Puppy Sleep: Where And When?

So you've just brought home a new puppy and are wondering where they should sleep during the day? Well, the answer may depend on a few factors, but here are some general guidelines and tips to help you make the right decision.

Firstly, it's important to remember that puppies need a lot of sleep – anywhere from 12 to 20 hours per day! During the day, they will have bursts of energy followed by frequent naps, so it's crucial to provide them with a comfortable and quiet place to rest. You can set up a crate or a playpen in a quiet area of the room where they can sleep undisturbed. Make sure any bedding is safe and free of anything that could be chewed or swallowed. It's also a good idea to put something soft and cushioned in the crate, like a veterinary bed or a blanket, and perhaps an item with your scent on it to help them feel secure.

Some people choose to let their puppies sleep in the same room as them during the day, either in a crate or on a bed next to theirs. This can help with the bonding process and make the puppy feel less lonely. Others may prefer to set up multiple sleeping areas around the house, especially if they spend a lot of time in different rooms.

Additionally, it's important to establish a daily routine for your puppy, including scheduled nap times. This will help them adjust to their new environment and promote healthy development. Remember, the first few weeks can be challenging, but with patience and consistency, your puppy will soon settle into a sleeping routine that works for both of you.

Crate training 101

Crate training is a slow and gradual process, and it's important to be patient and consistent. The first step is to get the right-sized crate for your puppy—it should be big enough for them to stand, lie down, and turn around comfortably, but not so big that they can use one end for sleeping and the other end as a toilet!

Step-by-Step Guide to Crate Training:

• Introduce the crate gradually: Start by placing treats inside the crate and praising your puppy when they go in. You can also encourage them to go in by throwing toys or using a command like "go to bed." Eventually, start closing the door for a minute, then five, then ten, and gradually increase the time.
• Make the crate comfortable: Line the crate with soft, warm, and washable bedding. Veterinary bedding is a good option, or you can use blankets, old duvets, or a small, low-sided donut-shaped bed. You can also add a shirt or blanket with your scent on it to help your puppy feel close to you.
• Feed your puppy in the crate: Put your puppy's meals in the crate, and while they're eating, close the door for a few minutes. This helps them associate the crate with something positive and reinforces the idea that the crate is a safe and comfortable space.
• Start with naps: Once your puppy is happy and relaxed about entering the crate and going in and out, you can start having them take naps in there. Put them in the crate when they're sleepy, so they feel comfortable sleeping inside. It's important that no one disturbs the puppy when they're in the crate, reinforcing the idea that it's a safe space for them to relax.
• Stick to a bedtime routine: Decide on a bedtime routine and stick to it! This might include removing food a few hours before bedtime, dimming the lights, playing soft classical music, and providing a soft bed for your puppy. Be consistent with the location of the crate—if you want your puppy to sleep in the living room, you may need to sleep by their crate for the first few nights before moving away.
• Praise and reward: Always praise and reward your puppy when they choose to go into the crate or sleep there peacefully. This positive reinforcement will help them develop a positive association with the crate and encourage them to continue this behaviour.
• Be patient: Crate training can take time, and it's important to be patient and consistent. Don't rush the process, and remember that every puppy is different. With time and patience, your puppy will learn to love their crate and view it as their safe and comfortable space.

Remember, the crate should never be used as a form of punishment. It should always be a positive and welcoming space for your puppy to relax and feel secure.

Where should a puppy sleep at night?

Where your puppy sleeps at night depends on their age, breed, and your personal preference. Here are some tips to help you decide where your puppy should sleep:

Crate Training

Crate training is a popular method to help puppies adjust to their new homes and can be especially useful for sleep training and potty training. It is important to note that the crate should be properly sized, comfortable, and placed in a quiet and dim area, such as your bedroom. You can make the crate more appealing by lining it with soft blankets and including toys or a soft toy that mimics another dog, such as the Snuggle Puppy. Additionally, covering the crate with a sheet or light blanket can help create a "den-like" environment, which some puppies prefer.

Bedtime Routine

Establishing a bedtime routine is crucial for your puppy's sleep. This includes removing food a few hours before bedtime, having a gentle play session, and providing a comfortable and quiet sleeping environment. It is also beneficial to include something with your scent, such as an item of clothing, in their bedding to make them feel closer to you.

Potty Breaks

Puppies, especially young ones, will need frequent potty breaks during the night. It is recommended to take them out to relieve themselves just before bedtime and be prepared for multiple potty breaks throughout the night.

Crying and Whining

If your puppy cries or whines during the night, there are a few possible reasons. They may need to go to the bathroom, or they could be seeking attention. It is important to comfort them gently and quietly without getting them too excited or playful. Additionally, try to avoid letting them out of the crate in response to their crying, as this may encourage the behaviour.

Adjusting Expectations

It is important to manage your expectations during the first few weeks with your new puppy. They may take a while to adjust to their new environment and sleeping arrangements, and you should be prepared for interrupted sleep during this period. Puppies generally sleep anywhere from 10 to 18 hours within a 24-hour period, and most start sleeping through the night by around 12 to 16 weeks old.

Alternative Sleeping Arrangements

If you decide not to use a crate, you can set up a soft, warm, and safe bed next to your own or use a playpen or barrier to create a designated sleeping area. This allows your puppy to feel close to you while still having their own space.

Remember, the key to successful sleep training is patience, consistency, and establishing a routine. With time and dedication, your puppy will adjust to their new sleeping arrangements, and you will both be able to enjoy a good night's rest.

Preparing a puppy for bed

The first few nights

The first few nights with your new puppy will be challenging for both of you. Puppies are still babies and will need lots of attention and patience while they adjust to their new environment. They will be missing their mother and littermates, feeling uncertain about their new surroundings, and may be nervous about soiling their bed.

