Getting a Puppy to Sleep Through the Night

Bringing a puppy home is equal parts magic and mayhem. Those tiny paws, sleepy eyes, and clumsy tail wags melt hearts—but the late-night whining and 2am toilet dashes? Not so endearing. If you’re pacing the hallway while your new pup howls from the laundry, you’re far from alone. Early puppyhood is full of restless nights and disrupted sleep, and while it might feel like you’ve signed up for an eternal midnight shift, this phase does pass.

The good news? There are ways to ease the transition and help your puppy settle in for longer, more restful stretches at night. 

Why Puppies Struggle to Sleep Through the Night

It’s tempting to think your puppy just wants to keep you on your toes—but there are real reasons why young dogs wake often, fuss loudly, and struggle to settle.

• They’re missing their old pack. Until recently, your puppy curled up next to their mum and littermates. The shift from warm bodies to an empty crate can be unsettling.
   
• Their body’s still catching up. Small bladders, tiny tummies, and unpredictable sleep patterns make it tricky to go for long stretches without food, water, or a loo break.
   
• New sounds and smells throw them off. From creaking floorboards to unfamiliar shadows, a puppy’s new environment can feel like sensory overload—especially when the lights go out.

You don’t need to “fix” your puppy. You just need to help them adjust. And the first step? Build a sleeping setup that works with their instincts, not against them.

Set Up a Calm, Comfortable Sleeping Space

You can’t force a puppy to sleep—but you can build a space that helps them feel safe enough to drift off. Think less “doggy bedroom” and more “cozy den.” The goal is to give your pup a familiar nook that encourages stillness and security.

• Pick the right location. Choose a quiet spot with minimal foot traffic. A laundry room, corner of your bedroom, or any tucked-away area works well—as long as it feels calm and consistent. If the space is too far from you, some puppies may feel stranded. Starting out near your bed can make a world of difference, then you can slowly move the crate if needed.
   
• Use a crate or enclosed pen. For many dogs, an enclosed space gives them a sense of boundary and safety. It also keeps them out of mischief while you’re asleep. Add a crate cover or a towel draped over one side to make it feel snug and den-like, without completely blocking airflow.
   
• Add soft, familiar comforts. Line the crate or bed with soft blankets. Pop in a toy that smells like you—something you’ve worn or held—so your scent lingers overnight. You might also try a safe chew toy to keep their mouth busy as they wind down.
   
• Mimic warmth and a heartbeat. A snuggly plush toy with a heat pack or heartbeat simulator can work wonders for puppies adjusting to life without littermates. It won’t replace their mum, but it can help bridge the emotional gap.

If you have a breed like a Maltese Shih Tzu, they can particularly benefit from being in a snug, secure space as they’re known for their attachment to their owners. Their small size and sensitivity to changes in their environment mean they may need a little extra comfort and reassurance at night.

A puppy’s space isn’t just about where they sleep—it’s how they feel when they’re there. Creating a peaceful nest helps lay the foundation for better nights.

Establish a Predictable Bedtime Routine

Puppies thrive on rhythm. They don’t need a ticking clock, but they do need cues that help them settle down and figure out when it’s time to switch off. A steady bedtime pattern helps their body and brain catch on—and keeps you from losing sleep.

• Keep evenings quiet and predictable. You don’t need to tiptoe around, but try to wind things down as bedtime approaches. A short play session after dinner helps burn off leftover steam. Follow that with a toilet trip, then ease into a calm cuddle or gentle brushing session.
   
• Avoid feeding too late. Giving your puppy a big meal right before bed is like drinking a litre of coffee before turning in. Feed dinner earlier in the evening to give their digestive system time to settle and reduce overnight accidents.
   
• Stick to the same order of events. Dogs learn best when patterns repeat. Whether it’s play, toilet, crate, then lights out—or another order—repeat it night after night. Before long, they’ll start to anticipate what comes next, and you’ll see them settle faster.

A good bedtime routine won’t fix everything overnight, but it gives your puppy a clear path to rest—and it gives you some much-needed consistency, too.

How Long Before Puppies Sleep Through the Night?

This is the million-dollar question—and while every pup dances to the beat of their own drum, most start stringing together longer stretches of sleep by the time they hit 12 to 16 weeks old. That said, there are always outliers. Some breeze through it. Others drag their paws a little.

• Bladders take time to catch up. Tiny puppies just don’t have the plumbing to last eight hours. Many need one or two toilet breaks overnight in the early weeks. As they grow, their ability to hold it improves—and with that, so does your sleep.
   
• Consistency builds comfort. A steady bedtime, a familiar sleeping space, and a gentle routine help your pup learn that nights are for rest. Random schedules or last-minute play sessions can throw them off track.
   
• Growth spurts and changes happen. Even if your pup sleeps soundly one week, teething or a new environment can disrupt things. Don’t panic—it doesn’t mean you’ve messed up. Just stick to your habits and ride it out.
   
• Remember the long game. Teaching your dog to sleep through the night isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about building a habit they’ll keep for years. Hang in there. What feels like a never-ending string of early wake-ups now will eventually become quiet, undisturbed nights.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever rocked a squeaky chew toy at 3am or tiptoed around in the dark hoping not to wake the tiny tornado in the crate—you’re not alone. Those blurry-eyed nights are part of the package, but they don’t last forever.

Most puppies settle into a proper rhythm before you know it. For some, that peaceful eight-hour stretch might take a few weeks. Others need a little longer and some extra guidance—but nearly every pup gets there in the end.

The key? Stick with the routine. Keep nights quiet, days active, and expectations realistic. Celebrate the small wins—a single extra hour of sleep, a dry crate, or even just fewer whines at bedtime.

And through it all, remind yourself that this fuzzy little whirlwind is learning how to live with you just as much as you’re learning how to care for them. Rest will come—for both of you. In the meantime, pour the coffee, find comfort in the quiet moments, and know you’re raising a loyal companion who’ll return every effort tenfold.