How to Get a Puppy to Sleep Through the Night

October 6, 2026 · 5 min read

You brought home a puppy, and you have not slept since. First, it is normal. Second, it does get easier. Here is what sources say about the first nights, a bedtime routine, and when to expect a full night of sleep.

Set expectations: it takes time

PetMD says it is very common for puppies to cry their first few nights, or even weeks, at home with you. They have just left their mother and littermates. And sleep through the night means different things at different ages. PetMD says some puppies can sleep through the night by 12 weeks old, but it could take longer for them to hold their bladders for six to eight hours. For a younger puppy, PetMD says overnight they can usually go about 4 to 6 hours.

Keep the crate in your bedroom

PetMD, the AKC and others say the same: put the crate near you. PetMD says doing so "can help your puppy feel closer to you, while also providing him with the safe space of the crate." The AKC says to put the crate in your bedroom. PetMD adds that for at least the first few weeks, this is where it should be. If you have not set up the crate yet, see our guide on how to choose a dog crate bed.

Make it smell like home

The AKC suggests bringing home a blanket or stuffed toy that smells like the puppy's mother and keeping it in the crate. PetMD suggests something that smells like you, such as a sweatshirt or T-shirt you recently wore. It also says that adding a dog bed or blankets can make the crate more comfortable. The AKC is more careful: it says many puppies prefer to go potty on soft surfaces, so it is best to wait until your puppy consistently has no accidents and does not shred fabric before adding those items. The two views fit together. Start simple, and add comfort as your puppy shows it is ready.

A simple bedtime routine

Routine does a lot of the work. Sources suggest:

Dinner a few hours before bed. PetMD gives two timings: about four hours before bedtime (for example, 5 p.m. for a 9 p.m. bedtime) in one article, and at least three hours before bedtime in another.
Playtime that winds down. PetMD suggests playtime earlier in the evening, then a walk and a "final, gentle playtime about an hour before bed," so your puppy can gradually calm down.
A last potty trip. Puppies who are young need to go to the bathroom every two to four hours, says PetMD, so a last trip right before bed matters.

When your puppy wakes at night

Young puppies often cannot hold it all night. The AKC says that some "will need a middle of the night trip outside, but this usually ends by age 4-5 months." Its advice: when your puppy whines, quietly carry them out for a "quick, boring potty break," then put them back in the crate. Keep the lights low and the fun to a minimum, so the trip is not a party.

PetMD adds that puppies often cry when they need to urinate or defecate, so a cry is not always about loneliness.

What about the crying?

Sources differ a little here, so we will lay it out fairly. PetMD says it is a normal response for puppies separated from their litter, and that you can choose to ignore the initial cries when you place the puppy in the crate. If the crying continues for more than about two minutes, it says you can make a brief verbal response. The AKC, on the other hand, says to "never force your dog inside or leave them to cry it out." It also says that if the puppy cries, do not put them in your bed unless that is where you want them to sleep.

PetMD says that if your puppy seems overly scared and distressed and you are not making progress, seek help from a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or a certified applied animal behaviorist.

How much sleep is enough?

Puppies sleep a lot. PetMD says anywhere from 12 to 20 hours per day. Our guide on how much puppies sleep goes deeper on naps and routine, and you can see why puppies twitch in their sleep too.

A cozy spot of their own

When your puppy is ready for a bed outside the crate, a soft, washable one is a good start, because puppies have accidents. Browse our dog beds, and read how to wash a dog bed for when it is needed.