No, 8 PM is not too early for a puppy to go to bed, especially if it aligns with their natural energy levels and your schedule. Puppies need a lot of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. Young puppies can sleep anywhere from 18 to 20 hours a day, including both nighttime sleep and naps throughout the day. However, there are some things to consider to ensure your puppy gets quality rest and that their bedtime fits into a healthy routine.

Factors to Consider for a Puppy’s Bedtime

Age of the Puppy

• Young puppies (8–12 weeks) need frequent naps and may go to bed early, but they’ll likely wake up at least once or twice during the night for potty breaks.
• As the puppy gets older, they can hold their bladder longer and may sleep through the night more easily.

Daily Activity Level

• If your puppy has had enough exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation throughout the day, 8 PM is a fine bedtime.
• Make sure they’ve had a chance to go potty right before bed, so they don’t wake up too early in the night.

Routine and Consistency

• Puppies thrive on consistent schedules. If you want 8 PM to be bedtime, stick to a routine where they wind down with a calming activity, such as gentle play or cuddling, to signal it’s time to sleep.

Your Schedule

• An 8 PM bedtime is reasonable if it fits with your lifestyle and sleeping patterns. Just be prepared to wake up early—puppies naturally wake up at dawn or after about 6–8 hours of sleep.

Midnight Potty Breaks

• For younger puppies, expect that they’ll need to go out for at least one potty break during the night. Set an alarm for a few hours after bedtime if they aren’t able to hold it until morning.

How to Make 8 PM Bedtime Work

• Evening Routine – Calm your puppy with gentle play or a short walk to tire them out before bed.
• Potty Time – Take them out for a final potty break right before putting them to sleep.
• Create a Cozy Sleeping Space – Use a crate or a dog bed in a quiet, darkened space to encourage sleep.
• Limit Water Before Bed – Reduce water intake 1-2 hours before bedtime to minimize nighttime potty trips.
• Gradual Wake-Up – If your puppy wakes up early, try not to reward the behavior by engaging immediately—this will help them gradually adjust to sleeping longer.

An 8 PM bedtime is perfectly fine for a puppy, especially if they’ve had enough activity during the day. However, be ready for early morning wake-ups or nighttime potty breaks, as young puppies have small bladders and may not sleep through the night. Over time, with a good routine, your puppy will learn to sleep longer and adjust to your preferred schedule.