Why Do Dogs Bark? How to Stop a Puppy From Barking at Night?

As cute as your pawsome pup is, their barking can sometimes be disruptive – especially if they are barking at night!

Sometimes your pup simply wants to play, is not sleepy or they may dislike spending time alone. It’s important to remember that this day and night routine is new to them, so as a puppy parent you’ll need to teach your dog how to sleep through the night and be consistent with their training!

5 Tips To Stop Your Pup From Barking at Night

1. Always be patient

Although it can be frustrating if your pup is keeping you (and the neighbours) up at night, it’s important to remain calm and patient. Your pooch won’t intuitively understand your schedule – it’s all new to them! Be patient, and remember that your pup may be confused by their new surroundings and communicate this through barking. You should avoid scolding your dog as this won’t help their learning and may confuse them further. Instead, encourage them to be confident to make it through the night alone.

2. Make sure you understand your pup’s needs

Is your puppy barking because they need a toilet break? Young pups will need to be taken outside at frequent intervals, including at night. Once your dog is 3 to 4 months old, they should be physically able to make it through the night. But remember, your pup might have different barks and whines for different things and over time, you’ll learn to understand them. For example, one bark might mean “I’m bursting and need to go outside to the toilet!” and another might mean “I’m bored! Please come and play with me!”

3. Keep your pup occupied

Your puppy might simply be barking from boredom so make sure that you keep them busy, fulfilled and tired out throughout the day! Puppies have tons of energy which needs to be sated with toys, games, walks and training. Depending on your dog’s breed, they may need a few extra walks during the day or an energetic game of fetch to tire them out. Try to give your pup some exercise just before bed and remember that, just like humans, a long daytime nap can make them feel awake in the evening! Discouraging long naps during the day can help them sleep better at night.

4. Provide your pup with a safe chew toy or puzzle

If your puppy wakes up during the night, having toys or puzzles nearby means they’ll always have something to do. This will help stop them from becoming bored and give them somewhere to direct their energy. Giving toys to your dog when you put them to bed will keep them busy and help make them sleepy, as well as helping them to make a positive association with going to bed. A toy with food in the middle which requires your dog to lick is particularly useful as licking is self-soothing and can comfort your pup when they’re left alone.

5. Be aware of other factors that may cause barking

If your pup is frightened of something in the room or animals going past the window, try to remove these triggers – for example, by closing windows and blinds. Make your puppy’s bed or crate a comforting place to be to help discourage them from barking. They’ll love a doggy den complete with toys and blankets!

If your puppy is barking excessively, and you’ve done all of the above, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right so it’s always worth taking them for a checkup with the vet. You can also use an ADAPTIL Junior Collar which releases “comforting messages” like the ones released by the mother dog after birth. These natural messages calm and reassure your pup and will quickly encourage them to sleep through the night.

Using ADAPTIL Junior is clinically proven to reduce the number of nights of puppy crying or whining.