Puppy won't sleep OUTSIDE of crate

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MissieLynn

Forums Enthusiast
Emmy is now 20 weeks old (and the sweetest, smartest, most obedient little pup in the world...although I think I'm slightly biased :wink2:), but she won't sleep outside of her crate and won't go in her crate willingly to sleep. She likes her crate once I put her in, but as far as napping goes, I pretty much have to watch her and see when she starts getting mischievous or rowdy and put her in her crate for naps throughout the day.

I realize this is not a bad problem at all (in fact, I'm glad it's not the opposite!) but I was just wondering if this is common and if this is something that puppies grow out of. Thanks!
 
Yes, it's common, and yes, she'll probably grow out of it. There are several of us on the forum who have dogs that were like that as puppies. Mine was one of them. She had to be put in her crate for naps and time-outs because otherwise she was constantly moving, playing, getting into things. Once she hit about 9-10 months old (I can't remember exactly), she started to relax more and would lay on the floor or the couch when I was watching tv or on the computer. Now, she'll only do that if she's been properly exercised. So if it's a rainy day and I can't take her out to run and play fetch, she's a little bit more hyper and will resort to tormenting the cats if I don't play with her lol.
 
Thanks! I'm glad it is something she'll grow out of. Not that I mind her energy...but it will be nice to see her settle down a bit. :winkgrin:
 
Yep--Lexi was the same. I think I have one picture of her as a puppy napping. Because she never did it unless I crated her!

She did eventually grow out of it, but she was really never one to rest. I think it took her until she was about 3 to choose to rest/relax on her own.

Even now she will choose to relax/nap, but she is always on alert. If she is sleeping and I get up, or even shift, she is awake. She just wants to know what's going on all the time!
 
You described Cadbury perfectly!

These days he sleeps anywhere, but after 5 pm he still likes to be in his crate. He takes himself there after his dinner. He is five now, but also a slightly doolally Labrador.:wink2:

Merlin never liked sleeping in his crate, in contrast.
 
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