Tips For Getting Your Dog To Sleep

It is very important to have in mind the meaning that sleep has in the life of our pet: a dog must sleep the necessary hours especially at night, not only so that you can rest but also so that he benefits from a good restorative sleep.

There are many dogs with difficulty sleeping at night, which is why it is very important to get them used to them from an early age. Here on My Animals we want to show you some simple tips for getting a dog to sleep, both as a puppy and as an adult.

Educating a puppy to sleep

Quite often, dog owners adopt a puppy and notice that it takes a lot of effort to sleep at night. Especially during the first week, he doesn’t let us sleep because he cries, barks etc. Don’t worry, the solution exists, just a little patience is enough.

The reason a puppy does not sleep in the first few weeks is due to the fact that he feels disoriented and insecure, having been separated from his mother and siblings. It is also good to understand that he is in an environment that is new to him, with different people and even smells unknown to him, so you have to be a little understanding.

That doesn’t mean you can’t find a solution – try these helpful tips.

The routine

We already know that dogs are animals of habit, so from day one, plan a clear routine and make sure your dog follows it. There should be a time for his food, walks, play and of course the hours of rest. Make sure that daily activities always happen at the same time so that you can get used to it.

The environment

You must prepare a pleasant and appropriate environment for your pet to rest, a place that is unique to him where he finds his bed. One of the most common mistakes in people who adopt a puppy is that when they start crying, they pick them up and take them to their bed, which is wrong because your puppy will get used to it. As a solution you can buy him a closed berth so he will feel safe.

During the first few weeks, place a clock with hands next to his bed , because the sound of these will remind him of his mother’s heartbeat and make him feel calmer. It is also necessary to avoid making loud noises that can scare him.

What you must not do

If your puppy starts crying, do not immediately run to him, otherwise he will understand that every time he cries you will come running and use it as a method to call your attention. Maybe check it without being seen to verify that everything is fine.

Do not feed him before going to sleep, otherwise he will acquire energy which he will have to download by playing. The meal should take place 3 to 4 hours before going to bed.

Get an adult dog to sleep

If your dog is an adult and does not sleep at night, it is because something is wrong, and it will be up to you to  assess the situation. A move, the arrival of a new family member or pet, the presence of stressed owners, etc., are all factors that can affect your dog’s insomnia. However, as soon as this new situation is resolved, your dog will probably go back to sleep as before.

Environment for sleeping

First you have to prepare a positive environment for the dog to sleep and rest, with a comfortable bed that he identifies as his and where he can sleep. If he is reluctant to get into the bed, place a treat inside that will attract him.

It is very important to establish the time of rest, which can coincide with yours or take place at other times. In any case, set daily actions that he identifies with the act of going to sleep, such as turning off the lights and the TV, locking the door, etc.

The food

Just like in puppies, adult dogs also don’t have to eat before going to bed, so as not to store a lot of energy. They should eat 3 to 4 hours before going to bed, and it is also important that they get plenty of exercise during the day so that they feel tired and fall asleep quickly.

Relaxing massages

Once the dog is in bed, you can give him relaxing massages especially in the head and back areas ; in this way he will relax and be stimulated to sleep.