If you’re a proud owner of a Yorkie puppy, you might be wondering where your new pet should sleep at night. It’s important to provide a comfortable and safe sleeping environment for your puppy to ensure they get the rest they need to grow and develop.
The best place for your Yorkie puppy to sleep is in your bedroom. This can be in a crate, if you are crate training, or in a puppy bed in your room with the door closed to prevent any curious wanderings. This allows you to keep an eye on your puppy and respond quickly if they need to go outside for a potty break.
Another option is to use a dog crate to train your puppy to sleep through the night. PetMD suggests placing the crate near your bed and darkening the room to create a calming environment. “Start by putting your puppy in the crate for a bit before it’s time to go to sleep. Then go quietly to sleep and don’t make a fuss over going to bed,” they advise. Remember, it’s important to be patient and consistent when training your puppy to sleep through the night.
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Where Should a Yorkie Puppy Sleep?
Deciding where your Yorkie puppy should sleep is an important decision that can affect their health, behavior, and overall well-being. There are a few options to consider:
In a Crate
Many experts recommend crate training for Yorkie puppies. A crate can provide a safe and comfortable space for your puppy to sleep in, as well as help with potty training and preventing destructive behavior. Make sure the crate is the right size for your puppy, and avoid leaving them in the crate for too long. According to AKC, Yorkie puppies need around 18-20 hours of sleep per day, including naps.
In Your Bed
While it may be tempting to let your Yorkie puppy sleep in your bed, it is important to consider the potential risks. Yorkie puppies are small and fragile, and there is a risk of accidentally rolling over or crushing them while sleeping. Additionally, allowing your puppy to sleep in your bed can create dependency and separation anxiety, making it harder for them to sleep alone in the future.
In a Playpen
If you prefer not to use a crate or let your Yorkie puppy sleep in your bed, a playpen can be a good alternative. A playpen provides a safe and enclosed area for your puppy to sleep in, as well as play and move around. Make sure the playpen is big enough for your puppy to move around comfortably, and provide toys and water to keep them entertained and hydrated.
Regardless of where your Yorkie puppy sleeps, it is important to establish a consistent sleep schedule and routine. This can help with potty training, reduce stress and crying, and strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. Make sure your puppy is vaccinated, weaned, and healthy before starting crate training or allowing them to sleep alone.
Sleeping Habits of Yorkie Puppies
If you’re a new Yorkie puppy owner, it’s important to understand your pup’s sleeping habits. Here are some things you should know:
Sleep Schedule
Yorkie puppies need a lot of sleep, typically around 12-15 hours a day. It’s important to establish a consistent sleep schedule for your puppy to help them adjust to their new environment. This means setting regular times for bedtime and waking up in the morning.
Napping
Yorkie puppies also tend to take many short naps during the day. These naps can last anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes, depending on how peaceful the environment is. It’s important to provide a comfortable and quiet place for your puppy to nap during the day.
Comfortable Bed
One of the keys to a good night’s sleep for your Yorkie puppy is a comfortable bed. Look for a bed that is the right size for your puppy and provides adequate support. A crate can also be a good option for some puppies, as it can provide a sense of security and help with potty training.
Remember, establishing good sleeping habits early on is important for your Yorkie puppy’s overall health and well-being.
Sources:
Crate Training
If you want to keep your Yorkie puppy safe and healthy, crate training is an important step to take. Not only does it help prevent destructive behavior, but it also gives your puppy a safe space to retreat to when they need some alone time.
Why Crate Training is Important
Crate training can help prevent your Yorkie puppy from developing separation anxiety and other behavioral problems. It can also help with potty training, as puppies are less likely to soil their sleeping area.
How to Introduce Your Yorkie Puppy to a Crate
Start by placing the crate in a central area of your home, such as the living room. Encourage your puppy to explore the crate by placing treats or toys inside. Once your puppy is comfortable going in and out of the crate, start feeding them their meals inside.
- Make sure the crate is the right size for your puppy
- Never force your puppy into the crate
- Never use the crate as punishment
How Long Can a Yorkie Puppy Stay in a Crate?
According to the Humane Society, puppies should not be crated for more than a few hours at a time. As your puppy gets older, you can gradually increase the amount of time they spend in the crate.
| Age | Maximum Time in Crate |
|---|---|
| 8-10 weeks | 30-60 minutes |
| 11-14 weeks | 1-3 hours |
| 15-16 weeks | 3-4 hours |
| 17+ weeks | 4-5 hours |
Remember, every puppy is different, and you should never leave your puppy in a crate for longer than they can handle. Make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise and socialization outside of the crate.
Sources: The Dog Tale, The Humane Society, PawTracks
Where Not to Let Your Yorkie Puppy Sleep
While it might be tempting to let your Yorkie puppy sleep in your bed, it is not recommended. Not only can it cause health problems for your pup, but it can also lead to socialization issues.
Allowing your Yorkie puppy to sleep in your bed can increase the risk of health issues such as allergies, asthma, and even infections. Additionally, if your puppy is not properly socialized, it may become overly attached to you and have separation anxiety when you are not around.
It is also important to avoid letting your Yorkie puppy sleep in areas where there is a lot of foot traffic or noise, such as near a front door or in a hallway. This can cause stress and anxiety for your pup, which can lead to health problems and behavioral issues.
Instead, provide your Yorkie puppy with a comfortable and safe sleeping area, such as a crate or a puppy bed in a quiet and secure location. This will not only help them get a good night’s sleep but also promote good health and behavior.
Remember, where your Yorkie puppy sleeps can have a significant impact on their overall health and well-being. By providing them with a safe and comfortable sleeping area, you can help ensure that they grow up healthy and happy.
Sources: Preventive Vet, AKC
Conclusion
When it comes to where your Yorkie puppy should sleep, the best place is in your bedroom. You can choose to have a crate or a puppy bed, but ensure it is in your room with the door closed. This will help your puppy feel secure and prevent any curious wanderings.
Remember to also provide your Yorkie puppy with adequate exercise, food, and water. Bond with your puppy by spending quality time with them, playing games, and training. This will help strengthen your relationship and create a happy and healthy environment for your pet.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure that your Yorkie puppy gets the best possible sleep and care, setting them up for a happy and healthy life.
Sources: American Kennel Club, PetMD, Yorkie Passion, YYorkie
FAQ
How do I get my Yorkie puppy to sleep through the night?
This is not likely to happen until your puppy is around 6 months of age. This is because your Yorkie puppy has very little control over their bladder. For every month of age, your puppy can wait one hour between potty breaks.
While they will sometimes last a little longer when they are sleeping and relaxed until your dog is 6 months of age you will need to take them out fairly regularly to avoid any potty incidents.
Should you crate-train a Yorkie?
Crate training is great for your dog. The crate may be left open in the house, so that your dog has a personal space for napping, getting away from stress, or chewing a favorite toy in peace.
It also helps with potty training and a dog that is crate trained is also easy to transport when you want to take your dog to the vet for a checkup or on a road trip to go camping together.
Should I ignore my puppy crying at night?
If your puppy is getting regular trips outside and you think that they are crying out to get attention, then it is best to ignore this. If your dog learns that you will always come running whenever they whine or cry, then they will definitely abuse this.
Make sure that they don’t need a walk outside and after that, it’s best to let them ‘cry it out’ so that they learn that this is not the proper way to get your attention.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
