If you’re battling to get your puppy to settle at night, one delighted new dog owner has revealed her winning formula after successfully training her four-month-old sable Cocker Spaniel to slumber from 8pm to 8am.
« The first few weeks felt like the sleepless nights were a forever thing, but I’m so so grateful to know she’s happy in her little bed, » the owner said of her pooch, Poppy. Emphasising she didn’t simply « let her cry it out in the crate », Poppy’s owner went on to reveal a detailed catalogue of methods she employed that led to her newly-acquired four-legged companion sleeping for 12 hours.
« When I realised that puppies fight sleep just like toddlers, it made everything click! » she admitted. « Those crazy hours weren’t ‘just something that puppies do’ she was doing that and being so bitey because she was tired! And now I can recognise that, I put her to bed and train her to sleep better. »
Poppy’s owner continued, highlighting that keeping dogs awake later in the evening doesn’t necessarily guarantee they will rest for longer come morning. « Actually the opposite, » she explained. « I used to keep her up till 10pm thinking she’d get up later in the morning… it was only when I started putting her down at 8pm that she slept longer. »
Third on the list is « bladder training », a technique Poppy’s owner started from an early age. « From day one, I used to take her out with me in a sling, » she recalled. « And within the second month we could easily go four hours without her needing potty which really helped with through the night bladder training. » She also recommended that your dog should refrain from drinking any water in the hour before bed – a rule that is « non-negotiable » if you want to succeed.
Poppy’s owner also emphasised the need to keep your pet’s crate covered. « She used to whine for about 15 minutes but I stayed by the side of the crate and offered my hand to the crate if she didn’t stop after 15 minutes, » she shared from her own experience. « I quickly became accustomed to her cries so I knew what was distress or just attention seeking. Of course, if she would cry through the night I would take her straight out to potty and straight back to bed. »
Creating a cosy environment within the crate is also crucial too, it seems. « Make it cosy and only big enough for a bed, » she suggested. « I’ve mentioned this before but having a large crate with water bowls and extra room in there just didn’t work for Poppy. She would mess every time. I swapped it for a smaller crate and a bed that fits perfectly and she has never messed in the crate again. »
Poppy’s owner advised against excessive cuddling with your puppy, despite the temptation. « We used to cuddle on the bed before bedtime or in the morning but wish we’d never started this because it just made her want to be with us more, » she explained. « Now we don’t have her on the bed at all and take her to the sofa for cuddles! This way we all get a good nights sleep. »
She emphasised the importance of patience with your pet’s development and concluded with some advice, acknowledging that everyone’s circumstances are different.
« Do what’s best for you! » she urged. « Growing up, our dogs always slept in the bed and just did whatever they wanted but I knew for my first pup in my first home I wanted to set a good sleeping routine.
« I’m hoping soon she will not need her crate and can just sleep in her bed on her own but this way I know she’s safe and clearly loves it. »
