Puppies' Sleep: Understanding Their Daily Sleep Patterns

Puppies need a lot of sleep -- around 18 to 20 hours a day -- to support their rapid growth and development. Their sleep requirements change as they get older, with newborns sleeping up to 90% of the time, while puppies over six months old will start to move towards a more adult-like sleep schedule of around 12-14 hours per day. Lack of sleep can negatively impact a puppy's nervous system, causing behavioural issues such as stress, anxiety and aggression.

Puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep a day

Puppies Need 18–20 Hours of Sleep a Day

Puppies need a lot of sleep, just like human babies. In fact, they need about 18-20 hours of sleep in every 24-hour period. This means that you can only expect your puppy to be awake for 4 to 5 hours, and even then, only for about an hour at a time. If they don't get enough sleep, they can become overtired and over-excitable, which can lead to bad behaviour.

Puppies need lots of sleep because their bodies are developing and growing very quickly. Sleep allows their bodies to repair and regenerate, building muscle, bone and tissue. Sleep is also essential for brain development, helping them to process, remember and consolidate all the new information they're receiving.

How to Help Your Puppy Sleep

It's important to establish a routine for your puppy, which includes regular habits for eating, playing, going to the toilet, and sleeping. You should also show your puppy where to sleep by encouraging them to nap in a safe, quiet, and comfortable place, such as a crate or dog bed.

From around six months old, puppies will start to sleep less, moving towards a more adult-like sleep schedule of around 12-14 hours a day. However, this varies between different dogs, and some puppies may start to sleep less from around 5 months old.

Sleep is essential for a puppy's growth and development

Puppies grow and develop very quickly when they are young, and they need downtime to repair and regenerate. When they sleep, their bodies are building muscle, bone and tissue, all essential for good health. Sleep is also important for brain development. When a puppy is awake, it is constantly learning and absorbing new information about the world around it. Sleep helps with cognitive development, allowing the puppy to process, remember and consolidate all the new information it is receiving.

Sleep also helps puppies replenish their energy levels. Puppies use up a lot of energy when they are awake, playing, running around and exploring. Sleep is the ideal way for them to recharge. It is also good for growing puppies to get deep sleep, as this is when the body releases growth hormones, which are essential for physical development.

The amount of sleep puppies need varies as they get older. Newborn puppies sleep almost all day, around 90% of the time. 2-4-week-old puppies still need 18-20 hours of sleep each day. This reduces to 15-20 hours a day for 4-12-week-old puppies and 14-16 hours a day for 3-6-month-old puppies. After six months, puppies will start to move to a more adult-like sleep schedule of around 12-14 hours each day, although this varies between dogs.

Lack of sleep can cause behavioural issues

Puppies require a lot of sleep, usually between 18 and 20 hours a day, to support their rapid development and growth. However, a lack of sleep can have detrimental effects on their behavioural development.

Firstly, sleep-deprived puppies will find it harder to learn and make correct choices. For example, an over-tired puppy may display undesirable behaviours such as chasing excited children, jumping up, or mouthing. These behaviours will only get worse the more tired the puppy becomes, and it will then take time to unlearn these behaviours.

Secondly, a lack of sleep can lead to increased stress and anxiety in puppies. When a puppy is overtired, its body produces adrenaline to cope with the demands and stresses of the day. If adrenaline builds up over several days, the resulting stress hormones take much longer to get rid of, leaving you with a frantic, overstimulated puppy.

Thirdly, sleep is essential for a puppy's brain development. During sleep, a puppy's brain processes, remembers, and consolidates all the new information it has received during the day. A lack of sleep can therefore negatively impact a puppy's cognitive development and ability to form memories.

Finally, sleep helps to regulate a puppy's immune system and energy levels. Sleep-deprived puppies may be more susceptible to illness and infection and may have lower resilience and frustration tolerance.

In summary, it is crucial for puppies to get enough sleep to support their physical and behavioural development. Lack of sleep can lead to increased stress and anxiety, impaired learning and cognitive function, and a weakened immune system.

Puppies need a routine to get into a healthy rhythm

Puppies need a lot of sleep—around 18 to 20 hours a day—and establishing a routine is crucial to ensure they get adequate rest and develop a healthy rhythm. A consistent daily routine that includes feeding, walking, playing, and sleeping schedules will keep your puppy healthy and obedient.

