It’s 11pm, you’re shattered, and your dog has other ideas. They’re pacing, whining, jumping on and off the bed, and you’re googling how to calm a restless dog at night for the tenth time this week. The good news is, this isn’t “just how they are” – with a few smart changes you can usually turn those chaotic nights into something much calmer.
This guide walks through why dogs get restless at night, the exact steps to calm them, and real-world examples you can copy tonight. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan you can follow over the next 7–14 days to help your dog – and you – finally sleep.
Why Your Dog Is Restless At Night (And Why It Matters)
Before you can calm a restless dog at night, you need to understand what’s actually driving the behaviour. Restlessness is a symptom, not a personality trait.
Common causes include:
- Stress or anxiety (separation, noises, changes at home)
- Under-stimulation or inconsistent routine
- Needing the toilet or being uncomfortable
- Pain, aging, or medical issues such as joint disease or cognitive changes in older dogs
From a behaviour point of view, night-time restlessness often becomes a learned pattern. If whining leads to you getting up, talking, or letting them onto the bed, your dog learns “being restless gets me what I want.” The aim is to address genuine needs (like pain or toileting) while gently breaking the habit loop.
Personal insight: In client homes, the turning point is usually when we stop treating the dog as “naughty at night” and start treating night-time as a skill you teach, just like “sit” or “stay.” That mindset shift alone helps owners stay consistent.
Step 1: Rule Out Medical Problems First
If your dog suddenly starts pacing or crying at night, especially if they’re older, pain or illness needs to be your first suspicion, not the last.
Red flags that need a vet check:
- Sudden restlessness in a previously calm sleeper
- Heavy panting, whining when touched, or difficulty lying down
- Increased thirst, needing to pee more, or accidents at night
- Confusion, getting “stuck” in corners, staring at walls (common in senior dogs with cognitive changes)
A vet can check for issues such as arthritis, urinary problems, gut discomfort, or anxiety linked to pain. No amount of routine or training will fully fix night-time issues if your dog is physically uncomfortable.
Personal example: One older Spaniel I worked with was waking his owners 3–4 times per night pacing and panting. After a vet visit, he was diagnosed with arthritis and started on pain relief. Once he was comfortable, we layered in a new routine and he went from four wake-ups to one, then eventually slept through.
Step 2: Build a Simple, Repeatable Bedtime Routine
Dogs don’t read clocks, they read patterns. A predictable sequence every evening tells your dog “we’re winding down now,” which is key when you want to calm a restless dog at night.
Here’s a sample routine you can adapt:
- 6:00pm – Physical exercise: Walk, play fetch, or structured sniffing games depending on age and health.
- 7:00pm – Dinner: Same place, same bowl, no constant grazing.
- 8:00pm – Calm bonding: Gentle training, chewing a long-lasting chew, or chilling near you.
- 9:00pm – Final toilet break: Quiet, boring, no exciting games.
- 9:30–10:00pm – Wind-down: Lights lower, voices softer, one last cuddle, then bed.
The routine doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to be consistent. Over a week or two, most dogs start anticipating sleep because all the cues line up the same way.
Personal insight: What derails progress most often is “just this once.” If you sometimes let your dog zoom around the garden at 10:30pm or start a big play session, you’re sending mixed messages. Aim for two calm hours before bedtime as your “quiet zone.”
Step 3: Create a Sleep Space Your Dog Actually Wants to Use
Where your dog sleeps matters more than many people realise. A comfortable, predictable sleep space tells your dog, “this is where good things happen and where you settle.”
Consider these factors:
- Location: Many anxious dogs settle faster if they can sleep in the same room as you or at least nearby.
- Type of bed:
- Donut-style or nest beds for dogs that like to curl up.
- Orthopedic or memory-foam beds for seniors or big breeds who need joint support.
- Crates with covers for dogs that prefer den-like security.
- Environment: Keep the area at a comfortable temperature, dim the lights, and minimise sudden noise where possible.
A smart trick is to make this spot the centre of many good things during the day: chews, calm petting, and short naps. Over time, the bed itself becomes a cue for relaxation.
Example: With one nervous rescue, we stopped moving her bed around the house “to keep her close” and instead chose one consistent spot in the bedroom. Every evening she got a stuffed lick mat only on that bed. Within a week, she was trotting to the bed by herself because it had such a strong, positive association.
Step 4: Use Calming Tools The Right Way (Toys, Music, Treats & Touch)
The original article talks about unwinding together, comforters, classical music, and massage – all useful ideas, but they work best when used with intention, not randomly.
Comfort objects & toys
Reserve one special toy or soft blanket only for bedtime.
- Soft toy with your scent on it for anxious dogs.
- A soft blanket they knead and nest in.
This “exclusive access” helps your dog learn: this particular object = time to relax, not time to play tug-of-war.
Sound and background noise
Research has shown that classical music can have a calming effect on dogs compared with other genres.
- Try low-volume classical, gentle piano, or a white noise machine if your area is noisy.
- Keep volume low enough that it’s in the background, not the main event.
Treats and chews (in moderation)
Treats are powerful, but they need rules. The goal is to make the bed a rewarding place, not to hype your dog up.
- Reward your dog on the bed when they choose to settle there.
- Use long-lasting, safe chews or a stuffed toy to encourage licking and chewing, which many dogs find soothing.
- Watch calories and avoid rich treats late at night if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Calming touch and massage
Gentle massage and slow, predictable strokes down the body can reduce tension and help anxious dogs relax before bed.
