Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Changing your dog's place to sleep and sleeping habits
• Part 2 of 2: Examining your dog's sleep problems
• Tips

Are you unable to get your puppy or adult dog to sleep peacefully at night? Does he whine all night? If you and your dog need a bit of sleep, make sure your dog has a set routine and a good place to sleep. Find out if your dog is experiencing changes or ailments. When you think about this, you and your dog are all set for a good night's sleep!

To step

Part 1 of 2: Changing your dog's place to sleep and sleeping habits

1. Provide a good place to sleep. You can prepare a warm blanket for a puppy that sleeps badly. Put a clock nearby that ticks rhythmically. You can also try turning on the radio softly or producing white noise to lull your puppy to sleep. Consider placing an electric blanket under one half of the crate to create a snug spot for him to snuggle up in.
   • Because the blanket is outside and under the crate, there is no danger of the puppy chewing on the cord or blanket.
2. Teach your dog to sleep in the crate. If you want your dog to sleep in the crate but he's not used to it, it may take some time to get used to it. Do some research and prepare to teach your dog that the crate is a safe place. Place dog treats in the back of the crate to encourage him to investigate. Make sure to use a cheerful voice when you say “bench” or “basket”. That way he knows that it is not meant as a punishment if he has to go in.
   • If you use it as a punishment place, you will notice that your dog will never see the crate as a nice, quiet place.
3. Give your dog plenty of exercise. Your dog may be restless at night because of not getting enough exercise during the day. Depending on breed, age and fitness level, it will take you anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours (or more) to tire him out. You can train your dog at any time that fits your schedule. But it is wise not to be too active the last two hours before going to sleep, so that your dog has the opportunity to calm down.
   • You may want to consider doing a new sport or activity with your dog such as tracking, assault course, agility, fetch, or fly ball. A new activity means that you are both learning something new. And while doing that, increase the mental and physical stimulation so that you both move more, feel less bored, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
4. Establish a regular evening routine. Make sure your dog has a chance to urinate and defecate right before bedtime. Feed him a few hours before bedtime. This gives him enough time to digest and get rid of the food. Try to keep the hour before bed nice and quiet so that he gets in the mood for sleep.
   • If your dog is very tense, you can try giving him Adaptil. This is a product that mimics the mother's pheromones and may help calm your dog or puppy by relieving tension.
5. Have patience. It may take a while for everyone to get used to the new sleeping habits. Making sure your dog gets enough exercise to get him tired is a great way to make sure that both of you will sleep well. Talk to your vet about using an antihistamine like Benadryl to help your dog settle in for a few nights during the transition period.

Part 2 of 2: Examining your dog's sleep problems

1. Investigate what is disrupting his sleep. Maybe something else is making your dog a little restless. Are you packing for a trip, or are you moving? Are there guests in the house? New neighbours? Loud noises? Remember that a dog likes regularity. What seems like a small change to you (for example a different layout of your bedroom) can be very important to a dog.
   • Some dogs are more restless than others, so keep your patience and try to see things from your dog's point of view. This way you can decide what to change.
2. Find out if your dog has medical problems. If your dog is a little older and has always been calm and content until now, you can try to find out if there might be a medical problem. Talk to your vet about changes in your dog's behavior that you cannot explain, such as appetite, energy level, and movement problems.
   • If your dog is in pain or has to urinate or defecate in the middle of the night, it can cause him to whine and become restless.
3. Let a new puppy get used to your house slowly. It may take a few days (and nights) for him to get used to the new home and habits. Immediately set ground rules to make the agreements clear. This will help your pup understand the end-of-the-day rituals in preparation for going to sleep in this new home. Feed your puppy at the same time every night and take him outside to pee / defecate 15-20 minutes later.
   • Put your puppy in his crate, which should be in your bedroom so that you are close by. This way he can communicate with you if he has to go outside again at night.

Tips

• If you are sure your dog doesn't need to go outside and he starts to cry in his crate, don't take him out. You don't want to reward the crying. But if your dog was quiet at first and he starts crying a few hours later, take him out on a leash so he can pee (or defecate). Chances are that it woke him up. He had to tell you to go outside so he wouldn't soil his crate.
• If you put him back in his crate, he may still howl a little but you just have to ignore that and he will calm down after a few minutes.
• Make sure the room is quiet and dark.
• When you get your dog used to the crate, it is a good idea to feed them in the crate so that you make a positive connection. Kong Toys are a fun way to feed your dog and keep his brain occupied at the same time. If you put the food in the Kong Toy, it also takes longer with its food.
• Try to get your dog to chew something. That is a relaxing activity for a dog. Take a bot that cannot be eaten like a Nylabone or a Kong.