A question from one of my puppy clients regarding helping your puppy sleep longer into the morning (not getting up too early):

“
Hi Charlotte, our 5mo pup Frankie is in a crate in the lounge overnight but always wakes between 0430-0530 and barks to be let out. She generally doesn’t need to wee outside at this point but just wants to be out of the crate. The lounge isn’t as dark as we’d like due to high windows with no blinds/curtains. Any suggestions on how to get her to sleep longer?
“

My answer:

“
Hi Dan,

I hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year.

This is a great question. As Frankie gets older, we might experience some intermittent sleep disruptions. This is natural for a puppy with lots of energy like Miss Frankie. Here are a couple of strategies you could try:

Gradual adjustment: Try gradually shifting her wake-up time by small increments. For example, if she typically wakes between 4:30-5:30 AM, attempt delaying her release from the crate by 10-15 minutes each day. This gradual approach might help her learn to wait longer before needing to be let out. It may take some time to yield results but could lead to longer settling periods in the future.

Increase exercise and mental stimulation: Ensuring Frankie receives ample exercise and mental engagement during the day is crucial. A tired puppy is more inclined to sleep longer. Consider extended walks or additional playtime before bedtime to help her wind down.

Make the crate more inviting: Ensure the crate is comfortable and appealing. Add soft bedding or a blanket, and consider covering the crate to create a darker and more cosy environment. This adjustment might encourage longer periods of sleep, especially in a bright room.

Adjust feeding times: Experiment with shifting her last meal to a bit later in the evening. This might make her feel fuller and less likely to wake early due to hunger.

Consider crate location: If possible, try relocating the crate to a quieter area or a spot where Frankie might feel more secure and less prone to external stimuli, such as excessive light. Additionally, placing the crate in your bedroom could go two ways:

She may (hopefully) sleep longer due to the darker environment and the reassurance of your presence nearby. Sometimes, puppies that sleep away from their owners might miss them earlier in the morning.

On the other hand, she might not sleep longer if she sees you right there.

I’m hopeful it’ll be the first option, as my own puppy settled better in a darker and quieter room.

I hope these suggestions help and all make sense. Please let me know how you get on.

Thanks so much,

Kind regards,
Charlotte
“