How to Crate Train a Puppy at Night
Nighttime crate training can quickly become a nightmare. The constant puppy whining and sleepless nights are enough to drive you insane.
But don’t give up yet!
Crate training, like any other form of dog training, requires a lot of patience. But after several nights of no progress and barely any sleep, it’s natural for your patience to wear thin. You may wonder what you’re doing wrong or worse is your dog the problem?
Don’t worry, we’re sure you’re doing the best that you can. Also, remember that all of this is just as hard on your pup as it is on you. But we’re here to make it all better with our top tips on how to effectively crate-train your puppy at night.
It’s time you both enjoyed a well-deserved good night’s sleep!
1. Create a Positive Association with the Crate
Never rush introducing your pup to the crate. This is especially true for a young dog who is probably seeing a crate for the first time. Try to associate crate time with a positive experience, so your pup feels like it's a fun and happy place to be. You can do this in several ways, starting with making the crate as comfortable as possible.
First, ensure the crate is the right size. It should be big enough for your dog to stand up, lie down, and turn around comfortably. But avoid dog crates that are too big to avoid encouraging potty accidents. Next, you can line the crate’s floor with a soft, cozy blanket or add a comfy dog bed inside the crate.
You can also add your pup’s favorite toys in there and maybe have play sessions in the crate during the day. Feeding meals in the crate, or hiding high-value treats inside there, are other ways for your dog to associate the crate as a fun and rewarding space.
Comfort items are also a great solution if you still want your dog to feel safer in a crate. You buy a snuggle buddy toy that mimics the warmth and heartbeat of your pup's littermates to help them feel more comfortable. An old piece of your clothing is also another way to soothe your pup while they're in the crate, so they feel closer to you.
Crate training should also be done gradually to give your fur baby time to get used to it. It’s important that your dog never feels forced to get in or stay in the crate. For example, keep the crate door open the first few times your dog gets into the crate.
Once they can settle down in the crate for prolonged periods, start closing the crate door in gradual increments of time. But only as far as they’re comfortable. If you’re patient enough, your dog should be able to stay in a closed crate without fuss in no time!
Read our more detailed guide “How long can a dog stay in the crate?” for more details on how to gradually increase crate length times.
2. Experiment With Crate Placement
Where you place your puppy’s crate at night is just as important when it comes to ensuring your pup’s comfort. The key is to make sure they don’t feel isolated in some corner far away from the rest of the family.
But it also shouldn’t be in a high-traffic area where your pup is likely to be woken up by constant movement and noise. You also need to consider a spot that doesn’t get too hot or too cold during the night and is away from direct sunlight.
Some great spots can be in an open kitchen, the living room, or your bedroom. Most dog behaviorists or trainers say the bedroom is a big no. But keeping your pup close to you at the beginning of nighttime crate training helps them feel more reassured and secure, and therefore settle into their crates faster.
It also helps you know and respond quickly enough if your dog needs to pee or poop. This is especially important for pups younger than 5 months, who need a potty break every 1–4 hours. Besides, you can always transition them into another room slowly as they get used to sleeping in the crate through the night.
3. Establish a Bedtime Routine
Dogs flourish on a consistent routine, this applies to nighttime crate training as well. Having a bedtime routine helps signal to your dog that it’s time to settle down for the night. The routine can vary among pet parents. Just adapt it to your lifestyle and schedule so it’s easier to stay consistent.
However, some key pointers can help improve your dog’s night routine. Avoid giving your dog food and water a couple of hours before bed. Ensure they go for their potty break before entering the crate.
Also, nothing says bedtime like the Spark Paws dog pajama onesies! Our comfortable and cozy onesies will instantly get your pup excited for bed. Try one out today!
4. Wear Your Pup Out
You know how you can’t wait to sprawl on your bed at the end of an exhausting day, dogs are just the same way. Yes, they are little furry balls of energy, but exhaust them enough, and they won’t have a problem falling asleep and possibly sleeping throughout the night.
The key to doing this is to give them enough exercise and playtime. You can do this during the day by incorporating playtime into your training sessions. There are a lot of fun and creative dog training games you can try that are both physically and mentally enriching. Also, taking your dog on walks and allowing them to explore their surroundings is a great way to spend their energy.
There are varied opinions on the appropriate time to wear your puppy out for bed. For example, some dog experts believe that playtime right before bed is not the best idea, while others don’t think it’s a problem as long as it gets you the desired results. In the end, it’s really about your pup.
Choose the best exercises and games that meet their energy fulfillment needs. You can consider your pup’s age, energy level, and preference to begin with. Also consult a certified dog trainer, to know the best ways to meet your dog’s energy fulfillment needs, so they are fully spent by bedtime.
5. Know When To Respond to Your Puppy Whining
As pet parents, the hardest thing to do is to ignore your fur baby’s cries. But you’re going to have to tough it out if you want your pup to settle faster into their crates at night. The first few nights will obviously be rough on your pup, so if your puppy cries, it’s only natural.
Wait for them to settle down before letting them out of the crate. That way they’ll learn that they can only be let out if they sit quietly.
But even with that said, when your puppy barks it could mean several things, so it’s important to listen. For example, if your pup whines for a short period and settles down, then they are likely just fussing in the hopes that they’ll get your attention and be let out of the crate.
Other times, your pup may be barking because it’s time for their potty break. Understanding their potty break needs based on their age, and ensuring they go right before bed, can help you determine if this is the case.
But if the whining is high-pitched, prolonged, and coupled with anxious behavior like pacing around, it could mean they’re distressed. At this point, you should check on them just to be sure there is nothing wrong. At times, just you, standing near your puppy’s crate, might be enough to soothe them back to sleep.
6. Be Patient and Consistent
It’s never a question of which dogs are the easiest dogs to train. Like any training, the most important thing when it comes to crate training a puppy is to be patient and consistent. Some may take a few minutes, while other dogs may take days to settle down. But if you stick to your routine, your pup will eventually happily sleep through the night in their crate.
Most importantly, always reward good behavior, to help your dog catch on to what is expected of them quicker. Avoid raising your voice at any point and always stay calm with positive body language. This will also help your pup calm down, after all, a happier, calmer dog makes for easier training.
Should You Consider Crate Alternatives?
If you’ve tried everything you can, but your pup is adamant about not wanting to stay in the crate at night, it’s okay to consider other alternatives. Yes, crates are a great way to keep your dog safe, especially when you’re not able to watch them, but they aren’t the only options.
Many pet parents swear by dog pens, stating that their dogs settle down better in them than in crates. You could also consider putting the crate in the dog pen and opening the crate door, so your dog doesn’t feel like they have to stay in the crate.
Some dog owners also allow their dogs to sleep with them on the bed. However, we must caution that this is only something you should try after potty training. Also, keep in mind that it may be harder to transition your dog to the crate later on. But overall, do what’s best for your furry friend.
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Make Crate Time Comfortable For Your Pup!
There is no “one method fits all” for crate training a dog. The truth is, as long as your pup is comfortable and feels safe, they can sleep anywhere, including the crate. So, aside from patience and consistency, as you crate train your puppy at night, prioritize their comfort above everything else.
One way to ensure your pup is the most comfortable at night is through Spark Paws Dog Pajamas. Carefully crafted from our ultra-soft signature fabric, our adorable onesies are designed to give your pup a cozy hug and the comfort they need to sleep through the night. Shop our adorable collection today!