How to Stop Your Dog from Waking Up at Night

Rule Out Medical Issues First

If your dog has been waking you up for more than two weeks straight, consult your veterinarian. A medical condition could be causing the night waking. Once health issues are ruled out, treat the situation like you would with a newborn baby—your dog needs a consistent routine to learn to sleep through the night.

Build a Strong Sleep Schedule

Think of yourself as a new parent. Just like babies, dogs need structure. Establish a predictable sleep schedule. This includes regular feeding times, bedtime routines, and consistent wake-up times. A dog that is mentally and physically tired during the day is far more likely to sleep through the night.

Maximize Daytime Exercise and Training

Nothing helps a dog sleep better than a full day of age-appropriate exercise and mental stimulation. Take your dog on long walks, play fetch, or do training sessions before bedtime. Training is like studying for a test—your dog needs to recharge mentally, just like you do. The more engaged your dog is during the day, the less energy they’ll have for nighttime antics.

Discourage Long Naps and Nighttime Attention-Seeking

Avoid letting your dog take long naps during the day. Keep them engaged with toys, games, or training. If your dog whines at night, first determine if they need to go potty. A “potty whine” is usually quiet and urgent. A “play whine” is more insistent, often with barking. If your dog doesn’t need to go out, ignore the whining—this teaches them that fussing doesn’t get results. Over time, they’ll learn to settle down and sleep.

Handle Nighttime Whining with Calm Consistency

For puppies who can’t hold their bladder, the best approach is to remain neutral at night. Ignore whining for a few minutes. If it continues, pick up the puppy, take them to the potty area, and return them to their crate—without praise or attention. This teaches them that nighttime activity only leads to a quick, boring trip outside. Once they can hold it, they’ll learn to stay quiet. For adult dogs, ensure they get enough exercise and mental work during the day to prevent nighttime energy bursts.