The owner of a four-month old puppy has shared a comprehensive list of tactics she employed that resulted in her pet sleeping for 12 hours from a very early age
If you’re struggling to get your puppy to sleep at night, one proud new dog owner has shared her secret to success after training her four-month old sable Cocker Spaniel to rest for 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.
Pointing out she didn’t simply just “let her cry it out in the crate”, Poppy’s owner proceeded to share a comprehensive list of list of techniques she incorporated that resulted in her newly-acquired furry friend sleeping for 12 hours.
“When I realised that puppies fight sleep just like toddlers, it made everything click!” she confessed. “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, noting that keeping dogs up later at night doesn’t necessarily ensure they will sleep for longer in the morning. “Actually the opposite,” she said. “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 the subject of “bladder training” – something that was done with Poppy from a very early age. “From day one, I used to take her out with me in a sling,” her owner 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 suggested your dog should avoid drinking any water in the hour before bed – something that is “non-negotiable” should you wish to succeed.
Poppy’s owner also stressed the importance of keeping your pet’s crate covered, meanwhile. “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 explained from experience.
“I got used to her cries very quickly 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.”
Cosiness is also of paramount importance when it comes to the crate, Poppy’s owner said. “Make it cosy and only big enough for a bed,” she advised.
“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 has never messed in the crate again.”
As tempting as it may be to comfort and snuggle up to your puppy as much as possible, that might not be wise, Poppy’s owner explained. “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 said. “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.”
Adding that it is important to simply be patient, with your pet’s development, Poppy’s owner closed with one last piece of advice as she acknowledged that everyone’s circumstances are different.
“Do what’s best for you!” she declared. “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.”
