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.
According to the AKC, puppies at 7-8 weeks should get 18-20 hours of sleep per night! Most puppies are weaned from their mother and brought to a new home at this age. This schedule persists until about 20 weeks of age. As the dogs get older, sleep time is reduced to 13-15 hours.
Try not to get them excited, just let them sniff around the yard and take their time. 7:30/8pm: CRATE BEDTIME: Puppies always wind down here. Don't try to push the limits here, put them in their crate between 7:30-8:30pm. If you wait too long, you'll have a very loud, sad puppy in the crate.
Puppies need to sleep when they need to sleep so, depriving a puppy of sleep, so that you can meet a set puppy bedtime, isn't ideal for them. It's better to allow them to sleep when they're ready and to let them go through a sleep-wake cycle again and put them to bed once they're becoming tired around your own bedtime.
Expect your puppy to sleep up to 18 to 20 hours a day to support their fast-growing brains and bodies. Puppies at this age may seem to go from zero to 60 out of nowhere, then suddenly fall asleep within minutes of being in overdrive.
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.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, most puppies can actually sleep for up to seven hours without relieving themselves—so it definitely is possible.
Spend a good 10–20 minutes playing with your pup (outside or inside) a couple of times during the evening. Play a game of tug or get them interested in chasing a flirt pole. Not only will this tire them out, but it will also give them some important physical exercise.
If you are still up, active, and making noise, your puppy will want to join you. Creating a cozy and comfortable bed will also prepare your puppy for sleep. If possible, put a blanket or something with your scent in the crate with him. If that is not possible, a soft, warm blanket will still offer some comfort.
Help your dog get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. If you can do this at different times during the day so your dog's body doesn't get used to exercising at a certain time, it may help him sleep better at night. Evening exercise may wear him out more before bedtime than morning exercise will.
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. Night: If your puppy is not yet able to make it through the night, set an alarm so you can get up and take him out for a quick, boring potty break.
You can feed them before or after a walk, but you have to ensure that the walk or exercise takes place at least one hour before or after the meal is eaten. Any exercise performed within that hour can result in an increased risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus, which is something just not worth risking for your pup.
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.
Getting the timing right. On average, puppies will poop between 5 to 30 minutes after eating.
Adjust their schedule.
If your pet is constantly waking you up at 3 am because they are hungry, then adjusting their feeding schedule can help them sleep throughout the night. Or your dog may be waking you up because they have to go outside to use the bathroom.
Give your pooch some toys to play with throughout the night, especially interactive puzzle toys that encourage dogs to hunt for bits of kibble, to prevent wake-up calls due to boredom. Spend quality time with your dog during the day and allow your dog to sleep in or near your bedroom on a bed of their own.
Teach your pup to potty on a designated spot outdoors, making him think. After you bring home your new puppy the first thing you need to teach the pup is to walk to the door. Do not carry it.
Ignore Your Puppy's Crate Crying for at Least a Few Hours
If your puppy wakes after a few hours at night, take him out for a potty break, and immediately put him back in the crate. Keep nighttime potty breaks quiet, dark and boring so that your pup learns to only alert you when he really needs to go.
Accidents are especially likely at night if your puppy is sleeping on the bed with you. Young puppies can't hold their bladders through the night, so if you don't get up to take your pup outside for a pee break, a walk to the end of the bed is probably as far as your sleepy dog will travel on their own.
Dogs often start to really appreciate the crate as a place that they know they can go to if they need some alone time. You can leave the door open if your dog is not in it, and it may well be that over time he will seek out his crate to nap or just wind down if he is over-stimulated.
Puppies often need water throughout the day. You also can help your pup stay hydrated by adding more moisture to their food. Should you leave water out all day for a puppy? You should withhold your pup's access to water at night while housebreaking.