By Norma Jeanne Laurette

Teaching puppies to sleep through the night is a common challenge for new dog guardians and an important subject for professional dog trainers. Unfortunately, traditional advice frequently focuses on teaching puppies to tolerate isolation and ignore their natural reactions to unfamiliar sleeping arrangements. A positive, welfare-focused approach recognizes that puppies are not just in training – they have physical, emotional and social needs. As trainers, our responsibility is to help guardians establish realistic expectations, create appropriate sleeping environments and support their puppies throughout this important developmental transition.
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Young puppies require a lot of sleep to support healthy growth and development in fact during their early weeks they can sleep 18 to 20 hours within a 24-hour period. Their sleep is distributed throughout the day and night, and at the beginning they can’t yet maintain uninterrupted sleep for extended periods of time.
 
Bladder control is another important developmental consideration. Although every dog is different, a commonly used guideline is that puppies should be able to hold their bladders for approximately their age in months plus one hour (R1) (R2). Professional dog trainers should teach their clients that this is an approximate guideline, not set in stone. Age, size, individual development, health and previous experiences all influence a puppy’s sleep patterns.

Some young puppies can hold their bladder throughout the night because, much like humans, their bodies enter a deeper state of rest and physiological “shutdown” during sleep. Reduced activity, slower metabolism and less fluid processing mean urine production slows down significantly. This natural night time effect can override the common guideline that a puppy can typically hold its bladder only for about as many hours as its age in months plus one.
 
When puppies enter their new home, they are going through a big environmental and social transition. Being separated from their mother and littermates and introduced to new people, sights, sounds, smells and sleeping arrangements can contribute to distress and separation anxiety. Instead of assuming the puppy is always crying for attention, dog trainers should help guardians understand, identify and address any underlying causes.

​One misconception is that due to their sleep requirements, puppies should be encouraged or required to sleep most of the day. Although puppies need frequent opportunities to rest, confining a puppy that’s full of energy can contribute to frustration, stress and anxiety. Guardians should instead provide suitable resting places and allow puppies the option of sleeping undisturbed when the so choose. If a puppy needs to be confined when it’s not ready to sleep, it should be provided with enrichment options to keep it occupied. Our goal is to support natural sleep patterns throughout the day instead of imposing rigid schedules. As dog trainers, each puppy’s unique temperament, activity level and preferences should always be considered when advising our clients. For a list of 50 enrichment activities see my article Canine Enrichment: Best Ideas For Mental Stimulation & Boredom Prevention.

Predictability can help a puppy adjust to its new environment. Professional dog trainers should encourage guardians to establish reasonably consistent schedules involving meals, physical exercise, training, enrichment, elimination and bedtime (R2) (R3). Appropriate exercise and mental stimulation earlier in the evening can help puppies burn excess energy from the day before transitioning to a calmer state before bed. Keep in mind that over-doing it during the day or not allowing the puppy to rest when it needs to can have an adverse affect as an over-tired puppy can become cranky making it difficult to calm down. Highly stimulating activities right before bedtime can also result in a puppy that has a difficult time settling. A gradual transition from activity to relaxation in the evening is much more effective.
 
This can be accomplished by introducing a predictable evening routine that includes a calm sniff walk, low energy games, calming enrichment activities, chewing and/or cuddle time, followed by a trip outside to eliminate, then off to bed. These choices should be flexible enough to accommodate each puppy’s individual needs and preferences. Although consistency is important, rigidity should never take precedence over a puppy’s wellbeing.

Sleeping arrangements should reflect each puppy's individual needs instead of assuming that one management strategy is appropriate for every dog. Although crates can be useful management tools, they aren't suitable for every puppy. Some puppies do well in crates after a positive introduction while others experience distress when confined to small spaces.
 
Gradual, daytime introductions to the new sleeping area will help prepare the puppy for its first night away from its mother and littermates. Allowing the puppy to choose when it wants to go in during the day and creating pleasant associations with being in the confined area can help create a more comfortable night time experience (R3) (R4). For more information about confinement options and crate training see my article How To Crate Train A Puppy & Why A Crate Is Only One Option.
 
Exercise pens and puppy-proofed areas are viable alternatives for puppies that panic when confined to small spaces. An exercise pen is a folding crate-like enclosure consisting of 8 panels that can fit almost any shape requirement and folds for easy storage. These options provide additional space for movement and have enough room for separate sleeping and elimination areas when required.
 
