Are you trying to figure out how to help your dog settle and sleep through the night? Congratulations—you’ve either been awake all night with your dog, or you’re collapsing into bed as soon as you get home from work. Either way, you probably don’t have much time to read this. It’s okay. We know sleep isn’t easy to come by when your dog isn’t sleeping.
But amidst your hectic daytime naps and nighttime misery, we promise you this: with the right knowledge and routine, you can get your dog to sleep through the night. Your dog isn’t doing this to be stubborn. There’s always a reason dogs act up at night—and chances are, it’s because some of their needs aren’t being met during the day or they don’t yet have a consistent routine.
Why Dogs Have Trouble Settling at Night
Like humans, dogs need comfort, security, and consistency to fully relax and fall asleep. Without these, they become stressed and restless. But dogs can’t tell us what they need, so it’s up to us to pay attention and figure it out. Try to think about why your dog is behaving the way they are.
Does your dog have extra energy at night because they haven’t burned it off during the day? Is something frightening them? Perhaps they aren’t used to going to bed at a certain time each night. Or maybe they’re thirsty, hungry, or just need to pee. When in doubt, think about what you would need if you were your dog curled up in their bed.
Puppies who sleep all day will obviously have a lot of energy at night. Rescue dogs might be afraid of the silence of nighttime. Senior dogs with arthritis may have a hard time finding a comfortable position. Every challenge is different, but meeting your dog’s needs is always the first step.
Make Sure Your Dog Is Truly Tired
Does your dog turn into a burst of craziness when the sun goes down? Chances are, they’re trying to tell you they didn’t get enough exercise during the day. Running around the house and biting your feet won’t earn them a scratch behind the ears—they need real exercise.
And no, we don’t mean five minutes of “walkies” where your dog just sniffs everything. Take them on walks where they can explore new sights and smells. Play with toys. Have training sessions. Give your dog puzzle feeders and games they can do alone. Mental stimulation tires your dog just as much as physical exercise.
Ten minutes of mental training can exhaust your dog more than thirty minutes of walking.
Push back on dogs that nap all day while you’re at home. Play with them when you get home from work so they begin to associate downtime with nighttime.
Create a Predictable Nighttime Routine
Nobody likes unpredictability. Your dog curls up in their bed for the night and wonders why you’re making midnight trips to the fridge. If your dog doesn’t have a set bedtime routine, they’ll never feel secure enough to truly relax.
Here’s a simple routine you can start with:
-
Evening walk or play session
-
Dinner
-
Quiet activity (a kibble-filled toy or lying beside you)
-
Last potty break of the night
-
Bedtime
Try to keep this routine the same every single night. Put your dog through the same steps, and soon enough they’ll connect these activities with bedtime.
A routine removes the unknown from nighttime. It lets your dog know that everything is okay and that rest is coming.
Set Your Dog Up for Success
Is your dog’s bed in a strange spot? Next to a heater? In a noisy room? How would you sleep there?
Think about your dog’s sleeping area. Make sure it’s in a comfortable, safe location where your dog feels relaxed. Some dogs love crates. Others prefer a bed right next to you. Find what works for your dog and provide it.
A good dog bed should be:
-
Quiet
-
Draft-free
-
Away from high-traffic areas
-
Filled with cozy blankets or pillows
-
Familiar
Even placing a blanket that smells like you on their bed can help some dogs feel at ease. Others enjoy white noise or a fan. If strange sounds bother your dog at night—construction, trains, wildlife—background noise can help them relax.
If your dog shifts around all night, it might be because their bed just doesn’t feel right. Try a few adjustments to see what works.
Teach Your Dog What “Nighttime” Means
Dogs don’t naturally know how to wind down. They may jump out of bed the moment your head hits the pillow and have no idea what’s expected of them.
You can teach calm behavior with a few easy tweaks:
-
Slow things down in the evening
-
Avoid wild play right before bed
-
Dim the lights
-
Lower your voice
Offer your dog a long-lasting chew or a lick mat when it’s time to settle. Encourage quiet behavior with gentle pets and soothing words.
If your dog hops out of bed repeatedly, calmly guide them back. No yelling—you’re teaching, not punishing.
Your dog will soon learn that nighttime equals sleeping, not romping.
Help Anxious Dogs Feel Safe at Night
Some dogs are scared when night falls. The house is quiet. It’s dark. It feels empty. Anxiety that’s held in during the day often surfaces at night.
Comfort anxious dogs by:
-
Allowing them to sleep near your bed
-
Turning on a soft light
-
Keeping routines consistent
-
Using a calm, soothing voice
Never scold your dog for being afraid. That only teaches them that nighttime is dangerous.
If your dog’s anxiety is severe or constant, talk to your vet. They may benefit from behavioral training or calming supplements.
Manage Food and Water
Does your dog go straight from a bedtime snack to begging for breakfast? Do they wake up thirsty?
Feed dinner a couple of hours before bed so digestion doesn’t disturb sleep. Allow water throughout the day, but remove the bowl about an hour before bedtime so your dog doesn’t need to go out overnight. Just make sure they always have access to water during the day.
Finish the evening with a final potty break right before bed. Keep it low-key—no playing, no racing around. Just a quick bathroom trip and back inside.
Be Patient With Puppy Nighttime Wakeups
Puppies don’t have full bladder control yet. They have endless energy and no understanding of routines. Give your puppy plenty of chances to go potty before bed. Keep their crate near your room so they feel secure.
As your puppy grows, nighttime will become easier.
Don’t Reward Attention-Seeking
If your dog has had enough exercise, eaten, and gone potty—but still refuses to sleep—there’s a good chance they’ve learned that nighttime noise gets attention.
Dogs are smart. If whining at 3 a.m. brings you out of bed, they’ll keep doing it.
In these cases:
-
Wait for calm before responding
-
Keep interactions brief and boring
-
Gently return your dog to bed
-
Walk away
You’re not being cruel. You’re teaching your dog that nighttime isn’t playtime.
When in Doubt, Talk to Your Vet
Dogs shouldn’t suddenly be unable to sleep. If you’ve ruled out exercise, enrichment, and anxiety, and your dog still seems troubled at night, call your vet.
Sudden restlessness, panting, pacing, crying, or discomfort can signal pain or illness. Always rule out medical causes first.
The Short Version
Help your dog relax at night by:
-
Providing physical and mental exercise
-
Creating a predictable bedtime routine
-
Offering a comfortable sleep space
-
Supporting anxious dogs
-
Not rewarding nighttime crying
-
Ruling out medical issues
Helping your dog sleep through the night isn’t always easy—but it is possible. Be patient. Be consistent. And don’t lose any more sleep wondering how to help your dog settle and sleep through the night. We’ve got you covered.
Save pin for later
- Why Cats Avoid Eye Contact - January 31, 2026
- How to Stop Cats From Climbing Where They Shouldn’t - January 31, 2026
- Why Dogs Get Hyper at Night - January 31, 2026