How to Get Your Dog to Sleep

Can't get your puppy or grown dog to settle down to sleep at night? Does he whine all night long? If you and your dog are ready to get some sleep, make sure your dog has a routine established and a good sleep environment. Then, consider any adjustments or medical conditions your dog is experiencing. With these things in mind, you and your dog will be all set for a good night's sleep!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Changing Your Dog's Sleep Environment and Habits

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1
Create a good sleep environment. For a sleepless puppy, you can offer a warm blanket for sleeping. Place a clock that makes a rhythmic ticking sound nearby. You can also try playing the radio softly or use a white noise machine to help the puppy sleep. Consider using a heating pad under half of the crate to provide a warmer corner for cuddling.
- Since the heating pad is outside and under the crate, the puppy should not be in any danger of chewing on the cord or pad.
2
Train your dog to sleep in a crate. If you want your dog to sleep in a crate, but he isn't crate-trained it may take some time to get him used to the crate. Do your research and be prepared to teach your dog that the crate is a good place. Put special treats in the back of crate to encourage investigation. Make sure that when you say "kennel" or "crate" you use a positive tone of voice. This tells him that going into the crate to sleep isn't a punishment.
- If you use it as a punishment, you may find that your dog never grows accustomed to the crate as a relaxing and quiet place.
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3
Get your dog plenty of exercise. Your dog may be restless at night if he's not getting enough exercise during the day. Depending on your dog's breed, age and fitness level, you may be able to tire him out in 30 minutes or 3 hours (or more).^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source} You can exercise your dog at any time during the day that works with your schedule. Although, it's best to avoid a lot of activity the last hour or two before bedtime so that your dog has a chance to settle down.
- Consider playing a new sport or activity like NoseWork, Rally, agility, tracking or Flyball with your dog.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source} New activities mean learning new skills for both of you. Getting involved will increase mental and physical stimulation which helps both of you with exercise, boredom and will add to your bond.
4
Establish an evening routine. Make sure that your pet has had a chance to urinate and defecate right before bedtime. Feed your dog dinner a few hours before bedtime. This gives him plenty of time to digest and eliminate. Try keeping the hour or so before bedtime nice and calm which will set the tone for the night's sleep to come.
- If your dog is overly anxious, try giving him Adaptil. This is a product that replicates the pheromones of a nursing mother dog and may help settle your dog or puppy by reducing anxiety.^{[3]XResearch source}
EXPERT TIP
Beverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University.
Beverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
Expert Trick: If you have time at night, do something physical with your dog just before bed. This can be as simple as going for a 20-minute walk or playing fetch for a little bit, anything you can do to get your dog to use up any remaining energy.
Any changes in sleeping arrangements may take a while to get used to. Making sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise to the point of being tired is a great way to ensure a good night's sleep for you two. Talk to your vet about using an antihistamine like Benadryl to help settle your dog for a few nights during a transitional period.

Part 2

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Considering Your Dog's Sleep Issues

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1
Consider any sleep disruptions. Perhaps there are other issues causing a bit of unrest in your dog. Are you packing for a trip or moving? Are there guests in the house? A new neighbor? Loud noises? Just remember, dogs appreciate a routine. A small change to you (like moving your bedroom furniture) may seem like a big deal to the dog.
- Some dogs are more anxious than others, so be patient and think about things from your dog's perspective. Then, you can make changes accordingly.
2
Determine if your dog has medical problems. If this is an older dog that has been quiet and content before, try to determine if there is a medical problem. Talk to your veterinarian about any unexplained changes in your dog's behavior, including appetite, energy level and ability to move comfortably.
- Pain or needing to go outside to eliminate in the middle of the night can cause a pet to whine and be restless during the night.
3
Let a new puppy adjust to your home. It may take a few days (and nights) to adjust to the new household and routine. Establish ground rules at the beginning to create a good routine. This will help your puppy understand the end of day rituals that lead to getting to sleep in the new household. Feed your puppy at the same time in the evening, followed by a trip outside 15-20 minutes later to eliminate.^{[4]XResearch sourcePinney, Chris C. The Complete Home Veterinary Guide. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 3 Mar. 2015. p 41.}
- Place the pup in his crate, which should be in your bedroom so that the puppy is close by. This way, he can communicate when he needs to go outside to eliminate during the night.

Expert Q&A

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Question
How do I make my dog go to sleep fast?
Beverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University.
Beverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
Expert Answer
If you have time at night, do something physical with your dog just before bed. This can be as simple as going for a 20-minute walk or playing fetch for a little bit, anything you can do to get your dog to use up any remaining energy.
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Question
My puppy was sleeping through the night, but now he isn't. He cries and barks. We take him out. He does his business & he goes back the crate. How can I get him to sleep thru the night again without needing to potty? Do I just ignore his whining?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
A puppy can only hold his toilet for a short time (one hour for every month of life); therefore if he cries at night, he may need to toilet. Only answer his cries when he's quiet, so wait for a break between barks. Also, try scheduling a toilet break at a specific time so that he knows he will have a chance to relieve himself.
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Question
The first month we had the puppy she slept for six to eight hours. Now she only sleeps for three to four hours, then wakes up and barks and cries incessantly. What's going on?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
It might be you accidentally rewarded her for crying one night by responding to her barks. Try to ignore the noise, but schedule a toilet stop during the night so that you know she is comfortable.
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If you know that the dog has no need to go outside to eliminate and he starts to cry in the crate, don't take him out. You don't want to reward the crying. But, if your dog was quiet and several hours later starts crying, take him outside on a leash to give him a chance to urinate (or defecate). Chances are that is what woke him up. He needed to tell you to take him out in order to avoid making a mess in the crate.
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Once you return the puppy to the crate he may cry a little, but just ignore him and the pup will settle down in a few minutes.
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Make sure the room is quiet and dark.
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Play interactive games like fetch during the day to tire your puppy out physically and mentally. A sleepy puppy is less likely to fuss and cry at bedtime. However, try not to do vigorous play right before bed.
If your adult dog suddenly starts waking you up at night, get him checked out by a vet in case he has a medical issue causing discomfort or pain. A change in behavior may signal a problem.
Take your puppy outside right before bed so he can relieve himself one last time. This prevents whining due to a full bladder. Puppies need more frequent bathroom breaks.
If your puppy cries a lot at first when crated for bedtime, place the crate near you and comfort him for the first few nights. This helps him adjust to sleeping alone.
See if background noise like a ticking clock, fan, radio static or white noise machine helps soothe your restless puppy. Some dogs find rhythmic sounds very calming.
It helps most puppies/dogs if you rub their lower belly. If they start to kick their leg, rub slower and gentler.
It's good to call their crate their "home" and have a toy for them to sleep with.

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