Herbie Murray
There are several old sayings that caution against waking a sleeping dog, such as let sleeping dogs lie and never wake a sleeping dog. This is because dogs can be startled and disoriented when woken from a deep sleep, which can lead to aggressive responses such as snapping, lunging, or even biting out of fear. It is important to remember that while dogs are beloved pets, they are still animals and can communicate their fear through their teeth. Puppies, in particular, need a lot of sleep and it is recommended to let them sleep when they are tired. However, there are times when it is necessary to wake a puppy, such as before leaving the house or when they need to go to the bathroom. In general, it is best to let sleeping puppies lie and get their much-needed rest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping position | On their belly, in a ball, or on their side |
| Sleep duration | 70% of the day; 18-20 hours out of 24 for young puppies |
| Sleep importance | Vital for health and comfort; helps prevent irritability |
| Sleep location | In owner's bedroom, in another room, or in a crate |
| Waking a puppy | Avoid touching; stomp feet or blow on nose for deaf dogs |
What You'll Learn
Puppies need a lot of sleep
Puppies have very different sleeping patterns from adult dogs. Their bodies develop at a breakneck pace, and it takes a lot of energy for their bones, muscles, and brain to develop properly. Sleep is good for growing puppies as this is when the growth hormone is released, an essential part of their physical development.
Deep sleep is also important for a puppy's brain development. When a dog is a puppy, the world around it is totally new. There's so much to learn and absorb. Sleep is essential for a puppy's cognitive development, helping it to process, remember, and consolidate all the new information it's receiving.
Puppies are full of energy when they're awake, constantly playing, running around, and exploring. All that non-stop fun really burns a lot of energy, and sleep is the ideal way to recharge. Lack of sleep negatively affects the nervous system, causing various behavioral problems. The consequences of sleep deprivation in dogs can be stress, anxiety, aggression, and other behavioral disorders.
It's important to establish a daily routine for your puppy, including feeding, walking, playing, and sleeping schedules. This will help keep your puppy healthy and obedient. It's also important to show your puppy where to sleep. If your pet seems drowsy, encourage them to nap in a safe place, such as a crate, a dog bed, or a quiet place in the house where they can nap undisturbed.
So, if you see a puppy sleeping, don't wake it up! Let sleeping dogs lie.
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Teach children to leave sleeping dogs alone
It is important to teach children to leave sleeping dogs alone. This is because dogs can be startled easily when they are woken up, and may react in an aggressive manner. This is true even for dogs that are usually well-socialized and friendly.
Children should be taught to leave sleeping dogs alone to avoid being bitten. In fact, the Veterinary Centers of America (VCA) estimates that 60% of dog bites in children occur when the child wakes or attempts to wake a sleeping dog.
If a dog needs to be woken up, it is best to do so without touching them. For example, you can try talking more loudly or moving around the room until the dog wakes up. If the dog is deaf or losing their hearing, you can stomp your foot so they can feel the vibrations on the floor.
It is also important to remember that dogs need a lot of sleep. Puppies, in particular, can sleep up to 18-20 hours a day. So, if a puppy is sleeping, it is usually best to let them rest. Of course, there may be times when it is necessary to wake a puppy, such as before bedtime or if they need to go to the bathroom. In these cases, it is still important to wake them gently and avoid touching them if possible.
By teaching children to leave sleeping dogs alone, we can help keep both the children and the dogs safe and prevent any accidental bites or injuries.
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How to wake a deaf dog
It is best not to wake a sleeping dog, as they can be startled and may respond aggressively. However, if you do need to wake your dog, it is recommended to gently tap them on their rear.
Now, if your dog is deaf, you may be wondering how to wake them without startling them. Here are some tips to help you wake your deaf dog gently and safely:
- One effective way to wake a deaf dog is to put their favourite treat close to their nose. The scent will often rouse them, and they will wake up happily to enjoy the treat.
- Some owners softly blow on their dog's face to wake them without startling them.
- If your dog sleeps in a crate, you can gently stroke their shoulder as they sleep. As they stretch and open their eyes, you can rub and kiss them all over.
- Another option is to gently place your hand in front of their nose for a moment, allowing them to smell your hand, before petting them very slightly.
- For dogs who sleep deeply, you may need to lightly stomp the floor a couple of feet away to wake them.
