Lets dive into the essentials every new dog parent should know to help their puppy sleep through the night. From understanding social sleeping and why your puppy bed shouldn’t be waterproof, to learning the right sleep schedule for different puppy age groups, we cover it all. With the right puppy bed, a consistent routine, and a focus on bonding, you’ll ensure your furry friend gets the rest they need while strengthening your connection.
Welcome to dog parenthood! It’s messy, chaotic, and full of unconditional love—and sleepless nights. But don’t worry, we’ve got you. Just like human babies, puppies need specific sleep routines to grow into happy, healthy adults. Here’s everything you need to know about puppy sleep, from ideal schedules to picking the perfect bed.
Puppy Sleep Needs by Age
Puppies, like all young mammals, need sleep—a lot of sleep. According to the AKC, here’s a quick breakdown of their sleep needs by age:
- Babies (Under 16 weeks): 18–20 hours/day
- Toddlers (4–12 months): 16–18 hours/day
- Kids (12–24 months): 14–16 hours/day
For context, adult dogs snooze around 14–16 hours daily. This means your little fluffball will sleep through most of their early life. (In our next life, we’d like to come back as spoiled Boston terriers.)
Why Long Sleep Matters for Puppies
Sleep is the foundation of your puppy’s development. A well-rested pup is easier to train, more balanced emotionally, and less likely to wreak havoc on your shoes. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to:
- Hyperactivity
- Poor focus
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Destructive behavior
Sound familiar? It’s puppy burnout, and it’s very real.
Creating the Perfect Puppy Sleep Setup
Embrace Social Sleeping
Many mammals, including humans and dogs, thrive on social sleep. That warm, fuzzy feeling of someone snoring next to you (minus the drool) is scientifically proven to improve REM sleep—for both humans and their dogs.For many small breeds, sharing the bed can be an optimal choice. They tend to be more anxious and often need extra care. Larger dogs, however, are usually better at managing their emotions, and if they move into your bed, they might end up disrupting your sleep.
For puppies, this closeness replicates the comfort they felt with their litter. But before you let that little furball crawl into bed, think long-term. If you’re okay with sharing your bed for the next decade or two, great! If not, here’s how to create a cozy, independent sleep environment:
- The bedroom should be dark, quiet, and cool—ideal conditions for both dogs and humans.
- Place the dog bed as close to your bed as possible, so you can reach down and touch your puppy, so they can still feel connected.
- For restless pups, try placing their bed inside a crate and covering it with a breathable cloth to create a cozy, den-like atmosphere. If the crate is close enough for you to reach from your bed, even better—it adds an extra layer of comfort for your pup.
- If the adoption process takes some time, consider leaving a towel or an old T-shirt with the breeder or shelter. Let the item absorb the comforting scent of the puppy’s mom and littermates. Once your puppy comes home, place it in their bed—the familiar smell will help them feel calm and secure in their new environment.
Choose the Right Puppy Bed
Not all dog beds are created equal. Here’s what to consider:
Your puppy isn’t throwing tantrums because they’re “just being a puppy.” Sleep deprivation could be the culprit. Watch for these red flags:
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Excessive barking or whining
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Over-chewing (yes, even more than usual)
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Struggling with training or commands
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Outbursts of hyperactivity
How to Help Your Puppy Sleep Through the Night
Stick to a Sleep Schedule
Puppies are creatures of habit. Sync their bedtime with yours to create consistency. If you’re a 9 PM early bird, your puppy should also settle down by then. Night owls? Adjust accordingly.
Pro tip: Very young pups (8–12 weeks) will need 2–3 potty breaks at night. By 16 weeks, they’ll likely be sleeping through the night—or close to it.
Wind-Down Time
Just like with human babies, avoid overstimulating your pup before bedtime. Skip the running, fetch, and tug-of-war—stick to gentle petting and cozy snuggles instead.
Napping 101: Daytime Sleep Tips
Daytime naps are just as important as nighttime sleep. Puppies need calm, quiet spaces to recharge. Set up a cozy nap station in a low-traffic area. If your puppy struggles to relax, try this:
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Lead them gently to their bed.
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Sit nearby and stroke their back or speak softly.
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Add a shirt or towel with your scent to soothe them.
Over time, they’ll associate their nap zone with safety and relaxation.
Final Thoughts
Getting your puppy to sleep through the night isn’t just about their comfort—it’s about yours too. The right puppy bed can make all the difference, giving your furry baby a sense of security and ensuring you both get the rest you need. By investing in a cozy, well-suited bed and establishing good sleep habits early, you’ll set the foundation for peaceful nights and be ready to tackle all the adventures of dog parenthood.
References
A Summary of Canine Sleep Behaviour: Early Findings From The Generation Pup Cohort Study
Developmental features of sleep electrophysiology in family dogs