How To Get Your Puppy To Sleep On Their Own

If you’re here, then we’re going to guess you’re a new puppy parent or at least someone expecting a new furry friend very soon. First of all, congratulations! Becoming a dog parent is one of the best decisions you could ever make. But we also know that those first few weeks – or even months - can be a wild ride.

Between the puddles of pee, those razor-sharp teeth nipping at everything, and the nonstop playtime, you can end up feeling a little overwhelmed. And of course, there’s those sleepless nights courtesy of a nervous pup who seems to think 3am is the perfect time for a wee break or a cuddle session. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry, because you are not alone. All of us puppy owners have been there; it’s simply the chaos that comes as part of the puppy package.

But thankfully, things do get easier and we’re here to help you tackle one of the trickiest bits of all: getting your puppy to sleep on their own. Because just like your pup, you deserve a full night’s rest (well, minus that early morning potty run, because sorry, there’s no magic fix for a tiny bladder!).

Teaching your puppy to sleep on their own is totally doable with a little patience and some clever tricks. So today, join us as we reveal some of the magic tricks that worked with our pups!

A question many new puppy owners ask is should I leave my puppy to cry? The short answer is no, and here’s why. Puppies are just babies, adorable little newborns who’ve never been on their own before. They’ve just been taken from their mum and littermates, which is a massive change and those cries mean they’re scared or unsettled. The truth is, ignoring them can make things even worse for you and your pup and it’ll likely lead to separation anxiety down the line.

Sleep is crucial for puppies too and leaving them to cry all night will leave them exhausted, anxious, and irritable the next day. Nobody wants a grumpy pup! Instead, when they cry, check on them. They might need a bathroom break, a bit of comfort, or just to know you’re there.

Slowly help them get used to being alone so they feel secure at night. Things like staying nearby at first, offering a cosy blanket that smells like their mum, or even a ticking clock to mimic a heartbeat can help ease them in. We’ll cover more detailed tips later, but ultimately, it’s your job to help them build their confidence step by step.

Yes, absolutely! Your puppy is more than welcome to sleep in your bed, as long as it’s safe. There’s no harm in snuggling up with your little buddy, provided they can’t fall off or get squashed. But before you commit to letting your dog sleep in your bed, there are a few things you might want to consider…

Habits stick, so be sure this is definitely something you’ll be happy with ten or even fifteen years down the line. If you’ve got a large breed, keep in mind that the same full-grown dog will still be hogging the covers, so it might be a tight squeeze depending on how many are sharing the bed! Or if you’re a light sleeper, keep in mind dogs can be fidgety, kicking and dreaming all night long.

It’s totally your call, though. Some folks love the company and it’s an easy way to get your puppy to sleep on their own. Just know that once you start, it’s best to stick with it. Switching things up later, like kicking them out after months of bed-sharing, can confuse them and even stress them out. Consistency is key with pups, especially when they’re still figuring out their routine. So, weigh your space, your sleep style, and your pup’s size. If you’re cool with a lifelong bed mate, go for it. If not, maybe a comfy crate or dog bed nearby is the way to go.

If you’ve decided that your bed isn’t the spot for your new furry friend, getting your puppy to sleep on their own is totally doable. It takes a bit of effort, but with the right approach, you’ll both be snoozing peacefully in no time. Here’s a rundown of tips and tricks to help make it happen.

Create a Comfy Sleep Space

If your pup isn’t crashing with you, they’re going to need their own cosy corner. You’ll ideally want a crate or a properly sized puppy bed, something snug but not cramped. Fill it with soft blankets and a few puppy-safe toys to make it inviting. Bonus points if you can get a blanket that smells like their mum!

With my dog Milo, the breeder let us leave a blanket with the litter before pickup, so it smelled familiar. That scent worked wonders and Milo settled into his crate and slept through the night quickly. But if that’s not an option, don’t worry. You could always toss in a piece of your worn clothing, unwashed of course, because your scent can also be comforting and help your puppy to sleep on their own.

Make Their Sleep Space Positive

It’s really important to make sure your puppy’s sleep spot is a happy place. Start by associating it with good stuff like treats. Start by letting them explore the space on their own and give them plenty of praise and rewards when they do. After a little time, you can close the door and give them a longer-lasting treat like a lick mat or treat dispenser.

