The Controversial Debate: Should You Let Your Puppy Sleep in a Crate in Your Bedroom?

If you’re a new puppy owner, you may be wondering where your pet should sleep at night. One option is to have them sleep in a crate in your bedroom. This can help ease their anxiety and make them feel more secure, especially during their first few nights in their new home.

According to experts, having your puppy sleep in a crate in your bedroom at night can also make potty training easier. You’ll be able to hear when they need to go outside and can quickly take them out. Additionally, having your puppy close to you can help build a stronger bond between the two of you.

However, some people may be hesitant to have their puppy sleep in their bedroom due to concerns about noise and disruptions to their sleep. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and decide what works best for you and your pet.

Quick Pros and Cons Table

Here is a table of the pros and cons of letting a puppy sleep in a crate in your bedroom:

Pros	Cons
Provides a sense of security and comfort for your puppy	May take up space in your bedroom
Helps to reduce separation anxiety in your puppy	May cause disruptions to your sleep
Can help with potty training by allowing you to hear when your puppy needs to go outside	May not be suitable for all puppies or owners
Can help to build a stronger bond between you and your puppy	May require additional cleaning and maintenance
Allows you to monitor your puppy’s behavior and health during the night	May not be suitable for puppies with certain medical conditions or special needs
Can provide a smoother transition for your puppy into their new home	May require additional training to get your puppy used to the crate

Keep in mind that these pros and cons may vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of your puppy and the owner. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to let your puppy sleep in a crate in your bedroom should be based on what works best for you and your puppy.

Benefits of Letting Your Puppy Sleep in a Crate in Your Bedroom

Security and Comfort for Your Puppy

Letting your puppy sleep in a crate in your bedroom can provide them with a sense of security and comfort. Puppies may feel anxious or scared when they are in a new environment, and sleeping in a crate near you can help ease their fears. The crate can also serve as a safe space for your puppy to retreat to when they need some alone time.

In addition, having your puppy sleep in a crate can prevent them from wandering around the house at night, potentially getting into trouble or injuring themselves. The confined space of the crate can also help your puppy feel more secure and prevent them from feeling overwhelmed in a larger space.

Peace of Mind for You

Having your puppy sleep in a crate in your bedroom can also provide peace of mind for you. You can rest easy knowing that your puppy is safe and secure in their crate, and you can easily check on them throughout the night.

This can help you get a better night’s sleep, knowing that your puppy is nearby and not getting into any mischief.

Additionally, having your puppy sleep in a crate can help with potty training. Puppies typically need to go outside to use the bathroom multiple times throughout the night, and having them sleep in a crate can help prevent accidents in the house.

Overall, letting your puppy sleep in a crate in your bedroom can provide both you and your puppy with a sense of security and comfort. It can also help with potty training and prevent your puppy from getting into trouble at night.

Having your puppy sleep in a crate in your bedroom is a common and effective practice for many pet owners.

Drawbacks of Letting Your Puppy Sleep in a Crate in Your Bedroom

Disturbance to Your Sleep

If you are a light sleeper, having your puppy sleep in a crate in your bedroom may not be the best option for you. Puppies are known to be active and playful, especially during the night. They may bark, whine, or scratch at the crate, which can disturb your sleep. Additionally, puppies may need to go to the bathroom during the night, which means you will have to wake up to take them out.

Dependency on Crate for Sleep

Another drawback of letting your puppy sleep in a crate in your bedroom is that they may become dependent on the crate for sleep. If you plan on moving the crate to another room in the future, your puppy may have trouble adjusting to sleeping without it.

This can cause anxiety and stress for your puppy, which can lead to behavioral issues.

It is important to note that while there are some drawbacks to letting your puppy sleep in a crate in your bedroom, there are also benefits. It can help your puppy feel more secure and comfortable, and it can also make it easier for you to monitor your puppy’s behavior during the night.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to let your puppy sleep in a crate in your bedroom is up to you and what works best for your puppy and your family.

According to Pet Dog Owner, “One disadvantage is dog smell. You may not smell it, but others may notice your room or clothing has a dog smell if you aren’t careful with your dog’s hygiene and crate cleaning.” It is important to keep your puppy’s air crate clean to avoid any unpleasant smells.

Tips for Crate Training Your Puppy

Introducing Your Puppy to the Crate

Introduce your puppy to the crate by placing treats and toys inside. Encourage your puppy to go inside and explore. Once your puppy is comfortable, close the door for a few seconds and gradually increase the time. Always reward good behavior with treats and praise.