It's important to remember that this is a challenging period for your puppy, so you should expect some sleepless nights. You can help them settle in by creating a comfortable sleeping environment and sticking to a bedtime routine.

Creating a comfortable sleeping environment

Your puppy's sleeping area should be a properly-sized crate or a puppy pen next to your bed. The crate should be a comfortable, warm place with raised sides to make your puppy feel cradled and protected. Line it with soft, washable bedding, and consider adding a cosy blanket or a towel that smells of their mother and littermates to help them feel secure. You can also buy toys that mimic another dog, such as the Snuggle Puppy, to provide extra comfort.

Establishing a bedtime routine

A consistent bedtime routine will help your puppy settle and sleep through the night. In the evenings, take your puppy for a walk and have a final, gentle playtime about an hour before bed. Remove their food at least three hours before bedtime to give them enough time to digest and use the bathroom before bed.

When it's time for bed, put your puppy in their crate and either go to sleep or pretend to go to sleep. If you stay up, your puppy will want to join you, so it's important to be consistent. Dim the lights, put on some soft music, and stick to the routine.

Dealing with crying

If your puppy cries in their crate, there are two likely reasons: they need to go to the bathroom, or they want attention. If they've already been to the bathroom, comfort them by gently and quietly reassuring them with your voice or sitting quietly by the crate. Do not interact with your puppy in a way that excites them or gets them playful.

It's important to never punish your puppy for crying at night, but also remember that giving them attention when they cry will only encourage the behaviour. If you need to, use earplugs, white noise, or other noise-cancelling options to block out the noise.

Potty breaks

Puppies will need to go to the bathroom every two to four hours when they are young, so you'll need to set your alarm or wait until they wake you up to take them out. Keep these breaks calm and boring, and go straight back to bed afterwards.

Tire them out

Your puppy is more likely to sleep through the night if they are tired, so make sure they get plenty of mental and physical exercise during the day. Play games, practice training, and provide puzzle toys to keep them engaged.

Stick to a routine

Consistency is key. Stick to your bedtime routine, choose a sleeping spot for your puppy and keep them there, and be patient. With time, your puppy will adjust and sleep through the night.

What to do if your puppy is crying

Puppies are a lot of work, but they're worth it! Crying is a puppy's way of communicating their needs with you. Here are some reasons why your puppy might be crying and what you can do about it:

Your puppy is lonely.

Your puppy is a social creature and can be needy as they adjust to life after being separated from their mother and siblings. To help your puppy feel less lonely, keep them nearby by putting their crate in a high-traffic area in your home. You can also tie your puppy to your waist with a leash and a harness so you can keep an eye on them.

Your puppy is scared.

Your puppy might be crying because they are experiencing fear or anxiety. Introducing your puppy to new people or unfamiliar objects can cause anxiety. Keep an eye on their body language. If they seem afraid, with their ears back or tail down, remove them from the situation. Later, you can slowly expose them to less intense versions of what caused their fear.

Your puppy is hungry.

Take note of when your puppy cries. If it's usually before meals, it could mean they're hungry. Consult your veterinarian about their diet and whether you should adjust their feeding schedule or the amount of food you're giving them.

Your puppy is bored.

Puppies can cry due to boredom or having a lot of pent-up energy. Ensure your puppy gets adequate physical and mental exercise as part of their daily routine. Provide them with interactive toys and spend time playing with them to help them get their energy out.

Your puppy is seeking affection.

Your puppy might be crying because they miss you and want attention and connection. Make sure to acknowledge and give them some affection when you come home. Be present and attentive when you're with your puppy, but also give them space when they want it.

Your puppy is unwell.

If your puppy doesn't stop whimpering or crying, it could be a sign that they're not feeling well. Contact your veterinarian, especially if you notice other symptoms like lethargy, diarrhoea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite, or increased breathing rate.

Remember, it's important to figure out why your puppy is crying so that you can address their specific needs and help them regulate their emotions. With time, patience, and proper training, your puppy will learn to self-soothe and become more independent and confident.

Daytime sleeping arrangements

Choose a Suitable Sleeping Spot

Select a quiet area in the room where your puppy can sleep undisturbed. This could be a crate, a dog bed, or a designated space with a soft blanket or veterinary bedding. Ensure the sleeping area is free from any hazards that the puppy could chew on or swallow. If using a crate, make sure it is the right size for your puppy, allowing them to stand, lie down, and turn around comfortably.

Provide Comfort and Familiarity

Add something soft and cushioned to the sleeping area, such as blankets or a low-sided donut-shaped bed, which can make your puppy feel contained and secure. Include items with familiar scents, such as a blanket or towel that smells like their mother and littermates. This can help ease their transition and provide comfort as they adjust to their new home.

Establish a Sleep Schedule

Puppies need frequent naps throughout the day to recover from their bursts of energy. Build nap times into their daily routine, and ensure they are undisturbed during their sleep. You may need to be flexible, as some puppies may not want to sleep if there is a lot of activity going on.

Supervise Daytime Napping

During the day, it is recommended to have your puppy sleep in a room where you can supervise them. This could be in a crate or playpen set up in the room where you spend most of your time, or simply a bed placed in a quiet area of the room. This allows you to keep an eye on them and ensure they don't get into any mischief while you're nearby.

Keep the Area Safe

Make sure the sleeping area is free from any hazards that your curious puppy could chew on or swallow. If using a dog bed, choose one that is safe and doesn't have any small parts that could be easily detached and swallowed. It's also a good idea to have something waterproof underneath the bed in case of any accidents during potty training.

By following these tips, you'll be able to create a calm and comfortable environment for your puppy to rest during the day, supporting their overall health and development.

Frequently asked questions