Are you having trouble getting your puppies and dogs to sleep at night? Does he whine all night? If you and your pup are willing to get more sleep, make sure your dog has an established routine and a good sleep environment. Then, consider any adjustments or medical conditions your dog is currently experiencing. With these things in mind, you and your dog will be ready for a good night's sleep!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Changing Your Dog's Sleep Environment and Habits
Step 1. Create a good sleeping environment
For puppies who have trouble sleeping, you can offer them a warm blanket. Place a clock that has a ticking rhythm nearby. You can also play the radio quietly or use a white noise machine to help your puppy sleep. Consider using a heating pad under the cage to create a warmer corner for sleeping.
Since the heating pad is placed outside and under the crate, your pup shouldn't be harmed by chewing on wires or pillows
Step 2. Train your dog to sleep in a crate
You will need some time to get your dog to sleep in a crate if he is not normally kennel trained. Do your research and prepare to tell your dog that the crate is a good place to sleep. Create a special treatment behind the cage to support research. Make sure you say "cage" in a positive tone of voice. Tell him that sleeping in the cage is not a punishment.
If you use it as a punishment, you'll likely find that your dog won't think of the crate as a relaxing, quiet place to sleep
Step 3. Train your dog to exercise
Your dog may have trouble sleeping if he doesn't get enough exercise during the day. Depending on his breed, age and fitness level, you may be able to get him to exercise for 30 minutes or 3 hours (or more). You can train your dog at any time according to your schedule. However, it's best to avoid strenuous activity an hour or two before bedtime so your dog can calm down first.
Consider playing a new type of sport or activity such as practicing smell, obedience, agility, or playing ball with your dog. New activities mean learning new skills for both of you. By participating in these activities, you can increase mental and physical stimulation which can help both of you in sports, boredom, and will increase intimacy
Step 4. Establish a nightly routine
Make sure your pet can urinate and defecate before bedtime. Feed your dog a few hours before bedtime to give him ample time to digest and excrete. Try to keep calm at bedtime or before bedtime to provide a good sleep atmosphere.
If your dog is too anxious, give him Adaptil. This is a product that can mimic a mother dog's breastfeeding and may help calm your dog or puppy by reducing his anxiety
Step 5. Give him time
It takes some time to adjust to changes in sleeping arrangements. Making sure your dog gets enough exercise to get to the point of exhaustion is a good way to guarantee a good night's sleep for both of you. Discuss with your veterinarian using an antihistamine such as Benadryl to help calm your dog for a few nights in transition.
Part 2 of 2: Consider Your Dog's Sleep Problems
Step 1. Consider other sleep disorders
There may be other issues that are causing your dog to have trouble sleeping. Are you preparing for a vacation or a move? Are there guests in the house? New neighbor? Noisy sound? Remember that Dogs value routine. Small changes in yourself (such as changing bedroom furniture) can seem like big problems for the dog.
Some dogs are more anxious than others, so be patient and think from your dog's perspective. Then, you can make changes accordingly
Step 2. See if your dog has any medical problems
If your dog is old and always quiet and calm, see if he has any medical problems. Talk to your vet about unexplained changes in your dog's behavior such as appetite, energy, and ability to move comfortably.
Pain or the need to go outside in the middle of the night will keep your dog whining and restless throughout the night
Step 3. Let the new puppy settle into your home
It can take days (and nights) to adjust to a new household and routine. This will help your puppy understand that the ritual at the end of the day in the new household is sleep. At the same time, feed your dog at night followed by a leisurely walk outside after 15-20 minutes later for disposal.
Put the dog in a crate that should be in your room so that the dog can be close to you. This way, he can communicate with you if he needs to do his disposal outside
Tips
- Don't take your dog outside if you notice that he needs to go outside and start crying in the crate. You don't want to give him an award because he's crying. However, if your dog is quiet and starts crying a few hours later, you can take him outside on a leash to give him a chance to urinate. Most likely this was what woke him up. He should tell you to take him outside so he doesn't mess up the cage.
- When your puppy returns to the crate, he may cry a little, but you can simply ignore it and your puppy will calm down in a few minutes.
- Make sure the room is dark and quiet.
- If you're training your dog in a crate, it's a good idea to feed him in a crate to establish a positive relationship. Kong (a type of toy dog) is a great way to feed and stimulate his brain at the same time. Keeping dog food in the kong can make for longer meal times too.
- Try to get your dog to chew. This is a relaxing activity for your dog. Use inedible bones like Nylabone or Kong.
