Check out 5 tips to make a puppy sleep through the night (Freepik)
Teaching your puppy to sleep through the night can be challenging, especially in the first few weeks as they adjust to the new environment and miss their humans at night.
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Just like babies, puppies need a lot of sleep, specifically 18 to 20 hours a day. With a few simple tips and a consistent routine, you can help your puppy rest and have more peaceful nights.
Provide exercise
Just like us, puppies sleep better when they are tired. Physical activities, such as long walks and playtime, help burn off energy and prepare your puppy to sleep better.
If possible, keep your puppy active throughout the day and focus on more intense play sessions near bedtime to help ensure a quieter night.
Choose a good place for your puppy to sleep
Although it may seem comfortable to let your puppy sleep in your bed, their own space is ideal. A crate or pen can be a good place for them to get used to sleeping, and it’s important to choose an appropriate size.
Create a positive association with the crate
Encourage your puppy to enjoy sleeping in the crate or bed by placing treats and toys inside, rather than forcing them in. This helps build a positive relationship with the space. Avoid using the crate as punishment, as this may make your puppy resistant to going in when it’s time to sleep.
Plan bathroom breaks
Feed your puppy a few hours before bedtime to prevent them from needing a bathroom break in the middle of the night. At the end of the sleep routine, take them outside to empty their bladder. This reduces the chances of them needing to go out in the middle of the night and prevents accidents.
Don’t reinforce unwanted behaviors
If your puppy whines during the night, avoid giving them attention as this can reinforce the behavior. Only interact with them when they are calm and quiet. For bathroom breaks, set a time to take them out instead of waiting for them to wake you up. Gradually, you can extend this time until the nighttime break is no longer needed.
Source: PetsRadar | Photo: Freepik | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
