Potty training your new puppy with a nighttime routine is extremely important, although it can be one of the hardest parts of training your dog. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on how to toilet train your puppy at night, so you can use these simple tips to avoid sleepless nights and uncontrollable mess!
Ever found yourself bleary-eyed at 3 AM, cleaning up yet another puppy accident? You’re not alone. The nighttime potty struggles are real, and many new puppy parents wonder if midnight pooping is normal or if something’s wrong with their furry bundle of joy.
As a long-time dog owner who’s raised more puppies than I care to count, I’ve spent countless nights half-asleep while my puppies did their business under the stars. Let me share what I’ve learned about this messy but inevitable part of puppy parenthood.
Why Do Puppies Poop So Much at Night?
First things first – yes puppies absolutely do poop at night and there are several good reasons for this midnight mayhem
1. Developing Digestive Systems
Puppies have immature digestive systems that are still developing. Their little tummies process food much faster than adult dogs, which means more frequent bathroom breaks are needed. Their small stomachs and speedy metabolisms mean food moves through their system quickly, leading to more frequent pooping sessions.
2. Limited Bowel Control
Young puppies simply don’t have the muscle control to “hold it” like adult dogs. Just like human babies they’re still learning to recognize the sensation of needing to go and developing the physical ability to control it.
3. Daytime Activity Levels
Puppies who are super active during the day may experience stimulated digestive systems. All that playing and running around gets things moving, which can result in more bathroom needs, particularly at night when everything settles down.
4. Eating Habits and Timing
What goes in must come out! If your puppy eats dinner late in the evening, you can bet they’ll need to poop a few hours later – which might fall right in the middle of your beauty sleep.
How Long Can Puppies Hold Their Poop at Night?
The general rule with puppies is they can hold their bladder for approximately one hour for every month of age. However, bowel movements work a bit differently. Most puppies fully digest their food after about 6-8 hours.
Here’s a rough guideline:
| Puppy Age | Bladder Control | Potential Poop Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| 8-10 weeks | 2 hours max | May need 3-4 potty breaks per night |
| 3-4 months | 3-4 hours | Might manage with 1-2 breaks per night |
| 5-6 months | 5-6 hours | Often can make it through most of the night |
| 6+ months | 6+ hours | Many can sleep through the night |
Remember these are just averages! Some puppies develop control faster than others and factors like size, breed, and individual development all play a role.
7 Tips to Manage Nighttime Puppy Pooping
Now for the practical stuff – how do we deal with this messy situation and eventually get a full night’s sleep again?
1. Establish a Consistent Feeding Schedule
Time those meals strategically! Feed your puppy at least 3 hours before bedtime to give their system time to process food before sleep. Remove water about an hour before bed (but always ensure they have plenty of hydration throughout the day).
One veterinarian I spoke with recommended: “Feed puppies their last meal no later than 6 PM if your bedtime is around 10 PM. This gives their digestive system time to process most of the food before sleep.”
2. Create a Bedtime Potty Routine
Take your pup out for a final potty break 10-15 minutes before lights out. Don’t rush this – give them at least 5-10 minutes to fully empty their bladder AND bowels. If nothing happens, bring them in and try again a little later.
3. Utilize Proper Crate Training
A properly sized crate can be your best friend for nighttime toilet training. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a crate encourages bladder and bowel control. Make sure it’s just big enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably – not so big that they can designate a “potty corner.”
If you’ve purchased a crate your puppy will grow into (smart move!), use a divider to limit the space until they grow larger.
4. Schedule Middle-of-Night Potty Breaks
Yeah, I know this one sucks. But honestly, the best way to prevent accidents is to wake up and take your puppy out before they have one. Set alarms based on your puppy’s age:
- 8-10 weeks: Every 2-3 hours
- 3-4 months: Every 3-4 hours
- 4-5 months: Once during the night
- 6+ months: Many can sleep through the night
Keep these nighttime breaks boring – no playing, no excitement. Just a quick trip outside to do business, then straight back to bed.
