Help! My Puppy Won’t Sleep Through the Night — What Should I Do?

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and heartwarming experience, but it often comes with a few sleepless nights. If your puppy is struggling to sleep through the night, you’re not alone. Many new puppy parents face this challenge during the first few weeks. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your furry friend settle in and get a good night's sleep — and give yourself some rest, too.

1. Understand Why Puppies Wake at Night

Puppies are just babies, and like human infants, they need time to adjust to their new surroundings. Your puppy has likely just left its mother, siblings, and everything familiar. Nighttime can feel lonely and even scary, leading to whining, restlessness, or barking. They also have small bladders and may need to go potty during the night for the first few weeks.

2. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Create a calming pre-bedtime ritual to signal that it’s time to wind down. This might include a short walk, a potty break, and a few quiet minutes of cuddle time. Avoid rowdy play right before bed, as it can overstimulate your puppy.

Make sure your puppy's last meal is a few hours before bedtime, and allow time for a final potty trip before you tuck them in.

3. Create a Comfortable Sleeping Space

Your puppy’s sleep environment matters. A cozy crate with a soft blanket and a stuffed toy can help mimic the comfort of snuggling with littermates. If your puppy is struggling with separation anxiety, consider placing the crate near your bed at night. The sound of your breathing can be reassuring.

Some new puppy owners find that a ticking clock wrapped in a blanket or a safe puppy heartbeat toy can help soothe a restless pup.

4. Limit Nighttime Potty Breaks Gradually

It’s normal for puppies under 12 weeks old to need at least one nighttime potty trip. Set an alarm to gently wake and take them out before they start whining. Over time, as their bladder control improves, you can gradually stretch the time between potty breaks.

Never scold your puppy for accidents; instead, reward them for going outside and stay patient as they develop.

5. Use Gentle Reassurance — Not Constant Attention

If your puppy whines at night, it can be tempting to rush to their side. However, responding too quickly (especially if they don’t need to potty) can reinforce attention-seeking behavior. If you know your puppy has recently been out and is safe, try to wait a few minutes before offering calm reassurance without letting them out of the crate unless necessary.

6. Be Patient — It Gets Better

The first few nights or even weeks can be tough, but with consistency, patience, and love, your puppy will adjust. Most puppies begin sleeping through the night by 12–16 weeks of age. If problems persist, consult your vet to rule out any medical issues.

At Bailey Mountain Doodles, we help prepare our puppies for this transition by introducing early crate training and nighttime routines before they go home. That way, your new pup is already on the path to peaceful nights!