All Dog owners have their opinions on whether a dog should sleep inside or outside. Some even think a dog should share a bed with its owner.
There are multiple factors to consider when choosing where your dog will sleep, such as their age.
Can a 9-week-old puppy sleep outside?
We share with you why you shouldn’t let your 9-week-old puppy sleep outside and what is a suitable age for a dog to be able to sleep outdoors.
Why a 9-Week-Old Puppy Can’t Sleep Outside
Puppies can’t sleep outside right away for three reasons, their body temperature, susceptibility to disease, and the need for socialization.
Body Temperature
You need to let your puppy grow at a certain size and weight before you can allow them to stay outside for a long time.
This is because puppies cannot regulate their body temperature yet. If it’s too hot, cold, or snowy, then your puppy won’t be able to adjust to the weather.
Letting them sleep outside might contribute to the risk of hypothermia or heat stroke.
Prone to Disease
Because your 9-week-old puppy may not have completed all their vaccinations yet, they are more susceptible to sickness, diseases, and parasites than adult dogs.
Your vet will have to stick to a schedule for your dog’s vaccinations. This will most likely be at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, and 14-16 weeks.
Socialization
The early stages of your puppy’s development are critical. The way you raise them will define important aspects of their future behavior.
The early months inside the house are necessary for you and your dog to bond. It is also the best time to assert yourself as the leader of the pack.
It’s the time to socialize them with other people and dogs so they can grow into friendly companions who know when to be alert and bark.
If you’re planning to let them stay outside to avoid having a destructive house, you need to rethink this choice.
Lack of mental stimulation and interaction outside the house can lead to boredom and behaviors such as digging, chewing outdoor slippers, and more.
Can My 9-Week-Old Puppy Play Outside?
Yes.
Your 9-week-old puppy can play outside, as long as you supervise them.
Remember that your puppy isn’t fully vaccinated yet, so you have to make sure they don’t go too far.
They may have some protection from antibodies found in their mother’s milk, but we have no way of knowing when these maternal antibodies decrease.
Your puppy needs to have lots of positive interactions with dogs and people, so letting them play outside is a must.
The critical socialization period of puppies is around 9-14 weeks of age.
Always keep an eye out for them because they can only be considered fully protected when they receive all their boosters by 16 weeks of age.
Let them play in the yard, to begin with. Avoid places where other dogs frequent, such as parks and stores.
You can also put them on a leash or carry them to protect them from going too far. You want to let them avoid sniffing animal feces while walking.
Lastly, make sure they are only interacting with fellow dogs that are vaccinated as well.
What Age Can a Puppy Sleep Outside?
There is a right time for your puppy to make the transition from being an inside dog to an outside dog.
We have written before about the right age for letting a dog sleep outside, but the right age to let your dog sleep outside is about a year old.
Again, you need to wait for your puppy to grow into a good size and weight where they can finally regulate their body temperature.
You also need to complete all their vaccines, train and socialize them well so they can remain obedient and well-behaved as an outside dog.
But if you’re looking for the exact age, that will depend on a number of things.
As mentioned, some breeds are not used to staying outside at all. They may need a lot of training before they get used to it.
Other breeds also take longer to develop physically, so they may be a bit older once they’re ready to settle outside.
The same goes for sick dogs who should never be left outside.
In the meantime, do everything in your power to raise the perfect dog.
While they are inside, make sure you have a space they can call their own with a comfortable dog bed!
Be sure to consult with your vet to help determine when your puppy will be ready to sleep outside each night.
What Dog Breeds Can’t Sleep Outside?
You should know that not all dogs can tolerate living outside.
If you have a very old and sick dog, they also won’t be able to regulate their body temperature. For example, if your dog has arthritis, its condition may worsen during the cold.
Certain dog breeds are not suited to sleeping outside at night, especially those with short and thin coats. To be more specific, here’s a list of dog breeds that can’t sleep outside.
