How to get your Dachshund puppy to sleep through the night

So, she made the big decision and brought a dachshund puppy into her family. You just brought your puppy home and he is playful and active, full of energy and gives hugs and kisses freely. After an active day, you think there’s no way you and your pup can’t sleep through the night. At 2:00 am you hear a little whining from your puppy and you think that he will just go back to sleep; you will give him a little to calm down. At 2:15 he has woken up the whole family with his howling and you can’t put him back to sleep. To do?

While there is no single method that works perfectly for all dogs, there are things you can do to help your dachshund puppy sleep through the night. The first thing you need to decide is where your puppy will sleep. One option is to have your dachshund sleep in bed with you. Some people think this is crazy, some think it’s for the best. If you make this decision, keep in mind that you can never make your dachshund sleep anywhere else without compensation. Once in bed, always in bed. I would not recommend this option if you move around when you are sleeping. Your pup may get trapped under you and become frightened or unable to breathe. Puppies are small and could wake up and get out of bed and hurt themselves or make a mess.

A great option for your dachshund puppy to sleep is in a crate. Some people think this is like putting them in a dog jail, but it can actually be comforting for your dog. Don’t forget dachshunds are hunters and have been bred to go down to the ground. They love to sleep in burrows and can often be found in the laundry basket or buried under a blanket. Your dog crate should never be used for punishment or “time out.” If used correctly, your dachshund will find his crate his safe place where he can go to relax and get away from the activity of the home.

No matter where you choose to let your dachshund puppy sleep, there are things you can do to help him sleep longer at night. A puppy that is less than 3 months old cannot be expected to “hold” more than six hours at night. During the day when he is active this is reduced to about an hour. So plan to take your pup out right before bed at night and again first thing in the morning. When you take him out for the last time at night, don’t make this a fun, playful time. Don’t give him a toy or snack, just tell him to go potty, talk to him in a low, gentle voice, and let him do his thing. When he’s done, you can pick him up, pet him, and quietly tell him it’s time to go to sleep. Put him in his cage, turn off the lights and try to make as little noise as possible.

If your dachshund puppy wakes up in the middle of the night, again, don’t make it fun play time. He opens the door, pet him a little, close the door and quietly tell him to go back to sleep. You can also cover the cage with a light and dark sheet or blanket to darken their cage. If he still wants to cry, you can move the box slightly or touch it just enough to interrupt his crying, but not enough to scare him further. Eventually he’ll get the idea that you’re not going to take him out and he’ll go back to sleep.

There are a few more things you can do to make sure your dachshund puppy is relaxed and ready for bed at night. Make sure he doesn’t go to bed hungry. I recommend feeding him at the same time as dinner, or just after. That way you have something in your tummy, but there is enough time to process everything one last time outside before bed. Make sure he plays a lot during the day and especially in the afternoon. Let him play outside with the children if the weather allows it, the sun and exercise always help to wear him down. Don’t irritate him and play with him for at least an hour before bed. It will take longer for it to settle.

One more thing you can try is called the SnugglePuppy. It is a plush toy that has a warming pack and a heartbeat. This is especially great for puppies that have just come home and are away from their littermates for the first time in their lives. We’ve heard great things about these stuffed animals, but plan ahead so you already have it when you bring your dachshund puppy home.

In time, your pup will sleep through the night so you and your family can return to your normal sleep patterns. It may take your pup a few nights to get used to his new life and new schedule, but it will happen. We hope you find these tips helpful and that life with your new dachshund puppy is everything he dreamed of.