How to Get Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night
One of the biggest challenges for new puppy owners is sleep.
Those first few nights can be tough.
Whining, barking and restlessness can leave both you and your puppy feeling exhausted.
The good news is that puppies can learn to settle and sleep through the night with the right structure and support.
Why Puppies Struggle at Night
From your puppy’s perspective, everything has changed.
They’ve left their litter, their familiar environment and everything they know.
Night-time can feel especially uncertain.
Crying is not your puppy being difficult — it’s communication.
They may be:
• unsure of their new environment
• needing the toilet
• feeling isolated
• overtired or overstimulated
Understanding this is the first step to helping them settle.
Build a Calm Evening Routine
Puppies benefit from predictable structure.
In the evening, aim to:
• reduce high-energy play before bedtime
• offer calm activities like gentle interaction or chewing
• give a final toilet opportunity
• settle your puppy in a consistent sleeping area
A calm lead-in to bedtime makes a big difference.
Create a Safe Sleeping Space
Your puppy should have a space where they feel:
• safe
• comfortable
• able to relax
This might be:
• a crate
• a puppy pen
• a bed in a quiet area
Avoid constantly changing where your puppy sleeps in the early days.
Consistency builds confidence.
Respond Calmly, Not Emotionally
If your puppy cries during the night, try to respond calmly.
First consider:
• do they need the toilet?
• are they genuinely distressed?
If so, quietly take them out and return them to bed without creating excitement.
Avoid:
• lots of talking
• turning it into playtime
• reinforcing wakefulness
Avoid Over-Tiredness
A common but overlooked issue is overtired puppies.
Like young children, puppies can struggle to settle if they are too stimulated or haven’t had enough rest during the day.
Make sure your puppy has:
• regular naps
• downtime between activities
• a balance of stimulation and rest
Progress Takes Time
Some puppies settle quickly.
Others take a little longer.
Consistency is key.
Small improvements build over time into reliable, restful nights.
Need Help With Puppy Routines?
If you're struggling with your puppy’s sleep, I offer private in-home puppy training across Richmond, Teddington and South West London.
Together, we can build a routine that supports both you and your puppy, helping create calm, settled behaviour at home.
You can learn more here:
