How to settle a puppy at night: A step-by-step guide

Step one: Create a safe sleeping space

Your puppy needs a warm, comfortable place to sleep. A crate or puppy pen works well. The space should be just big enough for your puppy to stand, turn round, and lie down. There needs to be enough space for their water bowl too, but be mindful that if their crate or pen is too big, they might toilet in one corner and sleep in another. 

Add soft bedding and a blanket that smells like you or their previous home. Some puppies like a soft toy to snuggle against. Place the crate right next to your bed for at least the first few nights. Having you nearby will help your puppy to feel safer. Read our crate training guide for more information. 

Step two: Build a calm bedtime routine

Puppies respond well to routine as it helps them learn what to expect. Start your routine around the same time each evening. 

Feed your puppy their last meal at least three hours before bed. Play with them earlier in the evening to tire them out, but avoid exciting games closer to bedtime.

About 30 minutes before sleep, start winding down by lowering your voice, dimming the lights, and having some quiet snuggle time.

Take your puppy outside for a final toilet break just before bed. Wait with them until they go and praise them calmly when they do. Then settle them in their sleeping space with a chew or toy and once they're playing quietly, you can leave them to drift off. 

Step three: Respond to crying appropriately 

When your puppy cries, they're telling you something. They might need the toilet, feel scared, or be uncomfortable. It’s very important that you don't ignore their cries – this creates stress and makes settling harder.

Go to your puppy calmly and take them outside for a toileting opportunity. Take them out quietly and without fuss, no chatting or playing - keep it boring so that they don’t become excitable and less likely to return to sleep. If they go, praise them gently, then put them straight back to bed.

If they don't need the toilet, they might just need some reassurance. Place your hand near their crate or give them a gentle stroke. Your calm presence will help them to settle. Some puppies settle faster if you sleep on the floor next to their crate for the first night or two, so consider this option if possible. 

Step four: Handle night-time toilet breaks

Young puppies physically cannot hold their bladder all night, so owners should be prepared to get up once (maybe twice) a night for the first couple of weeks.

Set an alarm to wake you to check on your puppy and give them a toileting opportunity if they’re awake and seem unsettled. This prevents accidents, helps with toilet training, and stops them needing to cry in distress. Keep night-time toilet breaks functional, with no lights, no play, and no fuss. Take them straight out, let them toilet, then straight back to bed. 

Step five: Gradually move towards independence

Once your puppy settles with you in the room, you can slowly move them to their long-term sleeping spot. Don't rush this, it might take a few weeks and patience is key!

Begin by moving their crate a little further away from your bed each night. Start with just a foot or two and if your puppy copes well, move it a little further the next night. If they struggle, stay at a distance they’re comfortable with for a few more nights before continuing to move them further away.

This gradual approach prevents setbacks, your puppy won't notice the slow separation because it happens at a pace they can handle.