There is no set time you should put your dog down to rest. Puppies can and will fall asleep at any time of day. However, it's important to take your own sleep schedule into account when training your puppy.
But in all honesty, there's no 'right time' for a puppy to go to sleep, as long as it's the same every night. While this may be the case, do note that your puppy will need, on average, around 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
Bedtime: A set bedtime makes his adjustment and house training easier for everyone. It doesn't matter if it's 8 p.m. or midnight, as long as it becomes a routine. Take him to his crate and help him settle down for the night.
You're not alone. In fact, puppies typically don't start sleeping through the night until they are about four months old. But don't worry, there are some things you can do to help get your puppy on a regular sleep schedule.
Dogs and Time
We know dogs have circadian rhythms, and are sensitive to day and night, as well as certain times of day. We know through living with dogs that they know when it's time to go to bed and when it's time to eat.
AFTER MEALS
Most puppies eat three to four meals a day while they're growing and they'll have to pee and poop after each meal. For younger dogs, wait about 20 minutes after a meal to take him outside to potty. The younger the puppy, the sooner you should take him out after a meal.
It is not uncommon for a puppy to defecate 5-6 times per day. Some will eliminate even more frequently. The good news is that the pace of pooping will slow down as the dog matures. Although a 2-week-old puppy may defecate at every feeding, by 12 weeks, they may be down to only 4 times per day.
The instant you feel your puppy's teeth touch you, give a high-pitched yelp. Then immediately walk away from him. Ignore him for 30 to 60 seconds. If your puppy follows you or continues to bite and nip at you, leave the room for 30 to 60 seconds.
Ignoring them at night won't help them build confidence and may make them worse which isn't what anyone wants. They need to be taught how to be independent slowly. We would never recommend ignoring your puppy when they cry at night, especially in their first few nights.
If your puppy cries in the crate at night, your instinct will be to help him—and that's the right thing to do. Although sometimes people worry that getting him out of the crate might teach him to cry, that shouldn't deter you. In fact, you want him to know that you will help him if he's crying.
Routine. Give your dog a bedtime routine. You can start with a trip outside and then give your dog a small treat while you ready the house for night time. Most dogs will know it's time for bed because their owners start a routine such as turning off lights and locking doors.
DF: I have found that the best feeding and toilet pattern for dogs is going out for a morning walk or yard run and eating a light breakfast, and then taking a walk about noon to 2 p.m. Before an evening meal (between 5 and 6 p.m.), go on a long walk or run.
Most puppies will sleep through the night by the time they're about 4 months (16 weeks) old. But with some help, diligence, and proactive training, you may be able to get your puppy there even earlier!
When Do Puppies Start Sleeping Through the Night? Puppies typically learn to sleep through the night by the time they're about sixteen weeks of age. However, puppy owners can expedite the process by employing some tried-and-true dog training techniques, such as crate training.
Your puppy is more likely to sleep if they are tired, so in the hour before bed, have a gentle game or play session. This shouldn't be too active as you don't want them hyperactive but you do want them ready for a snooze.
Leaving your puppy alone at night or during sleeping time could be dangerous. Puppies may feel lonely and in need of company. But if you own a puppy, active time can be dangerous too! This is especially true for the first months in their new habitat.
Increases Potential for Developing Separation Anxiety
A huge part of teaching your puppy to sleep on their own is to encourage their confidence and sense of independence. Sleeping with your puppy can inadvertently perpetuate their anxiety at being left alone and not allow your puppy the ability to build resilience.
There are many steps to take to help curb puppy biting and others you should avoid, including: Don't yell at your puppy, tap your puppy on the nose or hold their mouth shut when they bite. This will only confuse your puppy and teach them not to trust you when you want to play.
When do puppies start to calm down? Most puppies start to calm down as they approach their maturity age, which is usually around 12 months, but for larger breeds it can be more likely to occur between 18 months and 2 years.
Delaying their potty break by 15 minutes every night will teach them to wait a little longer to do their business, eventually turning it into a morning routine. Once your puppy is three or four months old, they will most likely be able to go the full night (7 to 8 hours) without a toilet break.
Toy-breed puppies will need 4 to 6 meals per day for the first three months of their lives. Medium-breed puppies will require three meals per day, and large-breed puppies typically need 3 to 4 meals per day.