Getting a puppy is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. In some ways, having a puppy is like having a baby, because they need a lot of attention and patience while they’re learning and adjusting. One of the first things your puppy needs to learn is a sleep schedule.
Depending on the breed of dog, their age, and their activity during the day, puppies sleep a lot—anywhere from 12–20 hours per day. Very young puppies will sleep constantly—unless they’re nursing. As puppies get older, they alternate between sleeping and bursts of energy.
With all this time spent snoozing, here’s how to help your puppy learn good sleeping habits.
Getting a new puppy is exciting but oh boy, those sleepless nights can be brutal! As a dog trainer and fellow sleep-deprived puppy parent I’ve been through the midnight potty breaks and 5 AM wake-up calls more times than I can count. If you’re wondering when you’ll finally get a full night’s sleep again, I’ve got good news – there is light at the end of this very tired tunnel!
The Short Answer: Most Puppies Sleep Through the Night at 16 Weeks
If you’re too exhausted to read the whole article (trust me I get it!) here’s the quick answer
Most puppies start sleeping through the night at around 16 weeks (4 months) of age.
A 2020 study showed that by 16 weeks, puppies typically sleep an average of 7 consecutive hours through the night. But since most people bring puppies home at 8-10 weeks old, you’re looking at about 6-7 weeks of interrupted sleep before reaching this milestone.
But wait! Before you start counting down the days remember that every puppy is different. Some might sleep through earlier while others might take longer. Let’s dive deeper into what affects your puppy’s sleep schedule and how you can help them (and yourself) get more rest.
Puppy Sleep Patterns by Age: What to Expect
8-10 Weeks (When You First Bring Puppy Home)
At this age, your puppy’s typical sleeping schedule might look like:
- Total sleep: 16-20 hours daily
- Bedtime: Around 8 PM
- Potty breaks: Between 11 PM-12 AM and again at 3-4 AM
- Wake-up time: 6 AM (sorry!)
- Multiple daytime naps totaling 4-8 hours
This is the toughest stage for most pawrents. Your puppy physically cannot hold their bladder for more than a few hours, which means those middle-of-the-night potty breaks are unavoidable.
12 Weeks (3 Months)
- Total sleep: 16-20 hours daily
- Night sleep becoming more consolidated
- Still needs at least one nighttime potty break
- Potty breaks might start getting more predictable
16 Weeks (4 Months)
This is the magic number for many puppies!
- Total sleep: Around 10.5 hours daily (according to owner surveys)
- Bedtime: Around 11 PM
- Night sleep: Can often last until 6 AM without breaks
- Daytime naps: 3-4 hours total
6 Months
- Total sleep: 14-18 hours daily
- Can typically hold bladder for 6-7 hours
- Most puppies sleeping through the night
- May start sleeping in slightly later
12 Months (1 Year)
- Total sleep: Just over 10 hours daily
- Adult sleep pattern established
- Daytime naps: About 3 hours on average
Why Some Puppies Take Longer to Sleep Through the Night
Not all puppies follow the same timeline. Several factors can affect when your specific pup will sleep all night:
Breed Differences
Hunt-point-retrieve breeds (like Labradors, Spaniels, and Weimaraners) often take longer to sleep through the night. This might be because they were bred to be more social and take longer to feel confident alone.
Smaller breeds often mature faster than larger breeds, which can affect their sleep patterns too.
Individual Personality
Just like human babies, some puppies are naturally better sleepers than others! Your pup’s unique temperament plays a big role in their sleep habits.
Environment & Routine
A predictable schedule and comfortable sleeping environment make a huge difference. Puppies who feel secure tend to settle faster.
Separation Anxiety
Some puppies struggle with being apart from their littermates and mother. This anxiety can disrupt sleep as they adjust to their new home.
8 Tricks to Get Your Puppy Sleeping Through the Night Faster
Want to speed up the process? Here are some trainer-approved tips that have worked for me and countless puppy parents:
1. Be Patient (I Know It’s Hard!)
First off, don’t expect miracles on night one. Your puppy is adjusting to a whole new world without their mom and siblings. They’re nervous, excited, and learning the ropes. Give them time to settle in.
2. Establish a Solid Bedtime Routine
Puppies thrive on predictability. Create a consistent bedtime ritual:
- Remove food 2-3 hours before bedtime
- Take them out for a final potty break
- Dim the lights and quiet household activity
- Maybe include a cozy chew toy or a special bedtime-only toy
- Consider some soft music or white noise
The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn that these cues mean “time to sleep.”
3. Make Friends with Crate Training
I know crate training can feel mean, but it’s honestly one of the best tools for sleep training. A properly introduced crate becomes your puppy’s safe den where they learn to self-soothe and settle.
Benefits include:
- Fewer potty accidents (puppies don’t like soiling their sleeping area)
- Clear boundaries for sleep time
- Security for anxious puppies
Try covering the crate with a blanket to create a den-like environment. Some puppies respond amazingly well to this – almost like putting a bird to bed!
4. Tire Them Out (But Not Too Much!)
A tired puppy is a sleepy puppy! Make sure they get plenty of physical AND mental exercise during the day:
- Short play sessions
- Basic training games
- Puzzle toys
- Gentle exploring
But beware of the over-tired puppy! Just like human toddlers, an exhausted puppy can actually become hyper and have trouble settling. Balance is key.