5. Listen for Warning Signs
Most puppies will give you clues that they need to go – whining, restlessness, sniffing, or circling. If you hear your puppy stirring in their crate at night, it’s probably potty time! Make sure you can hear your puppy – consider moving their crate to your bedroom or using a baby monitor.
6. Handle Accidents Properly
Accidents will happen. When they do:
- Never punish your puppy or rub their nose in it
- Clean thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners to remove the scent
- Stay calm and matter-of-fact
- Adjust your schedule to prevent future accidents
7. Rule Out Health Issues
If your puppy suddenly starts having accidents after previously being reliable, or if their poop is loose or abnormal, check with your vet. Internal parasites like giardia or coccidia are common in puppies and can cause digestive issues and diarrhea.
Common Nighttime Puppy Poop Problems (And Solutions)
Problem: Puppy Poops in Crate Every Night
Solution: This could indicate your crate is too big, your feeding schedule needs adjustment, or you need more frequent potty breaks. Try using a divider to make the crate smaller, feeding earlier, and setting an alarm to take your pup out before they typically have an accident.
Problem: Puppy Eats Poop (Eww, But Common!)
Solution: Gross as it sounds, this behavior (called coprophagia) is fairly common, with studies showing 16-23% of adult dogs display this behavior. It can relate to nutritional deficiencies, so consult your vet. Clean up poop promptly and work on the “leave it” command.
Problem: Puppy Has Diarrhea at Night
Solution: Diarrhea can result from dietary indiscretion, parasites, or infections. If it persists for more than a day, consult your vet. In the meantime, ensure your puppy stays hydrated and consider temporarily feeding a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice (after checking with your vet).
When Will My Puppy Stop Pooping at Night?
I know it feels like forever when you’re sleep-deprived, but this phase doesn’t last forever! Most puppies stop needing overnight potty breaks between 4-6 months of age, depending on size and individual development.
Most puppies stop needing nighttime poops by 12-16 weeks IF they’re on a good feeding schedule. However, complete nighttime bladder control might take a bit longer, especially for smaller breeds.
When to Consult a Professional
If you’ve tried everything and your puppy is still having regular accidents:
- Consult your veterinarian to rule out medical issues
- Consider working with a certified dog trainer (look for CCPDT certification)
- Don’t let the problem continue too long, as it can become a learned behavior
Final Thoughts
Nighttime puppy pooping is a normal, if frustrating, phase of puppy development. With patience, consistency, and the right routine, you’ll help your puppy develop good bathroom habits and eventually enjoy uninterrupted sleep again.
Remember, this challenging period is temporary, but the love and companionship of your furry friend will last for years to come. Those 3 AM potty breaks will eventually become a distant memory, I promise!
Have you dealt with a midnight-pooping puppy? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below – we’re all in this messy adventure together!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice. If your puppy is experiencing persistent digestive issues, please consult with your veterinarian.
Setting a Nighttime Routine for Your Puppy
A routine can be a powerful tool when training your puppy, teaching them when they can use the toilet and when they should be asleep. Start by creating a schedule with your dog and try to maintain consistent times for when you both go to sleep and when you wake up, teaching your puppy when it’s the right time for them to use the bathroom.
Take them out during the night, but only for the first few months
It’s important to understand that young puppies will need to use the toilet at least once during the night. So, for the initial few weeks, make sure you set an alarm during the night to let your puppy use the bathroom (usually around 6 hours after their last potty break). If your puppy doesn’t have an accident during those hours for a few weeks, start to increase the time between their last toilet break before bed and you taking them out at night. Delaying their potty break by 15 minutes every night will teach them to wait a little longer to do their business, eventually turning it into a morning routine.
Once your puppy is three or four months old, they will most likely be able to go the full night (7 to 8 hours) without a toilet break.
Puppy Potty Training At Night WITHOUT Setting An Alarm!
FAQ
How long after a puppy eats do they poop?