How To Get Your Dog To Sleep Through The Night

There’s nothing better than curling up with your pup(s) when it’s time to go to sleep whether they are on or near your bed. You all settle in and try to get a good night’s rest. But, when those middle-of-the-night whines, pacing, or pawing at the bed (or you) kick in way too early, it can be frustrating and disruptive.  

If your dog struggles to sleep through the night, it can leave both of you tired and cranky by morning.  It’s important for both of you to learn how to get your dog to sleep through the night. It not only can support your dog’s overall health and well-being, but it can also give you the restful night’s sleep that you need too.

The good news is that with the right routine, and a bit of patience, most dogs can learn to settle down for a full night’s rest.

Why Your Dog May Not Be Sleeping Through The Night

If your dog isn’t sleeping soundly through the night, it’s important to figure out what is keeping or waking them up. Puppies often have trouble sleeping through the night because they can’t hold their bladders for a very long time and might need a potty break. But even adult dogs can struggle with nighttime restlessness for a variety of reasons.

Some common causes include the following:

Lack of sufficient exercise during the day

Anxiety or separation distress

Needing to go outside to relieve themselves

Changes in environment or routine

Discomfort from illness, pain, or an unsuitable or uncomfortable sleeping space

If you can figure out the reason your dog is waking up, it can help to address the specific issue or problem.

Establishing a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Just like people, dogs thrive on routine.  The most important thing you can do is to create q calm, predictable bedtime schedule each night to let your dog know that it’s time to wind down. A consistent evening walk or potty break right before bedtime can help prevent nighttime wake-ups. 

Try to keep your dog’s final feeding and playtime earlier in the evening so your dog has time to digest his or her food and burn off any extra energy. Try adding a relaxing cue, like dimming the lights, turning off the TV, or giving a final “goodnight” treat or even better a chew toy so your dog can understand that bedtime is here to stay. A chew toy might help your dog relax and then get a good night's sleep.

Creating a Cozy and Safe Sleeping Environment

Your dog’s sleeping setup can have a big impact on their ability to stay asleep. Make sure they have a comfortable bed in a quiet, draft-free area where they feel secure. Some dogs sleep better in a crate, especially if they’ve been crate trained and view it as a safe den. Others may prefer a dog bed near or on their favorite person.

If your dog tends to get anxious at night, a white noise machine, calming music, or a soft blanket with your scent can help soothe them. Keep the temperature comfortable, not too hot or too cold to help your dog to stay comfortable throughout the night.

Provide Plenty of Daytime Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is a happy, sleepy dog. When dogs don’t get enough exercise during the day, they may have pent-up energy at night that keeps them awake. Daily walks, playtime, and even enrichment activities can make a big difference.

For high-energy breeds, structured exercise like fetch, agility, or scent games can be especially helpful. Mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys, training sessions also tire your dogs out in a healthy way, encouraging deeper and longer sleep at night.

Addressing Anxiety or Medical Issues

Nighttime restlessness can sometimes be linked to anxiety or underlying health problems. Senior dogs, for example, may experience disrupted sleep due to cognitive changes. Dogs with joint pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, or other medical issues may also wake up frequently.

If your dog seems anxious, try using a calming item, like a t-shirt you've worn (for your scent), a soft blanket, or a commercial product designed to mimic a heartbeat or provide warmth.

If your dog seems restless or is whining, pacing, or panting at night, it’s a good idea to check in with your veterinarian. Addressing the potential pain or anxiety with vet can make a world of difference in their sleep quality.

Training Your Dog to Sleep Through the Night

Training plays a huge role in helping your dog develop good sleep habits. If your dog gets up in the middle of the night, avoid turning it into playtime or giving your dogs too much attention. Quietly take them out for a potty break if needed, then calmly return them to their bed.

If your dog doesn’t need a potty break, just pet your dog, try to relax him or her and then go back to sleep. The best thing you can do is to ignore your dog’s nudging you if they wake up too early. It’s important to avoid reinforcing the wrong behavior; you don't want your dog to learn that pawing is effective.

With consistency, your dog will learn that nighttime is for sleeping, not playing, exploring, or barking at every noise. Make sure to use positive reinforcement for your dog’s calm behavior and patience during the training process. That will help set both of you up for a good night’s sleep.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried creating a routine, provided plenty of exercise, and ruled out medical issues but your dog still isn’t sleeping through the night, it might be time to consult a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Sometimes, more complex behavioral issues, such as separation anxiety, need structured behavior modification plans.

Final Thoughts: A Good Night’s Sleep Is Possible

Helping your dog sleep through the night takes a mix of consistency, comfort, and understanding. By identifying the root cause of their restlessness, setting a soothing nighttime routine, and creating a cozy sleeping space, you can help your pup drift off and stay asleep until morning.

A well-rested dog is healthier, happier, and more relaxed during the day, AND you’ll finally get that uninterrupted sleep you’ve been dreaming of, too.