Gradually Increasing Crate Time

Gradually increase the time your puppy spends in the crate. Start with short periods and gradually increase the time. Avoid leaving your puppy in the crate for extended periods, as this can cause anxiety and stress. Always make sure your puppy has access to water and toys.

Rewarding Good Behavior

Reward your puppy for good behavior by giving treats and praise. Never punish your puppy for accidents or bad behavior.

Instead, redirect their attention to something positive. Consistency is key when crate training your puppy. Stick to a routine and always reward good behavior.

According to Pawsome Advice, “Crate training is a great way to teach your puppy good behavior and provide a safe space for them to rest.” By following these tips, you can help your puppy feel comfortable and safe in their crate.

Remember to always be patient and consistent, and never force your puppy into the crate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crate training your puppy and having them sleep in a crate in your bedroom at night is highly recommended. It provides a safe and secure sleeping environment for your puppy while also allowing you to keep an eye on them.

Remember to choose the right crate size for your puppy and make sure it is comfortable with bedding and toys.

Gradually increase the time your puppy spends in the crate during the day to help them get used to it. It’s also important to establish a routine for your puppy’s bedtime and stick to it. This will help them feel more secure and relaxed.

Overall, crate training your puppy and having them sleep in a crate in your bedroom is a great way to ensure that they have a good night’s rest and feel safe and secure.

FAQ

When can I move my puppy crate out of the bedroom?

While there certainly are exceptions, generally you can move your dog out of the bedroom in about a month’s time. This gives them plenty of time to get used to their new home and they should be fairly well-adjusted by then. Your dog might not be happy with the move, but at this point, they should be ready!   

Should I ignore re puppy crying at night?

If you believe that your puppy is simply crying to get your attention, then it is best that you ignore it. Running over every time your dog cries sets a precedent. Your dog will notice that they can get you to come as long as they are loud about it and this is not something that you want to encourage.

Can puppies sleep in crates all night?

Your puppy can sleep in the crate all night – with frequent potty breaks. Puppies don’t have a very high bladder capacity and as such, you are going to need to take them out every few hours. For instance an 8-week-old old puppy needs to go out every 2 hours while a 12-week-old old puppy can wait and go out every 4 hours.

Once your puppy is 6 months old, then they should sleep for 6 hours, which is MOST of the night.

Should I put the 8-week-old puppy in a crate at night?

Yes, you can put your 8-week-old puppy in a crate at night, but you are going to need to take them outside every 2 hours. At this age, that is how long the puppy can wait before it will need to relieve itself outside.

Provided that you follow this schedule and take them out every 2 hours, your puppy can sleep in the crate.

Can a 10-week-old puppy sleep through the night?

At 10 weeks old, a puppy needs about 6 hours of sleep, but even so, you are going to need to wake up to take them outside. At 10 weeks of age, a pup needs to go outside every 2.5 hours. This is because they have a limited bladder capacity at that age.

By 6 months, your puppy will be able to wait 6 hours, but now you’ll need to take them out frequently.

Can my puppy sleep in a different room?

They can, but it’s much better if you keep your puppy in your bedroom. Puppies are easily frightened and being alone in a different room is stressful for them. Sleeping in the same room helps them to feel safer and more secure and it also speeds up the bonding process.

What time should a puppy go to bed?

You can put your puppy to bed at any time that you like but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, young puppies only need about 5 to 6 hours of sleep at night, so your puppy will probably wake up early. Secondly, you will still need to take them outside every few hours depending on their age.

Assume for every month of age that they can wait for a potty break for 1 hour and you’ll have a fairly accurate schedule.

Do I have to take my puppy out in the middle of the night?

Yes, especially if your puppy is under 3 months old, you should expect that you will need to take them outside for frequent potty breaks. While they can wait longer than usual when sleeping, in most cases you will be taking them out every few hours.

How do you settle a puppy at night in a crate?

The best way to make your puppy more receptive to bedtime is to give them a bit of exercise right before bed. Take them outside for a potty break and then play with them a bit to get them tired.

After this, take them back to their comfortable crate and they will be much more receptive to the idea of sleeping once the lights go out.  

Should I sleep with my puppy the first night?

 You should sleep close, but your puppy should be crated. Young pups have very small bladders and this means that they will need to go out frequently. Your puppy has very little control over this and so if you sleep in the bed with them then you might be in for an unpleasant surprise!