- Focus on areas your dog already enjoys being touched – chest, shoulders, or along the sides of the body.
- Avoid pushing hard on bones or sore joints.
- If your dog shifts away or looks uncomfortable, give them space rather than forcing contact.
Personal insight: Many owners unintentionally overdo it here. If your dog is hyped up, constantly changing position, or climbing all over you, start with 1–2 minutes of calm touch, then stop. You’re aiming for “suddenly exhaling and relaxing,” not a 20-minute wrestling match.
Step 5: Match Daytime Exercise and Enrichment To Your Dog
A dog that hasn’t had enough mental and physical stimulation will struggle to switch off at night – but so will a dog that has been over-aroused with wild play right before bed. The sweet spot is regular, age-appropriate activity throughout the day.
Think in three layers:
- Physical exercise: Walks, play, off-lead time where safe.
- Mental work: Training sessions (even 5 minutes), scent games, puzzle toys.
- Calm chewing / licking: Long-lasting chews or food-dispensing toys during the evening wind-down.
For example:
- Young herding breed: two good walks plus training games and a sniffy walk where they can explore with their nose.
- Senior dog: several shorter walks, gentle play indoors, and simple scent games like scattering a handful of kibble on a mat.
Personal example: With a high-energy mixed breed I worked with, simply shifting his big game of fetch from 9pm to 5pm made a huge difference. We kept late evenings for slow sniff walks and brain games. Within a week, his pacing reduced by half.
Step 6: Teach “Settle” As A Skill, Not A Wish
Many owners hope their dogs will “grow out of it,” but calm behaviour at night is something you can actively teach – just like any other cue. This is especially useful if you’re trying to calm a restless dog at night who has gotten used to using whining as a way to get attention.
Here’s a simple training plan you can start today:
- Choose the spot: Bed or mat in the room where your dog will sleep.
- Reward calm: Any time your dog lies on the bed during the day, quietly place a treat between their paws. No big fuss.
- Add a cue: After a few days, say “bed” or “settle” as they move onto the spot, then reward.
- Extend duration: Once they’re going to the bed on cue, wait 5–10 seconds of calm before rewarding. Gradually increase the time.
- Bring into your night routine: Use the cue once, guide them if needed, then calm reward when they settle.
If your dog gets up and paces at night, avoid turning it into a game of musical beds. If you’re sure they don’t need the toilet or pain relief, guide them back once or twice, then give very low-key attention when they choose to stay there calmly.
Personal insight: Owners often talk too much here. Think less commentary, more quiet, consistent rewards for the behaviour you want.
Step 7: Common Mistakes That Keep Dogs Restless At Night
Even well-meaning owners accidentally reinforce restlessness. Watching for these patterns speeds up your progress.
Big pitfalls include:
- Rough play right before bed: Wrestling, fetch, or chase games at 9:45pm tell your dog it’s party time, not sleep time.
- Inconsistent rules: Some nights the dog is allowed on the bed, other nights they’re sent away.
- Accidental rewards: Getting up and chatting, feeding, or letting the dog into the garden for “fun” every time they whine.
- Punishing anxious behaviour: Shouting or scolding a dog that’s already worried makes night-time feel even less safe.
A better approach is to:
- Keep the last hour before bed calm and predictable.
- Reserve attention, treats, and praise for moments your dog is calm on their bed.
- Quietly meet genuine needs (toilet, discomfort) without turning it into play or a full conversation.
Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Difference To Your Nights
If you’re living with a restless dog at night, it can feel like you’ll never sleep properly again. But once you address pain or medical issues, set a clear routine, create a sleep-friendly environment, and teach “settle” as a skill, most dogs make meaningful progress in a matter of weeks.
Start with one or two changes from today’s guide – for example, a consistent bedtime routine and a dedicated sleep space – and build from there. Your dog doesn’t need perfection; they need consistency and clear, calm signals about what happens at night.
If this helped you, share it with another tired dog parent, and if your dog’s behaviour feels worrying or extreme, pair these tips with a chat with your vet or a qualified behaviour professional so you’re not doing it alone.
FAQs About Restless Dogs At Night
1. How long does it take to calm a restless dog at night?
For many healthy dogs, you start seeing small improvements within 7–14 days once you introduce a consistent routine, better sleep space, and training for calm behaviour. If medical issues or deep-seated anxiety are involved, it can take longer and may need professional help.
2. Should I let my dog sleep in my bed?
It depends on your dog and your boundaries. Some anxious dogs do settle better when close to you, but if bed-sharing leads to constant moving, growling, or poor sleep, it’s fine – and often healthier – to create a separate bed in your room instead.
3. Is it OK to ignore my dog when they whine at night?
Ignoring can backfire if your dog is in pain, needs the toilet, or is genuinely distressed. First make sure medical needs are covered and they’ve had a final bathroom break. Then, keep interactions low-key and reward calm on the bed so whining stops “working” for attention.
4. Can calming treats really help?
Calming treats and chews can be a useful add-on, especially if they encourage slow licking or chewing, which many dogs find soothing. They work best when combined with routine, training, and a good sleep environment – not as the only solution.
5. When should I involve a behaviourist for night-time restlessness?
If your dog’s restlessness is intense, has been going on for months, or is linked to separation anxiety or serious fear (like panicking when you leave the room), a qualified behaviourist can design a tailored plan. This is especially important if you’ve tried basic changes and seen little or no improvement.