Leaving your puppy in a crate overnight can be okay, but it depends on a few important factors, especially the age of the puppy, duration of crating, and the setup of the crate.

Here’s what to keep in mind…

Age of the Puppy

• Young puppies (under 16 weeks) have smaller bladders and may not be able to hold their urine for long. It’s generally not recommended to crate them for more than 4–6 hours at a time, even overnight. Puppies under 12 weeks may need a bathroom break during the night.
• Older puppies or adult dogs can usually hold their bladder for 7–8 hours, so they can be crated overnight, provided they have been properly potty trained.

Duration of Crating

• Crating for extended hours, such as a full 8–10 hours, is not ideal, especially if the puppy is very young. Puppies need exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction throughout the day, and being in a crate too long can cause anxiety, stress, or even physical discomfort.
• If you’re crating overnight, make sure it’s no more than 8 hours for older puppies or adult dogs, with a bathroom break in the middle of the night for younger puppies.

Comfort of the Crate

• Ensure the crate is comfortably sized—it should be large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so big that it encourages them to soil one side and sleep on the other.
• Add comfortable bedding and perhaps a safe chew toy or two, but avoid too much clutter that could be a choking hazard.

Crate Training and Positive Association

• If your puppy is not used to the crate, it’s important to gradually crate train them and ensure they view the crate as a safe, comfortable space, not a punishment.
• Make sure the crate is near you during the night at first, so your puppy feels comforted by your presence, reducing anxiety. You can move it farther away as they grow accustomed to it.

Potty Breaks and Routine

• Before crating for the night, make sure your puppy has had a potty break. Taking them out to go potty just before bed can help them last through the night.
• For younger puppies, you may need to set an alarm during the night to take them outside for a quick bathroom break.

Not a Replacement for Alone Time

• Crating overnight is different from daytime crating. During the day, your puppy needs opportunities to play, interact with you, and explore. Crating should not be used to isolate your puppy for long periods during waking hours.

It is okay to leave your puppy in a crate overnight, but only if they’re old enough (typically over 12 weeks) and can hold their bladder for 7–8 hours. Young puppies may need a potty break in the middle of the night. Ensure the crate is comfortable, properly sized, and used for positive crate training. Never crate your puppy for long periods during the day.