Professional dog trainers should encourage guardians to recognize signs of confinement-related distress, including frantic escape attempts, excessive panting, persistent and escalating vocalization, as well as an inability to settle. These reactions indicate that your management plan requires adjustment. And remember that if you want a puppy to be calm and happy in these spaces, they should never be used for punishment.

Because a puppy's emotional wellbeing is just as important as its physical comfort, dog trainers should always consider both the puppy's emotional state and the circumstances contributing to its behaviour. We should recognize the difference between teaching independence and forcing an emotionally immature puppy to tolerate distress.
 
Some puppies adjust to new sleeping arrangements quickly, while others require something to chew on, additional time and reassurance. During the initial adjustment period, placing the puppy's crate or exercise pen beside its guardian's bed allows it to hear and smell its person, offering reassurance that it’s not alone. Covering three sides with a dark blanket can create a den-like feel that many puppies find soothing. Once the puppy is sleeping through the night, no longer chewing inappropriate objects or having accidents in the house, you can allow your puppy more freedom of choice about where it wants to sleep. For more information about housebreaking your puppy see my article How To Potty Train Your Puppy: The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide.
 
Comforting a frightened puppy is not about reinforcing undesirable behaviour – it’s about compassion and helping the puppy adjust to a new and frightening situation. A guardian who provides calm reassurance can help a puppy feel safe enough to relax. Our goal is to create positive associations with resting and confinement spaces, while respecting the puppy's individual developmental needs. For more information about meeting your dogs’ emotional needs see my article entitled Emotional Fulfilment For Dogs: How To Keep Your Dog Happy & Emotionally Balanced.

When a puppy cries during the night, identifying the underlying cause should take priority over stopping the puppy from crying. If sufficient time has passed since the last trip outside, the puppy should be taken out again. Night time elimination breaks should be quiet and uneventful, with calm praise after elimination before returning to bed (R1) (R5).
 
If the puppy starts crying again after having recently eliminated, take a look at its health, environment and your process. Has it been gradually introduced to its sleeping area in a positive manner during the day? Is the sleeping area comfortable with a soft bed, not too hot or cold? Is the puppy frightened by unfamiliar sounds? Is it showing any signs of illness? Does the puppy require more space to feel comfortable? Does it need human contact to feel safe? A puppy experiencing mild, temporary restlessness may settle on its own when given the opportunity however, persistent or escalating distress should never be ignored.
 
Guardians can provide quiet reassurance by speaking softly and touching the puppy through the bars, then gradually removing themselves as the puppy relaxes. Our goal is to help the puppy feel safe, and develop confidence and independence without compromising its emotional wellbeing. For more information about balancing compassion with rules see my article Where Rules Meet Compassion: Balancing Structure & Empathy In Dog Training
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I know many guardians who swear by the Snuggle Puppy. The Snuggle Puppy is a soft stuffed toy designed to provide comfort for young puppies adjusting to being away from their mother and littermates. Some include a simulated heartbeat and warming pack that reminds the puppy of sleeping with its mother and littermates. Many puppies find the Snuggle Puppy comforting during the night and when alone in its new home, but always remember to remove it if your puppy attempts to tear it apart.

The more important question to ask is what you want long term. Changing routines can be stressful for dogs, so its best to decide where you want the dog to sleep for the rest of its life, instead of changing the rules later (R3) (R6). Although some people have strong opinions about this, mine is that sleeping on the guardian’s bed is a personal choice. Some guardians prefer their dogs to sleep with them, while others prefer separate sleeping areas for a variety of reasons.
 
We allow our dogs to sleep wherever they want, including in bed with us if they so choose. To set our puppies up for success we place bells on their collars so we know when they are awake, to prevent chewing on the bedding and to take them out when necessary to prevent accidents. Placing thick blankets or pillows around the bed will prevent injuries if the puppy happens to fall off the bed. Sleeping arrangements should meet both the puppy and guardian’s needs, along with the puppy’s physical safety and emotional security.

Although interrupted sleep is common during early puppy development, ongoing problems require further investigation. Professional dog trainers should avoid assuming that persistent problems through the night are behavioural without considering other possible contributing factors including medical problems.
Frequent urination, straining or crying while eliminating, discoloured or foul smelling urine and any other potential signs of illness require prompt veterinary attention. Likewise, when a puppy continues to suffer from separation anxiety – a qualified, experienced, positive behaviour expert should be contacted for assistance. Dog trainers should always be able to recognize when referral to a qualified professional is warranted and if the trainer is not an expert in behaviour, they should refer the client on.

