Puppy Sleeps in Crate At Night But Not During Day

It’s common for dogs to sleep in their crates at night but resist napping during the day.

For instance, very young puppies (approximately 8-10 weeks old) might still get used to life away from their litter and are less willing to spend time alone in a crate, especially during the day.

Puppies have distinct sleep patterns compared to adult dogs. They require more sleep, up to 18 hours per day, but in shorter periods than adult dogs and are naturally more active during the day and may prefer to explore or play instead of settling down for a nap.

Another possible explanation could be the lack of proper training to establish a positive association between the crate and the favorable experiences – I will address this in the latter.

It’s generally okay to let your puppy sleep outside his crate during the day if you’ve properly trained him to be alone and not engage in bad behavior.

Each puppy is unique, and it may take time and patience to encourage your puppy to sleep in the crate during the day.

Possible Reasons for Your Puppy Refusing to Sleep in the Crate During the Day

A small chihuahua dog laying in a white crate without sleeping

There could be various possible explanations as to why your puppy sleeps in crate at night but not during day.

It is crucial to consider these factors while crate training your puppy and focus on gradually improving their comfort and positive associations with the crate during the daytime.

One common factor is separation anxiety. Dogs are popularly known as den animals, so they enjoy staying in enclosed spaces like crates.

If your puppy doesn’t receive proper crate training, they may view the crate as a form of confinement or punishment rather than a safe and comfortable space.

Discomfort or physical issues, such as inadequate bedding and not getting enough exercise, can contribute to their reluctance.

Insufficient exercise and mental stimulation can make puppies too restless or hyperactive to settle down in your puppy’s crate.

Negative associations with the crate, such as a lack of positive experience or rewards like interactive toys for good behavior, can further discourage them from using it.

Moreover, puppies may prefer social interaction and companionship, causing them to resist being alone in the crate.

Gradually increase the time your puppy spends in the crate, ensuring comfort and positive experiences, providing sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, and addressing any health concerns can help encourage your puppy to sleep in the crate during the day.

Solutions to Get the Puppy to Sleep in the Crate During the Day

Now that you know the potential factors contributing to this situation, you can take proactive steps to improve.

Getting you to sleep in a crate during the day can be a gradual process that requires patience and positive reinforcement.

To make your dog sleep in his crate during the daytime, you need to make him familiar with the dog crate like his best accommodation.

Here are some useful suggestions to guide you:

INTRODUCE THE CRATE GRADUALLY

Start by leaving the crate door open during the day and placing a comfortable bed, allowing your puppy to explore it freely. Place a few toys inside the crate for your furry friend to make it enticing.

PROMOTE FAVORABLE CONNECTIONS

Associate positive experiences with the crate by playing games and feeding your puppy their meals near or inside their crate.

USE CRATE TRAINING FOR SHORT PERIODS

Begin crate training by having your puppy spend short periods inside during the day. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the duration.

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE

Create a consistent routine for your puppy’s nap times. Puppies thrive on routine, so having a structured crate schedule will help them understand when to rest in the crate.

PROVIDE COMFORT AND SECURITY

Make the crate comfortable and inviting. Use soft bedding and place a piece of clothing with your scent inside the crate to provide a sense of security for your dog.

CALMING TECHNIQUES

Some puppies may benefit from calming techniques, such as playing soft music to help the puppy feel relaxed.

GRADUALLY INCREASE DISTANCE

Once your puppy is comfortable sleeping in the crate for short periods during the day, gradually increase the distance between you and the crate.

IGNORE WHINING AND EXCESSIVE BARKING

It’s common for dogs to protest being separated initially, but ignoring their whining or barking is important. Responding to their protests may reinforce the behavior and make it harder for them to adjust.

Benefits of Crate Training a Puppy

SAFETY AND SECURITY

It keeps them away from potentially dangerous zones or toxic substances when they are not under direct supervision. It minimizes the chances of accidents and ingestion of harmful substances.

HOUSE TRAINING

The crate is the most effective tool for housebreaking or potty training your dog. It helps establish a routine and teaches them to associate the crate with their den and toilet break.

PREVENTION OF DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR

Puppies can get naughty. Gradually, as they learn appropriate behavior and develop self-control, they can earn more freedom outside the crate.

ESTABLISHING BOUNDARIES

By confining them to their crate for brief durations initially, you can control their access to certain areas until they learn proper behavior and obedience. This can be especially helpful when introducing a new dog to a multi-pet household.

REDUCED SEPARATION ANXIETY

It helps alleviate separation anxiety in dogs. It makes them feel secure, reducing anxiety when left alone for several hours.

Crate training should be a positive experience for dogs; forcing them will create negative associations with the crate.

What is the Recommended Duration for a Puppy to Sleep in a Crate During the Day?

The recommended duration for a puppy to sleep in a crate during the day varies depending on the age and individual needs of the puppy.

Crate time should be limited to 2 hours during the day and broken into shorter 10-30 minute naps. Depending on your puppy’s age and energy levels, they have different sleep requirements.

Newborn puppies may need short naps in the crate, while puppies between 8 and 12 weeks can typically stay for 1-2 hours.

To use the crate properly, it’s crucial to provide regular breaks for potty time, exercise, sleeping space, and social interaction is crucial.

As a general rule of thumb, to properly crate train your dog, you should only keep a dog in a crate for the equivalent of its age in months.

Are There Alternatives to Crating My Puppy During the Day?

A BROWN COLOR puppy sleeping inside a crate

If your puppy sleeps in crate at night but not during day, you wonder if other alternatives exist.

Yes, there are!

Instead of confining them to a crate, you can puppy-proof a designated area in your home, use a puppy pen or hire a pet sitter.

These alternatives give your puppy space to move around and socialize while keeping them safe and preventing destructive behavior.

Choose the option that best suits your puppy’s needs based on their age and behavior.

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FAQs

No, you should not force your puppy to sleep in the crate during the day. Rather, focus on making the crate inviting and comfortable in order to create positive associations.

Put in puppy’s crate during the day: cozy bedding, safe chew toys, water bowl, and special treats. Avoid any items that pose a safety risk and provide regular exercise and human interaction.

It is recommended to close the crate door during the day only if the puppy feels comfortable and calm with the door closed. If the puppy cries or is stressed with the door closed, it is better to keep the door open.

No, it is not recommended to only put a puppy in a crate at night. It is better to gradually introduce the puppy to the crate throughout the day with treats, short daytime stays, and playtime to create

It is possible that a puppy may not be sleeping during the day due to natural curiosity, lack of routine, excess energy, separation anxiety, discomfort or medical issues. To help encourage daytime sleep, create a comfortable sleep environment, establish a routine, and provide proper play and mental stimulation. If concerns remain, consult a veterinarian.

Conclusion

As I mentioned initially, it’s common for puppies to prefer sleeping in their crate at night but not during the day.

But proper rest is crucial for the growth and development of a dog, and it should not be overlooked or underestimated.

After reading this article, you can assist your new puppy in adapting to its new surroundings and developing a favorable connection with the crate.

By dedicating time to effectively crate-train your dog, you can GUARANTEE that your dog receives adequate rest and feels protected.

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