Where Should a Puppy Sleep at Night?

Your puppy deserves their own cozy sleeping spot. Using a properly sized crate for sleep training is hugely helpful—it becomes a special retreat where your puppy learns to feel safe, calm, and secure. Plus, crate training is a natural complement to potty training!

Make sure the crate is a warm and inviting sanctuary. For the first few weeks, place it in your bedroom so your puppy can sense your presence. Remember, your little one has just left their mom and littermates and is navigating a brand-new environment. Those initial nights can be scary! Being close to you helps your puppy feel protected and reduces anxiety, making it easier for them to fall asleep peacefully.

How To Prepare a Puppy for Bed

Establishing a bedtime routine sets clear expectations and comforts your puppy as they anticipate what’s next. Feed your puppy their last meal at least three hours before bedtime. This timing allows sufficient digestion and time for a bathroom break pre-sleep.

About an hour before bed, take your puppy for a gentle walk and enjoy some calm, playful bonding time. When it’s time to settle in the crate, either go to sleep yourself or quietly pretend to. If you stay active or noisy, your pup might think it’s playtime and want to join in.

Craft a snug and inviting bed inside the crate. If possible, include a blanket or item carrying your scent to reassure your puppy. Otherwise, a soft, warm blanket will still offer comfort. Opt for a dog bed with raised sides to create a cradling, protective feel. Always choose washable bedding in case of accidents.

Consider including a soothing toy designed to simulate another dog’s presence—such as a plush companion—that your puppy can cuddle with. If you add toys, select those meant for calmness rather than play to avoid stimulating your pup before bedtime. Always prioritize safety: avoid anything that could pose a choking hazard.

What To Do If Your Puppy Is Crying

There are two main reasons your puppy might cry in their crate: they need a bathroom break, or they’re seeking attention.

If you recently took your pup outside to relieve themselves but they’re still crying, soothe them gently with quiet verbal reassurances or sit calmly nearby until they drift off. Avoid getting your puppy riled up with play or active interaction. Importantly, don’t release your puppy from the crate in response to crying—that encourages waking you up just out of boredom. And above all, never punish your puppy for crying during the night.

How Often Do Puppies Pee at Night?

Young puppies typically need bathroom breaks every two to four hours through the night. If your puppy is unsettled or crying at night and it’s been a few hours since the last trip outside, it’s a good idea to quietly take them out.

Keep this bathroom break calm and businesslike: do not engage in play or excitement. Once your puppy finishes, immediately head back inside and return to bed quietly. This maintains the routine as strictly for bathroom purposes only.

Some puppies can make it through the night without a bathroom break by 12 weeks old, but many take longer to build bladder control to last six to eight hours.

Learn To Be a Morning Person

Just like babies, puppies sleep when they need rest and wake when they need food, water, potty time, or attention. Allow your puppy to sleep undisturbed as much as possible so they get the rest necessary for healthy growth.

With time, your puppy will adjust to your household’s sleep routine and begin waking up alongside you. Keep in mind, though, that puppies require more frequent bathroom breaks than adult dogs, so sleeping in may remain difficult until they mature a bit.

Because puppies cycle between bursts of energy and sudden sleepiness, your home’s activity level can affect their ability to nap. If your puppy struggles to rest during busy times, consider providing a quiet, calm space just for napping. Similar to a baby, your pup may feel comforted if someone stays close until they drift off.

With patience, gentle care, and a consistent schedule, your new puppy will soon settle into a healthy, happy sleeping routine.