Solving Night-Time Toilet Training Problems With Puppies
Updated: 3 days ago
You've finally got to sleep, and your puppy is crying to go out, or you wake up to a puddle in the crate. Night-time toilet training is one of the hardest parts of the first few weeks, but it's a phase. When a young puppy wakes and cries in the night, nine times out of ten it's because they need a wee, and their bladders grow, so with a good routine most can last through the night far sooner than you might think.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Young puppies often need one or two toilet trips in the night at first, because their bladders are small. Take them out last thing before bed, keep night trips quiet and boring (out, wee, praise, back to bed), and gradually stretch the time between trips. Pick up the water bowl about an hour before bed, unless your vet advises otherwise. Keep the crate or bed close to you so you hear them stir. Most puppies can last through the night by around 4 to 5 months. If a puppy who was dry starts having night accidents, check with your vet.
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Why puppies need to go at night
Puppies have small bladders and limited control. A rough guide is that a puppy can hold on for about one hour per month of age during the day, up to a few hours. At night, when they're asleep and still, many can manage a little longer, but young puppies usually still need a trip out.
A night-time routine that works
1. A calm evening
Avoid wild play in the hour before bed. A calm chew helps your puppy wind down.
2. Water
Pick up the water bowl about an hour before bed, unless your vet advises otherwise. Make sure your puppy has had plenty to drink during the day.
3. Last trip out
Take your puppy out last thing, and wait until they've done a wee (and a poo if they need one).
4. Bed close to you
Keep the crate or pen near your bed for the first few weeks. You'll hear them stir, and they'll feel safer.
5. Quiet night trips
When your puppy wakes and needs to go, carry them out, wait quietly, praise calmly, and put them straight back to bed. No play, no chat, no lights if you can manage it.
6. Stretch the time slowly
If you're setting an alarm, move it a little later every few nights as your puppy copes.
Common night-time problems
My puppy cries in the crate at night
Some crying is about needing the toilet, some is about being alone. Keeping them close helps. If they've just been out, a calm hand near the crate and a few quiet words can help them settle.
My puppy wees in the crate
The crate may be too big, they may have been left too long, or they may not have fully emptied before bed. Make the space snug enough that they won't want to soil it.
My puppy wakes up very early
Keep early trips just as boring as night trips. Go out, wee, back to bed for a while if you can, so early mornings don't become party time.
My older puppy has started having night accidents
If a puppy who was dry at night starts having accidents, or is weeing more than usual, check with your vet. It can be a sign of a urine infection.
How long until my puppy sleeps through?
Many puppies can manage through the night somewhere around 4 to 5 months, some sooner and some later. Be patient. It's a phase, and every quiet trip helps.
Read the full potty training guide for daytime tips.
RENEE'S TIP
Keep a lead, shoes and a coat by the back door at night. The quicker and quieter the trip, the faster you'll both get back to sleep.
QUICK CHECK
ā Calm evening, last trip out before bed
ā Water up about an hour before bed
ā Crate close to you
ā Night trips quiet and boring
ā Stretch the time slowly
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FAQs
How often should I take my puppy out at night?
Young puppies often need one or two trips a night at first. Gradually stretch the time as they grow.
How do I toilet train my 8 week old puppy at night?
Take them out last thing, keep their crate close to you, and take them out quietly when they wake. Keep night trips calm and boring.
When will my puppy stop needing the toilet at night?
Many puppies can manage through the night around 4 to 5 months, though some take longer.
Should I take water away from my puppy at night?
Picking up the water bowl about an hour before bed can help, unless your vet advises otherwise.
Why is my older puppy weeing at night again?
It can be a setback, but if it's sudden or frequent, check with your vet for a urine infection.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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