to encourage your puppy to approach the crate. Entice them with treats or their favourite toys, placing them near the crate and gradually moving them further inside. Don't force your puppy to enter the crate if they are reluctant—this should be a positive experience.

Feed Your Puppy in the Crate

Start feeding your puppy their regular meals near the crate, and then gradually move their food dish further inside until they are comfortable standing and eating inside the crate. Once they are comfortable, try closing the door while they eat, gradually increasing the amount of time the door stays closed.

Confine Your Puppy in the Crate for Short Periods

When your puppy is comfortable eating in the crate, you can start confining them there for short periods while you are home. Entice them into the crate with a treat, give them a command such as "crate", praise them, give them the treat, and then close the door. Sit quietly near the crate for a few minutes, then leave the room for a short time before returning and letting them out. Gradually increase the amount of time you leave them in the crate.

Crate Your Puppy When You Leave

Once your puppy can stay in the crate for about 30 minutes without becoming anxious, you can start leaving them crated for short periods when you are out of the house. Put them in the crate using your chosen command and a treat, and try to vary the amount of time before you leave (between 5 and 20 minutes). Keep your departures low-key and matter-of-fact to avoid increasing their anxiety.

Crate Your Puppy at Night

When your puppy is comfortable with the crate, you can start crating them overnight. It's a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby, especially for puppies, as they may need to go outside during the night. Having the crate close by will also help your puppy feel less isolated.

How much sleep do puppies need

Puppies need a lot of sleep—anywhere from 18 to 20 hours a day—and this is perfectly normal. Sleep is essential for a puppy's healthy growth and development. It helps with the development of the central nervous system, brain, immune system, and muscles. It also helps them rest during growth spurts.

The amount of sleep a puppy needs depends on its age.

• Newborn puppies (0-2 weeks) sleep almost all day, around 90% of the time.
• 2-4-week-old puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep each day. Their eyes are starting to open, and they are becoming more active.
• 4-12-week-old puppies are developing quickly and need 15-20 hours of sleep every day.
• 3-6-month-old puppies will start sleeping less as they approach the 6-month mark, but they still need 14-16 hours of sleep per day.
• Puppies over 6 months old will start to move towards a more adult-like sleep schedule of around 12-14 hours each day, but this varies between dogs.

How to Help Your Puppy Sleep During the Day

Puppies should sleep in a safe, quiet, and comfortable place, such as a crate, a dog bed, or a quiet area of the house where they won't be disturbed. It's important to establish a routine, so plan active time followed by quiet time for sleep. Puppies may nap every hour or so, and this is perfectly normal.

How to Help Your Puppy Sleep at Night

To help your puppy sleep at night, make their crate comfortable and appealing. Line it with soft, inexpensive blankets, and avoid using wool blankets or mats, which can be chewed into long strings that could cause choking. You can also place a soft toy or a baby blanket that smells like the puppy's mother in the crate.

Establish a bedtime routine by restricting food and water intake for several hours before bedtime. Take your puppy outside to go to the potty, and then play and cuddle before putting them to bed. Keep their sleep area quiet and dimly lit, and be prepared for interruptions as they may need a potty break during the night.

How to establish a good sleeping schedule for a puppy

Sleep is essential for a puppy's development and growth. It helps their bodies build muscle, bone, and tissue, and is crucial for their brain development. A good sleeping schedule will ensure your puppy grows up to be healthy and happy. Here are some tips to help you establish a good sleeping routine:

Understand How Much Sleep Puppies Need

Puppies need a lot of sleep—up to 18-20 hours a day when they are very young. As they get older, they will gradually require less sleep, but it's still important to ensure they get enough rest. For example, 8-week-old puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep, while 4-month-old puppies sleep for around 12 hours in a 24-hour period, including 3.5 hours of daytime naps.

Create a Sleep Schedule

Puppies thrive on routine. Create a daily schedule that includes regular mealtimes, playtime, potty breaks, and nap times. For example, you can start the day with a potty break, breakfast, another potty break, 30-60 minutes of playtime and a walk, followed by a nap. Repeat this cycle throughout the day, adjusting it to fit your puppy's needs.

Provide a Comfortable and Safe Sleeping Space

Create a cosy corner for your puppy that is quiet, safe, and comfortable. You can use a crate, a dog bed, or a quiet area of the house. Make sure the space is puppy-proofed and that the crate or bed is big enough for your puppy to turn around and sprawl out fully. Line the bottom of the crate with soft, inexpensive blankets, and avoid expensive dog beds that your puppy might chew up.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

Start teaching your puppy a bedtime routine as soon as possible. This could include a potty break, some calm playtime or a short training session, and then settling them into their bed. Be consistent with the bedtime and try to avoid feeding them close to bedtime as it might make them unsettled. You can also use a 'bedtime word' or phrase to help them understand it's time for sleep.

Avoid Disturbing Their Sleep

Puppies might sleep for just a few minutes or up to a couple of hours at a time. It's best not to disturb them until they are ready to wake up. When they do wake, take them straight to their potty area and reward them when they use it.

Tire Them Out Before Bedtime

If your puppy is having trouble settling down at night, try tiring them out a few hours before bedtime. You can do this through physical exercise, mental games, training sessions, or daily walks. Just make sure you leave enough time for them to calm down before bed.

Be Prepared for Interruptions

Just like human babies, puppies might not sleep through the night initially. They might need a potty break or could be feeling lonely or disturbed by external noises. If they wake up, calmly take them outside, praise them when they go, and then put them back to bed.

How to calm a puppy before bedtime

Create a Relaxing Environment

Firstly, it's important to create a relaxing environment for your puppy to help them wind down before bedtime. This can include playing calming music and using scents that your dog finds comforting. You can also try to make their sleeping area as comfortable as possible by providing soft blankets and toys.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

Having a consistent bedtime routine is crucial for helping your puppy calm down and prepare for sleep. Stop playing or doing any exciting activities an hour before bedtime to signal that it's time to wind down. Instead, engage in calming interactions such as gentle petting or massaging your puppy. You can also try giving them a gentle ear massage, starting at the base of the ear and working outwards with circular motions.

Tire Them Out During the Day

Make sure your puppy gets enough exercise and mental stimulation during the day. Take them on walks and play games to help them burn off their energy. However, avoid excessive exercise, as this could be detrimental to their health and may cause restlessness at night.

Potty Breaks

Take your puppy out for a potty break right before bedtime. Puppies will need to go outside multiple times during the night, depending on their age. As a general rule, they'll need to go every one hour for every month of their life. For example, a two-month-old puppy will need a break every two hours.

Create a Safe Space

Provide your puppy with a safe and comfortable sleeping space. This could be a crate or a designated area in your room, where they can feel close to you. Make sure the space is quiet and dimly lit to encourage sleep.

Frequently asked questions