How to Teach a Puppy to Nap on Command

Young puppies, particularly smaller breed dogs, should not play all day without stopping. Although they may cry or complain, they have to rest periodically or their systems will not be able to take the stress of their active natures. While you cannot train a dog to nap on a spoken command, you can teach even a puppy to respond to a series of events by going to sleep or resting quietly.

Things You'll Need

• Dog crate
• Soft pad
• Comfort toys

Instructions

1. 

   Make the dog crate as comfortable as possible. This includes putting in a soft pad, making sure that there are items that your puppy sleeps with inside and sometimes even putting a shirt or other item of your clothing in the crate if your dog is more comfortable when he is close to you. Lap dogs like Shih tzus and Yorkies often need an item of clothing in their crate to make them feel more secure since they are often held nearly constantly from a young age.

2. Place the dog crate in a quiet location where you can keep it permanently. Your dog needs to associate being in the crate with being calm, quiet and relaxed. This is easier when the crate is in an environment that is cool, dim and quiet. This also makes it easier for your puppy to realize what time it is when they enter that room.

3. Play hard with your dog until they begin to appear tired. You can tell your puppy is tired if he is sitting down to rest or pant, has stopped running around and is waiting for you to come to him, or is lagging behind if you are on a walk. When this happens, you will know that it is a good time to start training him to nap.

4. Stop playing with your dog. If possible, carry her inside so she doesn't have to walk. Make sure that she has enough to drink before you put her in the crate, or place a small bowl of water in the crate if possible.

5. Place your dog in the crate. Say the same series of words to your puppy each time you do this. It can be something like "Time for a nap, Buster," or a more generic "Good dog, Lilac." Whatever you say should be calm and soothing in nature as well as reinforcing your puppy's good behavior by going in the crate and calming down.

6. 

   Leave your puppy in him crate for a set period of time. It can be 20 minutes or longer. However, at first your puppy will complain. Be prepared to resist this and let them cry so that they will learn to rest obediently. The more regularly you do this, the better your dog will get at calming down and resting or napping whenever you put him in his crate.

Tips & Warnings

• Work with a trainer to teach your puppy hand signals and general obedience.

• Many vets recommend that you remove your puppy's collar before putting her in a crate.