Make sure your puppy is good and tired for bedtime by stimulating their mind and body with age-appropriate games and toys. For example, take your puppy outside so they can run around, sniff, dig in the yard, and exhaust their pent up energy. You can also start teaching your puppy basic commands like “sit” and “come. " These physical and mental activities in the evening will ensure that your puppy is ready for bedtime.
Three to four hours is enough time for your puppy to eat, digest, and use the restroom.
It is important you approach the puppy in a way that will not encourage the crying behavior. Wait until there is a gap in the whining, as this rewards their silence, not the crying. When you take the puppy out, keep things as low-key as possible. Keep the lights dim, avoid speaking to the pup, and don’t play with them. Take the pup to their toilet spot, a brief praise when they perform, and then straight back to bed. This teaches them that nighttime is for sleep, not for play.
This also helps the puppy get used to your sleep cycle, so they’ll be more likely to learn to sleep through the night quickly. [5] X Expert Source Elisabeth WeissProfessional Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 3 September 2020. Placing their crate in your room will also help you monitor them in case they need to go to the bathroom during the night.
Additionally, placing a radio or a ticking clock wrapped in a cloth in their crate or bed will soothe your puppy and help them sleep. Play soft music on a low setting to encourage them to fall asleep.
Consider the temperature and time of year when deciding how many blankets to give to your puppy. For example, your puppy might get hot if you give them too many blankets during the summer. Never use bedtime as punishment. If you do, your puppy might develop an anxiety toward bedtime, and thus, they will be more reluctant to sleep.
Quiet time can consist of quietly lying on the couch while reading a book, watching TV, or listening to soft music on a low volume.
Kongs, hard rubber or nylon toys, and thick rope toys are great for soothing a teething puppy’s mouth.
Additionally, some dog breeds sleep more than others; therefore, knowing the activity levels of your puppy’s breed will help you determine how to get them to sleep better. Ask your vet, “I have tried various methods to help my puppy sleep at night, however, none of them seem to be working. Could my puppy have a health problem?” Also ask, “I want to make sure my puppy is getting the necessary amount of physical and mental activity each day. What are the activity levels of their breed, and how can I meet them?”