- Maltese
- Chihuahua
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Toy Poodles
- American Hairless Terrier
- Basenji
- Beagle
- Boston Terrier
- Chinese Crested
- Cirneco Dell’Etna
- Dachshunds
- French Bulldogs
- Italian Greyhounds
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Japanese Terrier
- Manchester Terrier
- Miniature Bull Terrier
- Miniature Pinscher
- Prague Ratter
- Rat Terrier
- Pugs
- Russian Toy
- Shiba Inu
- Toy Fox Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli
- And any small or medium-sized breeds with short coats.
Keep in mind that if your dog is used to sleeping indoors, it is not a good idea to let them sleep outdoors, no matter what their breed is.
Even dog breeds that love the outdoor weather will have trouble getting used to the change in their sleeping environment.
A lot of pet owners prefer their pets to sleep indoors. However, if you’re situation makes it difficult to let your pet sleep indoors, it’s ideal to train them early.
You also need to look into dog houses that will suit your pet best. When purchasing dog houses, be sure that they will be comfortable for your pup, no matter what the weather is.
What Dog Breeds Can Sleep Outside?
Now that you know what dog breeds shouldn’t be sleeping outside, it’s time to find out which dog breeds can sleep outdoors.
Keep in mind that even though these dog breeds enjoy being outdoors more they still need adequate shelter. A good dog house will provide protection from the elements for your pup at night.
It’s also important to remember that you need to bring your dog indoors during extremely harsh weather conditions.
Dog breeds best suited to sleeping outdoors include:
- Siberian Husky
- American Foxhound
- Irish Wolfhound
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Beagles
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Mastiffs
- Rottweiler
- Norwegian Elkhound.
FAQs Dogs and Sleeping
Should My Puppy Sleep with Me in My Bed?
There are many benefits to sharing your bed with your dog. One includes the comfort you need during the night. Dogs provide calmness and warmth when they lay with you!
Another benefit is safety. It eases the anxiety or fear that comes with being alone.
However, sharing a bed with your dog also has drawbacks. If your dog snores, it could be a great disturbance to your sleep.
Lack of house-training can also lead to messy accidents during the night.
Find out whether or not you should share a bed with your dog now!
Is it Normal for a Puppy to Cry When I Leave the Room?
At first, this can be normal.
Your puppy cries when you leave because they feel anxious at the loss of their pack. They may be vocalizing their discomfort by whimpering or barking.
But over time, this whining can be a sign of separation anxiety. If the noise is driving you insane, you might be tempted to leave them outside your house.
But that will only make things worse. In fact, your neighbors will be annoyed as well!
Instead, you need to crate train them, and always use positive reinforcement methods.
Need more tips? We have a guide on how to stop your puppy from crying when you leave the room.
What Should I Put in a Dog House for Bedding?
You can put linens, rugs, or a dog bed as bedding for their dog house.
Take note that the size, shape, and design of the bedding matter here.
You also want to put additional supplies like a water bowl and toys in their house to keep them happy and cozy.
Check out our comprehensive guide on dog bedding in dog houses now!
What Should I Do if My Puppy Poops in the House After Being Outside?
This issue is common to many dog owners, which is why some would rather let them live outside to avoid making a mess inside.
But this shouldn’t be the solution.
Instead, you should train your puppy to poop outside. Be patient because puppies are like babies who go whenever they need to go.
But with proper potty-training, they will be more comfortable peeing and pooping at the right time and place.
Don’t let them interact with their surroundings when you are outside until they have finally defecated. Try taking them out when it’s quiet.
Here’s what you should do if your puppy keeps pooping inside.
Keep Your Puppy Indoors!
While your dog is still a few months young, it’s important that they stay inside the house with you.
They need careful attention to their health because they can’t regulate their body temperature yet, and they are still prone to sickness because of incomplete vaccines.
Most of all, your dog still needs proper training and socialization so that they grow into well-behaved and obedient dogs.
Guarantee that your dog’s health and breed make them suitable for living outside no matter the weather.
Make sure to continue interacting, exercising, and bonding with your dog even if you start their transition from being inside dogs to outside dogs.
Learn how to make your dog comfortable outdoors during the cold weather now.
