Q&A for How to Get Your Dog to Sleep

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  • Question
    How do I make my dog go to sleep fast?
    Beverly Ulbrich
    Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
    Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University.
    Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
    Expert Answer
    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.
  • Question
    My puppy was sleeping through the night, but now he isn't. He cries and barks. We take him out. He does his business & he goes back the crate. How can I get him to sleep thru the night again without needing to potty? Do I just ignore his whining?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    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.
  • Question
    The first month we had the puppy she slept for six to eight hours. Now she only sleeps for three to four hours, then wakes up and barks and cries incessantly. What's going on?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I need to sleep but my puppy just wants to play. How can I get him to sleep?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Will light bother my puppy when he is trying to fall asleep?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What if your puppy sleeps in the bed with you and you don't want to put it in a crate?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Why is my 17-year old Chihuahua whining in the middle of the night?
    Community Answer
    He could be in pain -- take him to see the doctor, he is an old dog in need of much care.
  • Question
    How should I handle the grieving of a dog when my other dog just died?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How can I tell if my dog is sick?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    My dog is 7 and I wind him down, but when I leave the room he starts barking. This especially happens while camping. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Try giving him a toy that will tire him out or distract him. A busy bone is a good option.
  • Question
    How can I get my puppy to sleep through the night? She was crate trained and slept all night when we had her brother, but since he's been gone she's up early like 2/3 AM.
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I'm trying to get my dog to sleep, but I don't want to use a crate. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Why does my dog refuse to sleep on my bed?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Why won't my dog sleep?
    Community Answer
    He is probably not getting enough time to run outside and exercise during the day, so he has too much energy to fall asleep.
  • Question
    My puppy doesn't like his crate and is always trying to find ways of getting out at night. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Let him sleep outside of the crate. It can be stressful in there; he may feel trapped.
  • Question
    Will a dog sleep better on its back, right side, or left side?
    Community Answer
    Whatever it's most comfortable with.
  • Question
    We have an almost full-grown Lab, but she won't settle down in my room. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Should I be quiet while my puppy is sleeping?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should. Unless it's a deep sleeper, you should just leave it alone until it wakes.
  • Question
    My puppy is 10 months old and still has problems sleeping. Is there a reason why?
    Community Answer
    Try exercising your puppy with a long walk or vigorous playtime about an hour before bed to tire it out.
  • Question
    How do get my dog to fall asleep it is big and not a puppy?
    Community Answer
    This article applies to big dogs as well as puppies.
  • Question
    How do I keep my puppy from staying in the crate?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    My dog likes to sleep on my couch and won't budge when I want her to move to her crate or my bed, what do I do?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    If I've tried everything and still my dog keeps barking at night and may be waking up the neighbors, what else can I do?
    Community Answer
    If you have 100% tried everything else, then get a muzzle. Slowly wean him off of it.
  • Question
    What should I do if I find a puppy under my house?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I have a 7-month-old lab puppy, we have his bed in the laundry room. However, he cries and carries on at night, how do we settle him? Straight from the breeders, so was around 30+ labs.
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    My new puppy is whining in the middle of the night. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    My dog used to sleep through the night. Then she heard a loud bang from something falling in the bathroom during the night, and now she is anxious after we go to bed and won't go to sleep. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    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.
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