It’s also a good chance for you to have a break from playtime and give them some mental enrichment that doesn’t involve you getting gnawed by sharp teeth! Over time, they’ll eventually link their sleep space with happy, chill vibes rather than stress and separation.

Practice Makes Perfect

You need to remember that your puppy isn’t going to master sleeping on their own overnight, so take it slow. Let them explore their crate or bed at their own pace and drop some treats inside to lure them in. When they step in, give them plenty of praise and a reward.

After a while, try closing the door for a minute. If they settle, treat again. If they cry, let them out and try later. Don’t force it and instead gradually build up the time they spend inside based on their behaviour. Patience is your best friend here.

Tire Them Out Physically and Mentally

A tired puppy is a sleepy puppy! Young pups can’t hit the streets until their vaccinations, but you can still wear them out at home. Play tug-of-war, roll a ball around, or play chase in the garden if you’ve got one. All of this running and playing is a must, not only for getting your puppy tired out enough to sleep in the first place, but it’s also beneficial for their overall wellbeing and development,

For mental stimulation, try enrichment toys like a slow feeder or treat dispenser. Fill enrichment toys like the SodaPup Honeypot with lots of puppy-friendly treats and goodies like peanut butter, boiled chicken, banana or anything else your pup loves. Then let them lick and chew away to keep that little brain busy. With a good mix of physical and mental exhaustion, you’ll set them up for a solid snooze.

Use Scented Toys or Sprays

Scent can be a secret weapon for getting your puppy to sleep on their own. Look for puppy-safe calming sprays or even dog-friendly scented candles to fill their space with a relaxing scent. The SNOOZE Dog Calming Candle by L’floof is perfect for this, made using a combination of pine needle, cedarwood, lavender and geranium to leave your pup super relaxed.

Or snag a scented dog toy designed to soothe puppies like the All For Paws Calming Pals Lavender Scent Sloth. Once again made using the calming smell of lavender, the plushie will help provide comfort as a cuddle companion for your pup.

Establish a Routine

Puppies thrive on predictability so one of the best ways to get your puppy to sleep on their own is to set a bedtime routine and stick to it. We suggest a potty break, a little play, then into their sleep space with some positive reinforcement and head scratches. Consistency helps them know what’s coming, so they’re not left guessing and stressing. Over time, they’ll clock that this sequence means lights out, making it easier for them to settle.

Add Soothing Sounds

Silence can feel lonely for a pup used to their littermates’ snores, so consider leaving a radio on low with soft music or a talk station. This helps mimic background noise and keeps them from feeling isolated. As the nights go on, you can turn it down bit by bit until they’re cool with quiet. White noise machines can work too, if you’ve got one handy.

Keep Them Close At First

If your pup really struggles to sleep away from you, that’s totally okay. We suggest starting with their crate or bed right next to you. That way, they’ll feel your presence and relax more easily.

After a few nights, inch it farther away, first across the room, then maybe outside your door. Before you realise, your pup will be completely confident sleeping in their own space on their own.

Stay Calm if They Struggle

Some nights, they might fuss more than others, and that’s okay. Like us, it’s all new for them and it’s going to take time to adjust. If they whimper, check in quietly.

Avoid a big fuss or yanking them out right away. Instead, just reassure them with a soft word or a hand near the crate. Then step back. They’ll learn you’re there but not swooping in every time. It’s a balance of comfort and independence.

Teaching your puppy to sleep on their own is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and a whole lot of love. Remember, your little one is experiencing a big transition, and it's your role to help them feel safe and secure. By creating a cosy sleep space, establishing a predictable routine, and gradually building their confidence, you’ll set them up for success.

Never leave them to cry it out as this can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety, making the process even harder for both of you. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and gentle reassurance to show them that sleeping alone isn’t something to fear. Over time, they’ll learn that their sleep spot is a safe, comfortable place to rest, leading to a happier, well-adjusted pup.

For those wanting a little help from calming sprays and enrichment toys for dogs, remember that here at WOOOF, we have a huge range of goodies to make the puppy phase easier. Whether it’s a lavender-scented puppy toy or calming puppy treats, we’ve got just the thing to help your furry friend drift off peacefully.

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