Yes, it’s a good idea to wake your 8-week-old puppy up during the night for potty breaks, as their bladder is still developing and cannot hold urine for long periods. By helping your puppy go out at regular intervals, you reduce the chances of accidents and reinforce potty training.
Guidelines for Waking Your Puppy to Pee
- Set an Alarm
- Puppies can usually hold their bladder for about 1 hour per month of age plus one hour (e.g., a 2-month-old puppy can go about 3 hours).
- For an 8-week-old puppy, consider taking them out every 2–3 hours during the night.
- Use a Consistent Routine
- Take your puppy out to the same potty spot to make it a predictable activity.
- Use a keyword or phrase like “go potty” to encourage them to relieve themselves.
- Keep the Night Calm and Quiet
- Avoid turning on bright lights or engaging in play during potty breaks.
- Bring them outside, let them go, and return them to their crate or bed promptly.
- Adjust Over Time
- As your puppy grows and gains bladder control, you can gradually increase the time between potty breaks.
What If the Puppy Doesn’t Wake Naturally?
- If your puppy doesn’t stir during the night, waking them is still helpful in the early weeks to prevent accidents. Gradually, they’ll start learning to hold it longer and naturally wake up as needed.
Potty Training Tips at Night
- Crate Training – A crate encourages puppies to hold their bladder because they instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area.
- Reduce Evening Water – Limit water intake about 2–3 hours before bedtime, but ensure they’ve had enough throughout the day.
By being proactive about nighttime potty breaks, you’ll help your puppy build good habits and avoid setbacks in potty training.
