How to Get Your Dog to Sleep 8 Hours Tonight

Are you struggling to get your new puppy to sleep through the night?

As a dog trainer with years of experience, I’m here to share some valuable tips that will help you and your dogs have a restful night’s sleep from day one.

1. Manage Food and Water Intake: One of the common mistakes many puppy owners make is not controlling their pup’s food and water intake before bedtime. To prevent midnight potty breaks, stop giving your puppy food and water at least four hours before bedtime. For instance, if you go to bed at 10 PM, avoid feeding them after 6 PM. This way, your pup will have enough time to empty their bladder before sleep.

2. Quality Diet for Solid Stools: To avoid unexpected bathroom emergencies, ensure your puppy is on a high-quality diet that promotes solid stools. Low-quality food can lead to soft stools and frequent potty breaks. Monitor their feeding schedule and find a consistent pattern for their bathroom needs.

3. Leash During Potty Breaks: Use a leash during nighttime potty breaks to keep things focused and efficient. This prevents your puppy from goofing around and engaging in playtime during the potty break. Keep them moving and walking around the yard to encourage them to do their business quickly.

4. Teach Short Potty Breaks: To discourage your puppy from turning potty breaks into playtime, keep the breaks short and sweet. Use the leash to guide them to the designated potty area, let them do their business, and then head straight back inside for relaxation time.

5. Adjust Feeding Schedule If Needed: If your puppy consistently needs to go potty during the night despite your efforts, consider adjusting their feeding schedule. For instance, you can skip the evening meal and instead give them breakfast and lunch. This allows their system more time to clear everything out, reducing the need for late-night potty breaks.

6. Be Consistent: Consistency is key in potty training. Stick to a routine and take your puppy out at regular intervals throughout the day. This helps them establish a bathroom schedule, making it easier for you to anticipate their needs.

7. Praise and Rewards: When your puppy successfully goes potty outside, praise them enthusiastically and offer a small treat as a reward. Positive reinforcement encourages them to repeat the desired behavior.

Remember, every puppy is unique, and it may take some time to find the routine that works best for your dog. 

By implementing these tips consistently, you’ll create a positive environment that helps your puppy adapt to a regular sleep schedule.

Both you and your puppy will benefit from a good night’s sleep, creating a strong bond and a happy, well-rested pup!