An 8-week-old puppy typically cannot sleep through the night without waking up because their bladder is still too small to hold urine for long periods, and they’re adjusting to a new routine away from their littermates. You can help them gradually increase their nighttime sleep with proper care and training.

Bladder Capacity at 8 Weeks

• Puppies can hold their bladder for about 1 hour per month of age plus an additional hour. At 8 weeks (2 months), they can usually hold it for 3 hours, so they may need to be let out once or twice during the night.

How to Encourage a Longer Nighttime Sleep

• Create a Pre-Bedtime Routine
  • Take them for a potty break right before bed.
  • Keep the environment calm and quiet to signal it’s time to sleep.
• Set Up a Comfortable Sleeping Spot
  • Use a crate to give them a cozy, secure space. Puppies generally won’t soil their sleeping area unless they  have to.
  • Add a soft blanket or a ticking clock to mimic the warmth and sound of their litter environment.
• Schedule Overnight Potty Breaks
  • Set an alarm for every 2–3 hours to take them outside.
  • Gradually extend the time between breaks as your puppy grows.
• Avoid Stimulation During Nighttime Potty Breaks
  • Keep the lights dim and avoid talking, playing, or interacting too much.
  • Take them straight out, let them potty, and return them to the crate.

When Do Puppies Start Sleeping Through the Night?

• Most puppies begin sleeping through the night (6–8 hours) by 4–6 months of age, as their bladder control improves.
• Larger breeds often achieve this sooner than smaller breeds.

Signs of Progress

• Fewer nighttime accidents.
• Reduced whining or crying when in their crate.
• Gradually longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep.

Patience and Consistency Are Key

While an 8-week-old puppy likely won’t sleep through the night right away, with consistency, they’ll adjust to their routine. Stick to a schedule, be patient, and celebrate progress, even if it comes slowly.