Puppies can be trained to sleep in a crate and this is often best for their safety and your peace of mind. With adult and senior dogs, they'll often choose where they prefer to sleep. It's your decision if you allow them in your bed, in your bedroom, on the couch or provide another place for them to sleep.
For that reason, the very best place for your puppy to sleep is in a crate or a puppy pen next to your bed. You can choose if you want to have them next to you in the bedroom, or if you want to set up a temporary bed next to wherever you would prefer them to sleep.
We recommend at least having them in your bedroom with you in the beginning in either a dog bed or crate. Having your puppy in your bedroom with you will make them feel more reassured. Then, you can gradually move them to where you would like them to sleep permanently.
The most obvious benefit of having your dog sleep in a crate is that you won't have to worry about what will happen if he stirs in the middle of the night. If your dog has a tendency to cause some trouble when you're not around, a dog crate will keep him contained while he dreams of treats.
While you may eventually want to let your dog sleep in bed with you (or your kids), it really is best if your pup starts out sleeping in a crate — you can always let them in the bed later, once they're fully potty-trained, sleeping soundly, and happily acclimated to their crate.
In some cases you may be able to crate a dog for 10-12 hours overnight. Adult and senior dogs tend to sleep rather long at night and will be able to hold their bladder for that long. Especially more laid-back breed such as Pugs or Saint Bernards might not even want to get up before sleeping that long!
Ignoring them at night won't help them build confidence and may make them worse which isn't what anyone wants. They need to be taught how to be independent slowly. We would never recommend ignoring your puppy when they cry at night, especially in their first few nights.
There is no real right or wrong answer.
Just like humans, dogs are different. Some may feel more comfortable in a crate next to your bed, while others prefer to sleep on a blanket in the living room. The best sleeping place for your dog depends on their age, personality, health condition, and your preferences.
Many dogs will consider the crate their bedroom, using it to sleep and enjoy some alone time. You can usually stop closing your dog into your crate when they are around two years of age. Before then, they are usually more likely to get into trouble.
Wait until Your Dog Is Potty Trained
Ideally, your dog should be close to fully potty trained before you allow him or her to sleep in bed with you. There are several reasons for this. First, you don't want your dog to get in the habit of using your bed as a potty pad.
According to the American Kennel Club, puppies younger than 10 weeks cannot be left alone for more than an hour. From 3-6 months, they should not be left longer than their age in months (for example, 3-month-old puppies cannot be alone for longer than 3 hours).
If he seems drowsy, encourage him to nap in his safe place: a crate, a dog bed, or a quiet place in the house where he can nap undisturbed. It may take time for him to get the idea, but eventually he'll recognize that spot as the place for sleep. Follow a schedule.
Typically, dogs between 7-16 weeks can sleep 6-8 hours, but they still need to take a potty break at night. So if your dog wakes up at night, it means it needs to pee. Do not play or pay attention to it during this time.
Initially, it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside to eliminate during the night and you'll want to be able to hear your puppy when they whine to be let outside.
Yes, you should cover your dog's crate with a blanket if your dog is feeling cold, suffers from anxiety, is noise sensitive or is having trouble falling asleep due to lights in the house.
The first instinct people have is to put some nice, soft, fluffy bedding in the crate to keep a puppy warm and comfortable. But this is a bad idea until your dog has truly proven they will not chew their bedding.
In general, here are some indicators that your puppy or dog may be ready to sleep outside their crate: If they are six months to a year old: again, this depends on things like behaviour and temperament: if your dog is exhibiting destructive or problematic behaviour, a longer wait may be required.
Knowing what to put in a puppy crate at night will make your puppy as comfortable as possible. A soft crate bedding and some toys will be helpful. Also, ensure that the dog's crate itself is chew-proof so he's not escaping when you're asleep.
Most pups will cry for around half the time. By the third night it should be just a few hours, and an average pup is quiet for the fourth. Once they are settled, you will actually need to go in at least once overnight to take them out to toilet! This is when you can swap the pen for a bed-sized crate.
There Are Many Benefits to Crating Dogs
In addition to helping teach dogs to do their business outside, crating: Provides fearful dogs with the opportunity to retreat to a safe place when they need to be alone. Offers a space for exuberant dogs to calm down and relax.
Crate training can be a useful tool for many dog owners. Some may want their dog in a crate when they're sleeping or when they leave the home, while others may want to give the dog space all their own. Crate training is also helpful for dogs with separation anxiety since the crate can provide calm and protection.
If you respond in any way to your dog's crying, even negatively, it will only reinforce his bid for attention. Be prepared to ignore your dog's crying at night. You may need to move your dog and his crate to another part of the house where you cannot hear him or use earplugs.
Separation anxiety is when dogs feel intense distress being apart from their owners. It's very common and a lot of puppies suffer from it, but it won't go away by itself.