Establish a bedtime routine

Creating a bedtime routine is essential for your puppy's development. This includes a consistent bedtime, a quiet and comfortable sleeping environment, and a full stomach. Take your puppy out for a potty break before bedtime, and restrict food and water intake for a few hours beforehand to avoid midnight toilet trips.

Stick to a schedule

Puppies thrive on structure, so a daily schedule that includes playtime, walks, meals, and naps will help them adjust to their new routine. In the morning, take your puppy out to potty, then feed them breakfast. Puppies usually need to relieve themselves after eating, so another potty break may be necessary. Spend some time playing, socializing, and taking a walk before allowing your puppy to nap.

Recognize their sleep cues

Puppies may nap every hour or so, sleeping for 30 minutes to two hours at a time. Recognize when your puppy is overly tired and guide them to their sleeping area to wind down. Too much stimulation and exhaustion can lead to undesirable behavior.

Provide a comfortable sleeping area

Your puppy's sleeping area should be quiet, safe, and comfortable. Make sure they have their own space, such as a crate or a dog bed, where they can sleep undisturbed. You can make their crate more appealing by lining it with soft blankets and including a toy or a baby blanket that smells like their mother.

Adapt the routine to your lifestyle

While the amount of sleep your puppy needs remains consistent, you can adjust their bedtime to fit your lifestyle. For example, if you work late, you can tweak their bedtime and allow them to make up for lost sleep at other times.

By following these tips, you'll help your puppy develop a healthy rhythm, ensuring they get the rest they need for proper growth and development.

How to establish a good sleep schedule for your puppy

Sleep is crucial for your puppy's healthy growth and development. It contributes to the necessary development of their central nervous system, brain, immune system, and muscles. Puppies typically need 18-20 hours of sleep per day, and this amount gradually decreases as they get older. Here are some tips to help you establish a good sleep schedule for your furry friend:

Understand Their Sleep Needs

Puppies require a lot of sleep, especially when they are very young. Newborn puppies sleep almost all day, around 90% of the time. As they grow, their sleep needs will change. From 2-4 weeks old, puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep each day. At 4-12 weeks old, they still need 15-20 hours of sleep daily. Understanding these changing sleep needs will help you create an appropriate sleep schedule.

Establish a Routine

Puppies thrive on routine and structure. Create a daily routine that includes feeding, walking, playing, and sleeping schedules. Consistency is key, so try to stick to the same schedule each day. This will help your puppy adjust to their new home and family.

Plan Active and Quiet Times

Schedule active times followed by quiet times for sleep. For example, after playtime or a walk, your puppy will likely be ready for a nap. Puppies may nap every hour or so, sleeping from 30 minutes to two hours at a time. Respect their sleep needs and avoid interrupting their naps.

Create a Calm Sleeping Environment

Provide a calm, quiet, and dark place for your puppy to sleep. Make sure their sleeping area is comfortable and free from distractions. You can use a crate or a dog bed in a quiet part of the house. This will help your puppy associate that space with sleep and make it easier for them to settle down.

Recognize Sleep Cues

Learn to recognize when your puppy is tired and needs to sleep. Signs of tiredness may include yawning, whining, or rubbing their face. Avoid over-tiring your puppy, as this can lead to behavioural issues. Guide them to their sleeping area and encourage them to wind down when they show signs of sleepiness.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

Develop a bedtime routine to signal to your puppy that it's time for sleep. This could include activities such as a potty break, cuddling, or a quiet game before bedtime. Be consistent with the routine, and your puppy will soon learn that nighttime is for sleeping.

Adjust the Schedule as They Grow

As your puppy gets older, they will need less sleep. From 3-6 months old, they will need 14-16 hours of sleep per day. By the time they are 6 months old, they will start moving towards a more adult-like sleep schedule of around 12-14 hours per day. Adjust their sleep schedule gradually as they mature.

Remember, every puppy is unique, and their sleep needs may vary based on breed, temperament, and exercise levels. Pay attention to your puppy's cues and adjust the sleep schedule accordingly to ensure they get the rest they need. With a consistent routine and a calm sleeping environment, your puppy will be well on their way to a healthy and happy sleep schedule.

Frequently asked questions