When professional dog trainers help clients with puppies that won’t sleep through the night, it provides an excellent opportunity to educate them about positive training and behaviour modification practices. Successful training isn't just about teaching cues and signals and eliminating unwanted behaviour, it's about creating new behaviour by understanding the contributing factors and addressing the dog’s needs. By teaching our clients to combine fair and realistic expectations, environmental management, predictable routines and compassionate care, we as professional dog trainers can not only help guardians establish healthy sleeping habits with their puppies, we can also help they lay for foundation of a strong bond based on mutual trust and respect.

​(R1) Chewy. How To Get a Puppy To Sleep Through the Night.
(R2) ManyPets. How to Help Your Puppy Sleep Through the Night.
(R3) Whole Dog Journal. How to Get a Puppy to Sleep Through the Night.
(R4) Rover. How To Crate Train a Puppy at Night.
(R5) Preventive Vet. How to Help Your Puppy Sleep Through the Night.

By Norma Jeanne Laurette

Crate training has become so common that sometimes new puppy guardians assume every puppy needs to be crate trained. Crates can be valuable. They can prevent chewing inappropriate or dangerous objects, help with house training, and prepare our dogs for situations in which temporary confinement may be necessary in the future (R1) (R7). However, responsible positive training requires us to know the difference between using a crate as a management tool and forcing puppies to tolerate prolonged confinement. Every dog is different in temperament, previous experience, resilience and emotional response, meaning that cookie cutter solutions for any behaviour will not work for every dog (R2) (R3). In fact, a method that works well for one puppy can cause significant distress in another.
 
Professional positive dog trainers should always approach crate training in the same way they approach other areas of behaviour by evaluating the individual dog, observing its response and adapting the training plan accordingly. For more information about positive dog training see my article Positive Dog Training: The Science, Ethics & Proven Results.
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​Young puppies require almost constant supervision. Normal puppy behaviours include investigating their environment, chewing inappropriate objects, having accidents in the house and not understanding what’s expected of them. When positively introduced, a crate can provide temporary management during this developmental period. It can become a comfortable resting place associated with food, healthy chews, relaxation and safety (R4) (R7). But management should always have a purpose, and the objective is not to keep a dog confined for the rest of its life. It’s to prevent unwanted behaviour while the puppy develops the skills necessary to earn freedom in its home.
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​A puppy's first days in its new home includes a lot of change. Separation from its mother and littermates is followed by unfamiliar people, surroundings, sights, sounds, smells, routines and possibly other animals. Although adding sudden isolation and confinement might be easy for one puppy, it can be extremely difficult for many. Excessive panting, drooling, prolonged distress vocalizations, frantic attempts to escape, inability to settle, refusing food or chews in the crate and a reluctance to re-enter the crate can indicate significant distress (R2) (R3).
 
Professional dog trainers need to recognize the difference between mild frustration and an emotional response that indicates the training plan needs to change. Humane training is based on methods that promote desirable behaviour while minimizing emotional distress as much as humanly possible (R1). A puppy showing signs of distress should never be left to "cry it out", instead, the training plan should be adjusted to help it cope. For more information about stress and anxiety see my article entitled Stress & Anxiety In Dogs: How To Cure Stress & Anxiety While Protecting Your Dog’s Emotional Wellbeing.

​Introducing a puppy to the crate should begin with choice. Leave the door open and allow the puppy to investigate voluntarily. Food can be placed around the entrance and then inside. Meals, toys and appropriate chews can help establish the crate as a place where pleasant experiences occur. Once the puppy willingly enters and relaxes, the door can be closed briefly then reopened while the puppy remains comfortable and busy, at which point duration can gradually be increased. This process uses the principles of desensitization and counter-conditioning. Desensitization allows gradual exposure at an intensity the puppy can tolerate without distress, while counter-conditioning helps create a positive emotional association with the experience. And as always, the puppy should set the pace (R2) (R3).
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When a puppy is stressed, anxious or frightened, increasing the intensity or duration of the experience does not help it feel better. Forcing dogs through distress is called flooding, it creates or strengthens unpleasant associations and can be extremely traumatic. Behaviour modification should always aim to prevent unnecessary fear, stress or anxiety and maintain a level where learning can occur while the dog remains calm (R2) (R3). Research examining confrontational and non-confrontational approaches reinforces the importance of considering the behavioural and emotional consequences associated with aversive interactions. Positive dog training is not just about eliciting behaviour and putting it on cue, just as important is protecting the dog’s temperament and emotional wellbeing (R5).