- Using a vibrating collar can also help to wake a deaf dog, especially if they are outside and you don't want to go out to get their attention.
Remember, it is important to be gentle and patient when waking a deaf dog to avoid causing them any stress or confusion.
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Where should a puppy sleep?
So, you've just adopted a puppy? Congratulations! Now, you're probably wondering where your new furry friend should sleep.
The first night in a new environment can be scary for a puppy, and they may feel disoriented and cry for their mother. It's best to have them sleep near you on their first night, either in their own bed inside your room or even in your bed with you. This way, they will feel reassured by your presence and know that you are there with them if they feel scared or lost.
Once your puppy has settled in and feels safe in their new home, you can gradually move their bed to another location. A quiet corner of your home, such as the kitchen, is a good choice as it is easy to clean if spills occur. If you have other dogs, placing the puppy's bed in their sleeping area can help them get accustomed to each other.
Most puppies do well in a crate with a soft bed or bedding inside. The crate keeps them safe and away from temptations and dangers while you sleep. Just make sure the crate is not too big for your puppy, as this will make them feel insecure instead of secure. You can also add some newspaper at the bottom of the crate to soak up any spills or accidents.
When choosing a bed for your puppy, pick a quiet and intimate spot that is away from noise and disturbances. Make sure the area has the correct temperature and no air currents, and that the bed is the right size for your puppy's physique, with enough space to stretch and turn. The bed should be made of soft, good-quality, and harmless materials that are durable and will not be easily destroyed by bites or scratches.
Remember that puppies have a heightened need for rest, so it's important to create a comfortable and peaceful sleeping environment for them. With some time and patience, your new furry friend will be sleeping through the night in no time!
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How to settle a puppy at night
The saying "let sleeping dogs lie" is certainly true when it comes to puppies. It's best not to wake a sleeping puppy, as they can startle and become aggressive. If you do need to wake your puppy, gently tap them on the rear.
Create a Relaxing Space
Make sure your puppy has a space where they can feel completely relaxed. Crate training is an excellent way to provide a safe haven for your puppy, triggering their natural instinct to den. Include soft blankets and toys to make the crate more inviting and comfortable. Place a divider in the crate to ensure it's not too big for your puppy, as this can lead to bathroom accidents.
Allow Proximity to You
Puppies often want to be near their owners at night, and separation anxiety may be a factor. Keeping the puppy's crate in your room or providing a bed close to you can help ease their anxiety and make them feel calmer.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Engage in calming interactions with your puppy an hour before bedtime. Avoid any activities that excite your puppy, such as playing with toys or going for invigorating walks. Instead, opt for cuddling, petting, or massaging your puppy gently to help them relax.
Schedule Playtime Before Bedtime
Tire your puppy out with playtime a couple of hours before bedtime. Stimulating activities such as training, long walks, and games like tug-of-war or hide-and-seek can help your puppy get a good night's sleep. Just be mindful not to overstimulate them right before bedtime.
Plan Meals Accordingly
Avoid feeding your puppy right before bedtime, as this can lead to bathroom breaks during the night. Instead, establish a feeding schedule. For puppies under 14-18 weeks old, feed them three meals a day: morning, lunchtime, and dinnertime. For older puppies, twice a day—morning and evening—is sufficient. Aim for dinner to be around 5 pm, giving them enough time to digest and go to the bathroom before bedtime.
Take a Just-Before-Bed Potty Break
Make sure to take your puppy out for a short outing right before bed so they can relieve themselves. If timed well with dinner, they should be able to go for a longer period without needing another bathroom break. However, expect to take your puppy out a few times during the night, especially in the first few weeks.
By following these tips, you can help your puppy settle at night and hopefully get some much-needed uninterrupted sleep for both of you!
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally best to let a puppy sleep when they are tired and try not to wake them up. However, if you need to wake them, for example, to go to the toilet, it is fine to do so.
Avoid waking a puppy by touching them. Instead, talk loudly and move around the room until they wake up and join you. If your puppy is deaf or losing their hearing, stomp your foot so they can feel the vibrations, or gently blow on their nose.
It is a personal decision whether a puppy sleeps in your bedroom or another room. Keeping them in your bedroom at first can help them feel more reassured and is also helpful for house training. However, remember that being alone at night can be scary for a puppy, especially if they are newly separated from their mum and littermates.