5. Manage the Potty Schedule Strategically
This is super important! To reduce nighttime wakings:
- Remove water about 1-2 hours before bedtime (leave ice cubes if it’s hot)
- Take them out for a potty break right before bed
- Be proactive with a timer – set an alarm for 4-5 hours after bedtime to take them out while they’re still drowsy
6. Set a Timer for Midnight Potty Breaks
Instead of waiting for your puppy to wake you up crying, set an alarm for about 4-5 hours after bedtime. Take them out to potty while they’re still sleepy, which means they’re more likely to go right back to sleep afterward.
This proactive approach can prevent your puppy from becoming fully awake and excited in the middle of the night.
7. Ignore Non-Emergency Crying (With Exceptions)
Once you know your puppy doesn’t need to potty, it’s okay to ignore some whining. Puppies learn quickly that crying gets attention, so be careful not to reinforce this behavior.
However, use common sense here. If your puppy sounds genuinely distressed or scared, comfort them briefly. The goal isn’t to make them feel abandoned!
8. Adjust Your Definition of “Sleeping Through the Night”
Be realistic about what “sleeping through the night” means with a puppy. For most puppies, this initially means sleeping until 5-6 AM – not 9 AM!
Early morning wakeups are normal for puppies. As they mature, they’ll gradually sleep in longer.
Signs Your Puppy Isn’t Getting Enough Sleep
Keep an eye out for these signs that your puppy needs more or better quality sleep:
- Excessive tiredness during the day
- Fidgety, anxious, or restless behavior
- Grumpiness or irritability
- Poor appetite
- Difficulty focusing on training
My Personal Experience
When I got my lab mix, Bailey, she woke up EVERY. SINGLE. HOUR the first night. I was ready to lose my mind! But by consistently following the routine above, she was sleeping from 11 PM to 5 AM by 14 weeks old. Not perfect, but a huge improvement!
My whippet was different – he slept through at 12 weeks but now as an adult takes a SIX-HOUR nap after his morning walk (on top of sleeping all night). Each dog is so different!
Changing Your Puppy’s Wake-Up Time
If your puppy is waking up too early, you can gradually adjust their schedule:
- Use an alarm clock as a cue for “wake-up time”
- Cover the crate to block morning light
- Use white noise to mask morning sounds
- Gradually push the alarm 5 minutes later every few days
FAQ About Puppy Sleep
What time should a puppy go to bed?
There’s no perfect bedtime, but consistency is key. Choose a time that works with your schedule and stick with it.
How long does a puppy need to sleep at night?
Initially, puppies might only sleep 6-7 hours at night (with breaks). By adulthood, most dogs sleep 8-10 hours overnight.
Should I ignore my puppy crying at night?
It depends on the reason. Always check if they need to potty first. If they’ve just gone out and are crying for attention, brief comfort or ignoring (depending on the situation) is appropriate. Never ignore a puppy that sounds genuinely distressed.
Wrapping Up
The journey to a full night’s sleep with a new puppy takes patience, but I promise it gets better! By 16 weeks, most puppies can sleep through the night, though exactly what that means will vary by individual.
Remember that sleep is crucial for your puppy’s development – their musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and immune system all depend on good rest to function properly. Creating a positive sleep environment now sets the foundation for healthy sleep habits throughout your dog’s life.
Hang in there, fellow puppy parents! Those uninterrupted nights of sleep are coming sooner than you think. And one day, you might even miss those quiet midnight moments with your pup (or maybe not!).
What age did your puppy start sleeping through the night? Drop a comment below with your experiences!
How To Prepare a Puppy for Bed
Creating a routine will help your puppy know what will happen next and what behavior you expect. Make sure your puppy has eaten his last meal of the day at least three hours before bedtime. This gives him enough time to digest and use the bathroom before bed.
Take a walk and have a final, gentle playtime about an hour before bed. Once you put your puppy in the crate to sleep, you should either go to sleep or pretend to go to sleep. If you are still up, active, and making noise, your puppy will want to join you.
Creating a cozy and comfortable bed will also prepare your puppy for sleep. If possible, put a blanket or something with your scent in the crate with him. If that is not possible, a soft, warm blanket will still offer some comfort. Choose a dog bed for the crate that has raised sides so your puppy will feel cradled and protected. Whatever bedding you choose, make sure it’s washable in case of an accident.
There are also toys designed to mimic another dog, such as the Snuggle Puppy, that can be a soothing toy for your puppy to cuddle. If you do put toys in the crate, stick with ones conducive to bedtime—not something that would make your puppy think it’s playtime. As always, use your best judgment when choosing items to put in the crate with your puppy; you do not want to put anything in the crate that could be a choking hazard.
Where Should a Puppy Sleep at Night?
Your puppy needs to have their own sleeping space. A properly sized crate is useful for sleep training, and your pet will soon learn that this is where to go for a quiet and safe place to rest. Bonus: Teaching your dog to sleep in the crate also helps with potty training.
The crate should be a comfortable and warm place. For at least the first few weeks, it should be placed in your bedroom where you sleep. Remember that your puppy is in a new home, away from his mom and siblings, and those first few nights will be scary! It’s important that he learns from the beginning that he is safe and not alone. A scared puppy will have trouble falling asleep.