An exercise pen can provide many of the management benefits of a crate while allowing the puppy a lot more freedom of movement. The puppy can have access to a bed, appropriate toys, safe chews, water when suitable and sufficient room to stretch, move around, play and change resting positions. Exercise pens have long been incorporated into positive puppy-raising because they allow guardians to control the environment without requiring confinement to a small area (R4). For some puppies, the additional space makes a big behavioural and emotional difference. If a puppy panics in a crate, switching to a larger area can still meet the guardian's needs while nurturing a calmer puppy. In situations such as these, changing the management system becomes the most appropriate and humane professional recommendation.

A puppy-proofed room or gated section of the house is another option but
requires careful preparation. Electrical cords, toxic substances, plants, medications, small objects, in fact, anything inappropriate that the puppy could possibly eat or chew needs to be removed or secured. Exercise pens can also be used to block cabinets, walls, baseboards, etc. that a puppy may chew while in the confined area.
 
Environmental management is in itself an important part of training. Preventing the rehearsal of unwanted behaviours while setting up the environment so that correct choices are the only options helps set the puppy up for success. As the puppy matures, it no longer has accidents in the house and is not chewing inappropriate items, access to the home can gradually increase (R1) (R4).

Although crates are frequently recommended for house training, they are not the only choice. Successful house training is about creating an effective learning pattern, which includes preventing accidents, teaching the puppy to tell you when it needs to go out, providing frequent opportunities for outdoor elimination and immediately reinforcing the puppy for eliminating outside. With repetition, eliminating outside becomes habit. For more information about house training see my article Potty Training A Puppy: The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide.
 
An exercise pen can provide safe management while a puppy develops bladder control. A larger confined space can also include an appropriate elimination area of newspapers or pee pads, which will gradually disappear as house training becomes successful. Remember that our goal is not just to teach the puppy to handle confinement, it’s also to teach the behaviours that will earn its freedom.

Because independence is an important life skill, dogs should gradually learn that they can relax and be happy while their guardians are away. However, teaching independence shouldn't be confused with leaving a puppy alone for extended periods of time. The amount of time should be developed gradually according to the puppy's age, physical needs and emotional response. When guardians need to be away from home for longer periods of time, arranging for someone to provide bathroom, social and activity breaks becomes essential. A dog trainer's responsibility is not just to help guardians crate train their puppy, it’s to help them develop fair and realistic expectations and management strategies that consider the needs of both the dog and guardian.

Night Time can be particularly difficult because puppies are accustomed to sleeping with their mother and littermates. Dogs are highly social animals and many do not like sleeping away from their social group, especially as puppies. A crate, exercise pen or blocked area can be situated beside the guardian's bed to provide proximity and security while the puppy adjusts to its new environment. Although some puppies will sleep through the night from the day they come home, many will require night time elimination breaks. If the puppy wakes because it needs to eliminate, calmly take it outside, reinforce successful elimination then return it to its sleeping area. As the puppy matures, the length of time between trips outside should gradually increase. For more information about teaching your puppy to sleep through the night see my article How To Teach A Puppy To Sleep Through The Night: Proven Tips For Restful Sleep.
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Although some have strong opinions about this, my opinion is that there’s no reason a dog can’t sleep in bed with its guardian if this is their choice. The important question is where you want the dog to sleep for the rest of its life. If the long-term plan is for the dog to not sleep on the bed, allowing the puppy on your bed will cause stress and anxiety when it’s no longer allowed. If the guardian ultimately wants the dog sleeping elsewhere, establishing this routine from the beginning will prevent problems down the road (R3) (R6).

Professional dog training should never become a collection of rigid rules applied to every dog, and crate training is a good example. One puppy will thrive in a crate, another in an exercise pen and another with a puppy-proofed area. And some might choose to use all three approaches at different stages of development. A qualified positive dog trainer should understand the benefits and limitations of each option and help guardians choose the best approach based on safety as well as the puppy’s behaviour and emotional wellbeing. For more information about balancing rules and emotional needs see my article Where Rules Meet Compassion: Balancing Structure & Empathy In Dog Training.
 
