An 8-week-old puppy is very young and has limited bladder control, so the time they can stay in a crate at night without needing to go outside is fairly short.

Here’s what you need to know…

How Long Can an 8-Week-Old Puppy Stay in a Crate at Night?

• Bladder Capacity
  • At this age, puppies can typically hold their bladder for about 2–3 hours at night. Some may last slightly longer, but this isn’t the norm.
• Sleep Cycle
  • Puppies need plenty of rest and may sleep for 6–8 hours total at night, but they will likely need 1–2 potty breaks during that time.

Why Can’t They Hold It Longer?

• Small Bladders
  Puppies have undeveloped bladder muscles and lack the capacity to “hold it” for extended periods.
• High Water Turnover
  Puppies have fast metabolisms, meaning water moves through their system quickly.
• Training is a Process
  They are still learning to control their bodily functions and understand where it’s acceptable to go.

Tips for Crating Your Puppy at Night

• Potty Before Bed
  • Take the puppy outside for a final potty break just before putting them in the crate for the night.
• Set a Midnight Alarm
  • Wake up to take the puppy outside every 2–3 hours initially. Over time, as the puppy grows, you can gradually increase the intervals between potty breaks.
• Calm Environment
  • Keep the crate in your bedroom or close by so you can hear the puppy stir or whine when they need to go out.
• Minimize Disruption
  • During nighttime potty breaks, keep interactions minimal. Avoid playing or making it too exciting, so the puppy associates the night with sleep.
• Comfort the Puppy
  • Ensure the crate feels secure and cozy with soft bedding (washable and waterproof) and maybe a puppy-safe toy for comfort.
• Watch for Signs
  • If the puppy is consistently waking to go out at the same time, adjust your schedule to take them out slightly before they wake up to prevent accidents in the crate.

Gradual Improvement

As the puppy grows, their bladder capacity will improve…

• By 10–12 weeks, many puppies can hold it for about 4–5 hours at night.
• By around 4–6 months, most can sleep through the night (6–8 hours) without needing to go out.

At 8 weeks, your puppy can likely stay in the crate for about 2–3 hours at a time overnight before needing a potty break. Patience and consistency are key, and with proper care, your puppy will develop better control and be able to stay in their crate for longer stretches as they grow older.