Some nights, getting a dog to settle down feels like trying to get a toddler to nap during a birthday party.
You’ve dimmed the lights, fluffed the bed, maybe even whispered sweet nothings… and they’re still bouncing around like they’ve just had three cups of coffee. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The truth is, most dogs aren’t born knowing how to wind down at night. They need a little help, and sometimes a bit of routine, to drift into a peaceful snooze.
Create A Calm Evening Atmosphere
Think about the hour before bedtime. Is the TV blaring? Are the kids running laps around the sofa? Your dog feels all of that. A calm home leads to a calm dog.
Lower the volume on electronics, speak in softer tones, and start moving slower yourself. Dogs read your energy better than you think. If you’re buzzing around like you’re late for a flight, they’ll feel it.
Time The Last Meal Right
Food equals energy. A dog eating a big dinner five minutes before bedtime will be in no mood for sleep.
Try serving their last meal a few hours before you expect them to settle. This gives them time to digest and have their last potty break without interrupting the night.
If your dog gets a bedtime snack, keep it small and simple. A little treat can even become part of their nightly “wind-down” routine.
Tire Them Out First
A dog that’s been snoozing on the couch all day won’t magically be ready for bed when you are. Just like people, they sleep better when they’ve burned some energy.
This doesn’t have to be a marathon run. A 20-minute evening walk, a good game of fetch, or some puzzle toys to work their brain can do the trick.
The goal is a happy, content kind of tired, not total exhaustion.
Build A Routine They Can Count On
Dogs thrive on predictability. If bedtime is all over the place, they’ll never fully “get it.” Create a pattern, maybe it’s walk, dinner, a little play, potty break, then bed.
Over time, they’ll start anticipating what comes next. You might even notice them heading to their bed before you tell them. That’s the magic of routine.
Keep The Space Comfortable
Imagine trying to sleep on a lumpy pillow with the lights flickering. Not fun. Your dog feels the same about their sleeping space.
Whether it’s a crate, a dog bed, or a corner of your room, make sure it’s clean, cozy, and free from loud noises or bright lights.
Some dogs like extra blankets, some like a cooler surface. Watch their body language to figure out what they prefer.
Use Calming Aids When Needed
White noise machines, soft lullabies, or even calming pheromone diffusers can help certain dogs relax. Some owners swear by soft night lights for puppies or anxious dogs.
If your pup gets stressed during storms or fireworks, a snug-fitting calming shirt can help too. Just remember, these tools work best alongside a routine, not as a replacement for one.
Watch For Signs Of Tiredness
Yawns, slow blinks, stretching, and lying down are obvious signs your dog’s ready to rest. The trick is to act on them quickly.
If you miss the window and they get a second wind, you’re in for another hour of zoomies. Keep an eye out, and when you see those sleepy cues, guide them to their bed.
Avoid Overstimulation Right Before Bed
A high-energy tug game or roughhousing right before bedtime can backfire. Your dog might be more amped than before.
Stick to calmer activities as you get closer to lights-out. A gentle petting session, slow-paced sniff walk, or soft toy chewing works better to ease them into rest mode.
Make Crate Training A Positive
If your dog sleeps in a crate, it should feel like their own little safe den. Never use it as punishment. Add soft bedding, a favorite toy, or even a worn shirt with your scent to make it feel secure.
Start encouraging them to enter the crate on their own during the day. That way, nighttime feels natural rather than forced.
The Travel Or Guest House Scenario
Here’s where real life throws a curveball. You’re staying in a holiday rental or at a friend’s house. The dog’s bed is in a new corner, unfamiliar smells are everywhere, and suddenly it’s midnight with no signs of sleep.
This is when a portable routine becomes your best friend. Bring their own bedding, stick to your normal pre-bed activities, and use the same calming cues.
Even the sound of a familiar toy squeak can signal “it’s bedtime” in a strange place.
Address Separation Anxiety Early
If your dog whines or paces when you leave the room at night, they might have separation anxiety. Gradual training can help them feel secure sleeping alone.
Start with short periods apart, rewarding calm behavior. Slowly build up until they’re comfortable settling without constant reassurance.
Keep The Room Dark And Quiet
Some dogs can sleep through anything. Others wake up if a car door slams two streets over. For the light sleepers, blackout curtains and soft background noise can make a world of difference.
Try to keep their sleeping area away from windows where outside noises and lights might wake them.
Senior Dogs Need Extra Comfort
Older dogs can get restless due to joint pain or needing more frequent potty breaks. Make their bed low and easy to get into, and keep it close to the door for quick trips out.
A little extra padding can help sore joints, and a gentle evening massage can help them relax before bed.
Gentle Evening Grooming
Some dogs find brushing deeply relaxing, especially if it’s done slowly and gently. Use a soft brush and make it part of the nightly routine.
This also helps remove loose fur, meaning less mess in their bed and yours.
The Right Temperature Matters
Dogs don’t want to sleep if they’re too hot or cold. Adjust bedding and room temperature to match the season.
In summer, a cooling mat can help. In winter, a thicker blanket or raised bed away from drafts can keep them cozy.
Keep Late-Night Potty Breaks Calm
If your dog needs to go out in the middle of the night, keep the lights low and your voice soft. Avoid turning it into a play session.
You want them to understand that nighttime is for sleeping, not for another round of fetch under the moonlight.
Use Familiar Scents
Dogs relax around smells they know. Keeping their bed or crate lined with something from home helps them feel safe, especially in new environments.
Some owners even keep an extra bed cover just for travel or boarding, so it always smells like home.
Stay Consistent Even On Weekends
If bedtime is 9 pm on weekdays but midnight on weekends, expect confusion. Dogs can’t read calendars, they go by patterns.
Keeping their bedtime fairly consistent helps their body clock adjust, making sleep easier for everyone.
A Final Word For Tired Owners
There’s no one trick that works for every dog, but patience and routine will get you there. Dogs learn through repetition, and every calm night builds on the last.
If your pup still struggles, it’s worth checking with a vet to rule out health issues. But for most dogs, it’s simply about learning when the day ends and the night begins.
So here’s to quiet nights, wagging tails in the morning, and both of you waking up refreshed. Who doesn’t want to start the day like that?