When Do Yorkies Sleep Through the Night?
If you just brought home a new Yorkie puppy, you might already be dealing with some sleepless nights. These little dogs are full of energy and personality, and many of them struggle to settle down and sleep through the night at first. The good news is that this phase does not last forever.
Most Yorkie puppies start sleeping through the night consistently by about four months of age. By that point, they have adjusted to their new home, developed better bladder control, and settled into a routine. Some puppies figure it out sooner with the right training, while others take a bit longer.
Let’s go through why Yorkies struggle to sleep at night and what you can do to help your puppy (and yourself) get a full night of rest.
Why Yorkie Puppies Wake Up at Night
They Need to Go to the Bathroom
This is the most common reason young Yorkie puppies wake up at night. Puppies have tiny bladders and cannot hold it for very long. A two month old puppy may only be able to hold it for about two to three hours, which means at least one nighttime bathroom break is unavoidable at that age.
As your puppy grows, their bladder capacity increases. By four months old, most Yorkies can hold it for six to eight hours, which usually lines up with a normal night of sleep. Until then, plan on at least one quiet trip outside during the night.
They Are Adjusting to a New Home
A new puppy that just left its mother and littermates is going through a big adjustment. Everything in your home is new and unfamiliar, which can make your Yorkie anxious at night. They may whine, bark, or refuse to settle because they feel insecure in their new environment.
This is completely normal and usually improves within the first week or two as your puppy begins to feel safe and comfortable. Placing the crate in your bedroom so your puppy can hear and smell you nearby often helps during this transition period.
They Have Too Much Energy
Yorkies are energetic dogs, and if they do not burn off enough energy during the day, they may be restless at night. A puppy that spent most of the evening napping is going to have a harder time settling down at bedtime than one that had plenty of play and activity earlier.
They Are Hungry or Thirsty
Young Yorkie puppies have fast metabolisms and small stomachs. If their last meal is too early in the evening, they may wake up hungry in the middle of the night. Making sure your puppy has a small meal about two to three hours before bedtime can help keep their tummy satisfied through the night.
How to Help Your Yorkie Sleep Through the Night
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and Yorkies are no exception. Create a consistent bedtime routine that signals to your puppy that it is time to wind down. This might include a final bathroom trip outside, a few minutes of calm petting, and then placing your puppy in its crate with a soft blanket. Doing the same thing every night helps your Yorkie learn what to expect and makes settling down easier.
Use a Crate
Crate training is one of the most effective ways to help a Yorkie puppy sleep through the night. A properly sized crate feels like a den to your puppy, giving them a secure, enclosed space to sleep in. Make sure the crate is cozy with a soft blanket or bed, and place it in your bedroom during the early weeks so your puppy does not feel isolated.
Tire Them Out Before Bed
A good play session in the evening helps burn off excess energy so your Yorkie is ready to sleep. Just make sure the activity winds down about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Going from high energy play straight to the crate can make it harder for your puppy to calm down.
Limit Water Before Bed
Picking up the water dish about two hours before bedtime can help reduce nighttime bathroom trips. Make sure your puppy gets plenty of water during the day, and always take them outside for a final bathroom break right before you put them in the crate for the night.
Stay Calm During Night Wakeups
If your Yorkie does wake up at night, keep things low key. Take them outside quietly for a bathroom break, then put them right back in the crate without playing, talking, or turning on bright lights. You want your puppy to learn that nighttime is boring and not worth waking up for.
How Much Sleep Do Yorkies Need?
Yorkie puppies need a lot of sleep. Young puppies sleep anywhere from 16 to 22 hours a day, broken up into naps throughout the day and longer stretches at night. As they grow, they will gradually need less total sleep but will still sleep 12 to 14 hours a day as adults.
If your Yorkie is sleeping significantly less than these amounts, or if they seem unable to settle down at all, it could be worth mentioning to your vet to rule out any underlying issues.
At what age do Yorkies sleep through the night?
Most Yorkie puppies begin sleeping through the night consistently around four months of age. By this time they have better bladder control and have adjusted to their home environment. Some puppies may achieve this earlier with consistent crate training and a solid bedtime routine.
Should I let my Yorkie puppy sleep in my bed?
It is generally best to crate train your Yorkie puppy rather than letting them sleep in your bed, at least until they are fully housetrained and sleeping through the night consistently. Bed sharing with a very small puppy also poses a risk of accidental injury.
Why does my Yorkie puppy cry at night?
Yorkie puppies cry at night because they need to go to the bathroom, are adjusting to a new environment, feel lonely or anxious, or have excess energy. Crate training, a consistent bedtime routine, and keeping the crate near your bed during the early weeks usually helps resolve nighttime crying.
How many hours a day do Yorkie puppies sleep?
Yorkie puppies sleep 16 to 22 hours a day, mostly in short naps throughout the day with longer stretches at night. Adult Yorkies sleep about 12 to 14 hours a day. This is normal and healthy for the breed.