The International Positive Dog Training Association supports humane, positive training that respects the individual dog and its emotional needs. Crate training is compatible with that philosophy in choosing the confinement that is best for the dog, and in introducing confinement positively and using it appropriately. The question isn't whether crates are good or bad, it’s whether the particular management choice is appropriate for the individual puppy. For more information about meeting a dogs emotional needs see my article entitled Emotional Fulfilment For Dogs: How To Keep Your Dog Happy & Emotionally Balanced.
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A crate can be a useful tool when raising a puppy, but it should never be viewed as the only option. Positive crate training means introducing confinement gradually, creating pleasant associations, observing the puppy's emotional response and adjusting the plan when necessary (R1) (R2). Exercise pens and puppy-proofed areas can provide excellent alternatives, particularly for puppies who find close confinement difficult. In the end, the objective of puppy training is not to produce a dog that spends its life successfully confined, it’s to raise a dog that develops the confidence, independence, appropriate behaviour and life skills required to no longer require confinement when alone.

​(R1) American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). Humane Dog Training Position Statement.
(R2) Yin, S. (2009). Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats. CattleDog Publishing.
(R3) Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
(R4) Dunbar, I. (2003). Before & After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, Well-Behaved Dog. New World Library.
(R5) Herron, M. E., Shofer, F. S., & Reisner, I. R. (2009). Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesirable behaviors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 117(1–2), 47–54.
(R6) Bradshaw, J. (2011). Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Basic Books.
(R7) VCA Animal Hospitals. Crate Training Your Puppy.
 
Photo By Norma Jeanne Laurette

By Norma Jeanne Laurette

By Norma Jeanne Laurette

​House training is one of the first and most important lessons every puppy learns. Ethical, science-based dog training teaches puppies where to eliminate through prevention, consistency and positive reinforcement, not punishment. Humane methods not only produce reliable results, they also strengthen the trust between dogs and their families. To learn more about positive training see my article Positive Dog Training: The Science, Ethics & Proven Results. 
 
Successful house training begins by establishing a consistent routine. Puppies should be taken outside frequently, especially after waking, eating, drinking, playing and before bedtime. By consistently rewarding puppies immediately after they eliminate in the correct location, they quickly learn the behaviour you want repeated.
 
Instead of punishing accidents, professional trainers focus on preventing them whenever possible. Every successful trip outside reinforces good habits, while punishment can create fear, anxiety and confusion. Puppies that are punished for accidents may begin hiding when they need to eliminate, making the house training process more difficult. For more information about the consequences of punishment in training see our first book Blueprint To A Happy Dog. 
 
Consistency is equally important. Taking puppies to the same elimination area, using the same verbal cue and maintaining a regular schedule helps create predictable routines that support learning. Close supervision inside the home allows caregivers to recognize early signs that a puppy needs to eliminate before accidents occur.
 
Some puppies benefit from short periods of crate training, while others are more successful using a larger puppy-proofed exercise area with passive paper training. Every puppy is an individual, and selecting the management approach that best suits its temperament contributes to long-term success. For more information about crate training see my article entitled How To Crate Train A Puppy & Why A Crate Is Only One Option. 

​If accidents occur, calmly interrupt the puppy and immediately take it outside to finish. Puppies should never be punished for accidents. When house training suddenly regresses or frequent urination develops, medical causes such as urinary tract infections should always be considered alongside behavioural factors.
 
House training is ultimately about building lifelong habits through repetition, patience and positive reinforcement. With consistency and humane guidance, most puppies develop reliable elimination habits while preserving the trust and confidence that are essential to a healthy human-canine relationship.
 
Positive, force-free house training reflects the ethical standards promoted by the International Positive Dog Training Association (IPDTA). Dog owners seeking a qualified trainer should choose professionals who are committed to humane, science-based training methods.
 
Looking for a qualified positive dog trainer? Visit the IPDTA Certified Dog Trainer Membership Directory to find trainers who are committed to ethical, force-free training.
 
References 
(R1) Dunbar, Dr. Ian. Housetraining. James & Kenneth Publishers, 1986.
(R2) Dunbar, Dr. Ian. Housetraining Supplement. James & Kenneth Publishers, 1986.
(R3) International Animal Studies Behavior Course, 1994.
(R4) Pryor, Karen. clickertraining.com/node/289.
 
Photo by Norma Jeanne Laurette.​