See 5 tips for getting a puppy to sleep through the night (MetaAI)
Making your puppy sleep through the night can be a challenge, especially in the first few days after their arrival. Puppies, like babies, need a lot of sleep—about 18 to 20 hours a day—but it’s common for them to feel anxious in a new home. This restlessness can make it difficult for them to get adequate rest, and for many owners, lack of sleep can quickly become a concern.
Fortunately, there are simple strategies that can help regulate your puppy’s sleep and provide a peaceful night for everyone. By establishing appropriate sleep routines and ensuring your puppy is well tired before bedtime, you can facilitate their transition to a regular sleep pattern.
PetsRadar has gathered five effective tips to help your doggy rest better at night. Check them out:
1 – Provide adequate exercise, especially in the evening
To help your puppy sleep better, it’s essential to ensure they have enough time to exercise. Puppies tend to sleep more deeply when they are tired, so activities like walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are crucial.
It is recommended to concentrate exercise sessions in the hours leading up to bedtime, allowing them to wear out and relax when it’s time to rest.
2 – Create a comfortable sleeping space
Setting up an appropriate place for your puppy to sleep can make a big difference. Instead of letting them sleep in your bed, create a safe space, like a crate, where they can feel secure and at ease. This helps your puppy associate this space with rest, making it easier for them to settle down and relax at night.
3 – Encourage positive associations with the crate
It’s important for your puppy to have a positive relationship with the crate. Instead of forcing them to go inside, create a welcoming environment by placing treats and toys inside. Use positive reinforcement to encourage them to enter the crate on their own, praising and rewarding them. This way, they will associate the crate with pleasant experiences and feel more comfortable sleeping there.
4 – Plan bathroom breaks
Avoid feeding your puppy right before bed, as this decreases the likelihood of them needing to go to the bathroom during the night.
Feed them a few hours before bedtime and take them outside before they settle down. This helps ensure they can sleep for a longer period without interruptions.
5 – Do not reward unwanted behaviors
When you hear your puppy whimpering during the night, it can be tempting to go to them to check what’s wrong. However, this can reinforce unwanted behavior.
Instead, try to ignore the whimpering and only interact with them when they are calm. This will help them understand that whimpering does not result in attention, and eventually, they will settle better.
With these tips, you can help your puppy adjust to a new home and ensure they sleep soundly. While the first few days can be challenging, investing time and energy now will make a big difference in your dog’s well-being in the future.
Source: PetsRadar | Photo: MetaAI | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
