Q&A for How to Get Your Dog to Sleep

If you have time at night, do something physical with your dog just before bed. This can be as simple as going for a 20-minute walk or playing fetch for a little bit, anything you can do to get your dog to use up any remaining energy.

A puppy can only hold his toilet for a short time (one hour for every month of life); therefore if he cries at night, he may need to toilet. Only answer his cries when he's quiet, so wait for a break between barks. Also, try scheduling a toilet break at a specific time so that he knows he will have a chance to relieve himself.

It might be you accidentally rewarded her for crying one night by responding to her barks. Try to ignore the noise, but schedule a toilet stop during the night so that you know she is comfortable.

Calm your dog down. Groom your dog by brushing his fur and petting him. Wind down and try to have no loud noises or things that would excite or wake your puppy. Give a comfortable place for your puppy to sleep. Also, during the day, if you have time, bring your dog out to run or play fetch to wear down your puppy's energy.

Some puppies sleep better when the lights are off, but others don't mind the light. Experiment with your puppy to see what he likes best.

Try rubbing the puppy's belly or talking in a soothing voice. Importantly, you need to be calm and not doing anything exciting such as playing games on a screen or moving around the puppy. Be sure that the puppy doesn't need to relive itself or isn't hungry.

He could be in pain -- take him to see the doctor, he is an old dog in need of much care.

Play soothing music at night and give it a nice bed to calm down in. Try to give it something with the other dog's scent, such as a towel or blanket the dog used, its toy, etc. This can soothe the grieving dog. They can be very emotional with this, so give it time! If at all possible, get another dog when it's time.

Look for such signs as bad breath or drooling. excessive drinking or urination, appetite change associated with weight loss or gain, change in activity level (e.g., lack of interest in doing things they once did) and/or stiffness or difficulty in rising or climbing stairs.

Try giving him a toy that will tire him out or distract him. A busy bone is a good option.

She might be missing her brother; as such, a little extra love and attention is needed, from you and others in the dog's human family. Let her sleep near or with you.

If you're training a puppy, you'd be wise to use a crate. Make it cozier with a dog bed and blankets. If you're totally against using a crate, just use a dog bed. Keep the bed in the same place so the dog becomes familiar and comfortable with the environment.

Maybe he refuses because it's uncomfortable for him. It is best to let him be and not force him to sleep on your bed.

He is probably not getting enough time to run outside and exercise during the day, so he has too much energy to fall asleep.

Let him sleep outside of the crate. It can be stressful in there; he may feel trapped.

Whatever it's most comfortable with.

Take her for a long walk. Dogs have a lot of pent-up energy and need to walk every day to get rid of it. Give her a good workout, and she will not only settle down in your room, she'll fall asleep.

Yes, you should. Unless it's a deep sleeper, you should just leave it alone until it wakes.

Try exercising your puppy with a long walk or vigorous playtime about an hour before bed to tire it out.

This article applies to big dogs as well as puppies.

Do something that your puppy enjoyed: offer a treat, or to go outside, in an excited voice. Your puppy will soon associate being outside of its crate with fun.

Try making a trail of dog food or treats leading to your bed when your dog gets to the room, and tell her out loud to move to her crate or your bed. Then move to giving her a treat when she goes to her crate or your bed on her own.

If you have 100% tried everything else, then get a muzzle. Slowly wean him off of it.

If it has a collar with a number or address, try to get in touch with the owner. If not, you can either call a shelter nearby to see if they can take it or just keep the dog; if you decide to keep it, you can try to find the owner by putting up fliers and posting about the dog online.

Having been around that many other dogs, he probably does enjoy barking. Try partially covering his crate with a blanket (leaving enough space for ventilation). You could also try doggy sleep music, or even a radio or TV played softly in the room.

Your doggie might not feel safe/comfortable where he is sleeping. We had problems with our dog when we got her. She slept in a crate for 2 nights before we gave up and let her sleep on the bed. If you do let your puppy on the bed, then I hope you like snuggles! Your dog might just have to use the restroom or need water/food as well.

Have a family member or friend go in the bathroom and keep dropping something while the puppy is in another room. After a minute, while the person keeps dropping the thing, take your puppy in there to see what's going on.