Why Your Puppy Wakes in the Night — and How to Help Them Sleep Through

You finally get your puppy settled in the crate... only to be woken up at 1 a.m., 3 a.m., and 5 a.m. by crying, barking, or desperate scratching.

You’re not alone — and you’re not doing anything wrong.

Night-time wake-ups are one of the most common struggles I see in new puppy homes. But the good news is: with a few small changes, you can help your puppy (and yourself!) get better sleep.

🐾 Why Is My Puppy Waking in the Night?

  • They need the toilet
    Young puppies can’t hold it for long — especially overnight. A 10-week-old puppy might only last 2–4 hours before they need to go.

💡 Tip: Use a planned overnight toilet break for the first few weeks, then gradually phase it out. Keeping track of this using a routine planner will help you keep on top of when they tend to wake up and need the toilet. My puppy checklist and planner guide is perfect for this

  • They feel scared or alone
    Suddenly going from littermates to sleeping alone in a new place can be very unsettling. Your pup might be calling out for comfort.

  • They didn’t settle fully before bed
    A pup that’s overtired, overstimulated, or under-stimulated during the day is likely to struggle more at night.

🎥 Watch: TikTok: “How to build value in the crate”

What You Can Do to Help

✅ 1. Create a calming bedtime routine
A short evening walk, gentle play, toilet break, and a wind-down routine with a chew or LickiMat can make all the difference.

✅ 2. Sleep close by (at first)
It’s OK to have your puppy sleep near you to begin with — then gradually move their crate away over time. This builds confidence and trust.

✅ 3. Use soft sound and scent cues
A heartbeat toy, calming music, or your scent on a blanket can help your pup feel secure and relaxed at night.

✅ 4. Stay consistent — but compassionate
Don’t leave your puppy to cry it out. Calmly take them out if needed, and resettle them without play or fuss.

💤 A Full Night’s Sleep Is Possible

You’re not creating bad habits by being responsive — you’re laying the foundation for a puppy who feels safe, secure, and confident at night.

With the right bedtime habits and gentle routine, most pups start sleeping through within a few weeks.

🛒 Need Help Creating a Night-Time Plan?

Get the Crate Training Bundle — only £9.00 (instead of £15.00)
Includes:

  • Common Mistakes Mini-Guide (with a night-time section)

  • Nap & Sleep Schedule

  • Settling Tools & Games

  • Printable Confidence Tracker