Puppy Sleep Patterns: What's Normal For New Adoptees?

Adopting a puppy is an exciting time for new pet owners, but it can also be a stressful time for the puppy. There are many reasons why your newly adopted puppy may be sleeping all day, and it's important to understand the context of their behaviour. Puppies need a lot of sleep, with sources suggesting that they need 18-20 hours of sleep per night. However, if your puppy is sleeping during the day but staying awake all night, you may need to adjust their schedule. Newly adopted puppies may be sleeping a lot due to the stress of their new environment, and it is common for rescue dogs to sleep more than usual as they adjust to their new surroundings. It is important to pay attention to their behaviour when they are awake and to rule out any potential health issues.

Adjustment period

There will be an adjustment period for your newly adopted puppy as it gets used to its new surroundings. This period can be thought of in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months. During the first three days, your puppy is likely to be overwhelmed by its new environment and may sleep a lot. It will be taking in all the new smells and investigating its new home.

After three weeks, your puppy will probably be getting used to your routine and will be learning when to expect meals and walks. By three months, most dogs feel at home in their new surroundings.

Your puppy's adjustment period may be longer if it has come from a rescue environment. Dogs in rescue shelters are often stressed, confused, and scared, and this can lead to sleep deprivation. When they are rehomed, the exhaustion catches up with them, and they may sleep for long stretches of time to catch up on lost rest. They may also be sleeping more because they finally feel safe and comfortable enough to do so.

If your puppy is sleeping during the day but staying awake all night, you may want to consider changing its schedule. Make sure it has been fed and been to the toilet before bed, and try to tire it out with playtime during the day.

Rescue dogs sleep more

It is common for rescue dogs to sleep more than expected. Dogs in rescue shelters experience high levels of stress and anxiety due to various factors, such as being surrendered by their previous owners, being found as strays, or being removed from neglectful and abusive situations. They may also have been affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, adding to their trauma.

In a shelter environment, dogs are constantly exposed to loud noises, such as barking and crying from other dogs, as well as the constant coming and going of people. This makes it difficult for them to rest peacefully. As a result, when they are adopted and brought to a new home, the exhaustion catches up with them, and they may sleep for long stretches of time to make up for lost rest.

Additionally, rescue dogs have a lot to process emotionally. They may be confused and scared, having gone from a familiar home to a shelter or from a terrible situation to the slightly better but still unfamiliar environment of a rescue shelter. They sense the fear and confusion of the other dogs around them, which further intensifies their stress levels.

When a rescue dog is brought into a new home, it is yet another change for them, and they may need time to adjust and build trust with their new family. Patience is crucial during this transition period. The new home is very different from the rescue shelter, and the dog needs to learn that their new living space is a safe and comfortable place.

The age and health of the rescue dog also play a role in their sleep patterns. Puppies and older dogs tend to take more frequent naps throughout the day. Furthermore, dogs with certain illnesses or health conditions may sleep more than healthy dogs.

If your rescue dog is sleeping during the day but staying awake at night, you may need to adjust their schedule. However, if they are newly rescued, it is essential to let them sleep as much as they need to help them recover from their previous experiences.

While sleeping a lot is normal for rescue dogs, it is important to monitor their behavior when they are awake. Pay attention to their eating habits, water intake, potty breaks, and signs of possible illness or pain. If you don't see any signs of health issues and they seem generally well, their increased sleep may just be a sign of them finally feeling safe and comfortable in their new home.

Setting a sleep schedule

Firstly, it's important to note that puppies need a lot of sleep. According to the AKC, puppies aged 8-12 weeks old should get 18-20 hours of sleep per night. This sleep schedule persists until about 20 weeks of age. As dogs get older, their sleep time is reduced to 13-15 hours.

When setting a sleep schedule for your puppy, the first step is to determine how many hours of uninterrupted sleep they can get at night. Typically, puppies between 7-16 weeks old can sleep 6-8 hours straight but will still need to take a potty break. If your puppy is waking up during the night, they probably need to use the bathroom. During this time, avoid any extra playtime or stimulating activity.

The remaining hours of sleep your puppy needs can be integrated throughout the daytime in the form of naps. The number of naps depends on their age:

• Puppies at 8 weeks need about five naps
• Puppies after 12 weeks may need four naps
• Puppies after 16 weeks may need three or fewer naps
• Consistency is key: Get your puppy into a recurring routine by enforcing a consistent bedtime. This is beneficial as puppies are still developing their circadian rhythm.
• Create a peaceful sleep environment: Arrange a calm, quiet, and dark place for your puppy to sleep with a comfortable bed.
• Prioritize daytime playtime: Ensure your puppy gets enough stimulating activity and playtime during the day so they will be tired by bedtime.
• Stick to a schedule: Try to maintain a consistent daily schedule, including feeding, walking, playing, and sleeping times.
• Bedtime routine: Establish a bedtime routine by going to bed about an hour after meals and following an evening potty walk. While specific times don't matter, consistency in your schedule is key.
• Crate training: Crate training can be an effective way to accustom your puppy to falling asleep at the same time each night.
• Adjust as they grow: After 16 weeks, you can usually train your puppy to go to bed and get up with you, adjusting their sleep schedule to match yours.

Potty breaks

As your puppy gets older, they will need fewer potty breaks during the night. After 16 weeks, your puppy will probably sleep through the night without disturbing you. However, it is important to maintain a consistent bedtime routine and provide a calm, quiet, and dark environment for them to sleep peacefully.

During the day, your puppy will need several two-hour naps. The number of naps depends on their age:

• Puppies at 8 weeks need about five naps
• Puppies after 12 weeks may need four naps
• Puppies after 16 weeks may need three or fewer naps

To ensure your puppy gets enough rest, establish a daily routine that includes feeding, walking, playing, and sleeping schedules. Make sure they have a comfortable bed in a quiet place, and provide stimulating activities and playtime during the day to tire them out before bedtime.

Additionally, monitor their behaviour when they are awake. Ensure they are eating and drinking enough, having normal potty breaks, and not showing any signs of illness or pain. If you notice any changes in their behaviour or if their sleep routine doesn't improve after a few weeks, consider taking them to the vet for a check-up.

Comfort and safety

Your new puppy's comfort and safety are paramount to their development and overall well-being. Here are some tips to ensure your furry friend feels secure and content in their new home:

Establish a Safe Space

Provide a calm, quiet, and dark place for your puppy to sleep. This could be a crate, their own bed, or even your bed, depending on your preference. Make sure their sleeping area is comfortable, with soft bedding, and free from any potential hazards. If they are sleeping in a crate, ensure it is well-ventilated and spacious enough for them to move around.

Consistency and Routine

Puppies thrive on consistency and routine. Try to establish a daily schedule for feeding, walking, playing, and sleeping. This will help your puppy feel more secure and aid in their adjustment to their new home. Consistency also includes establishing rules and boundaries, such as areas they are not allowed to enter or items they are not allowed to chew on.

Potty Training

Potty training is an important aspect of ensuring your puppy's comfort and safety. Teach them where to go potty and be consistent with taking them out for regular potty breaks. This will help prevent accidents and reinforce good habits.

Stimulation and Exercise

Provide plenty of stimulating activities and playtime during the day. This will not only tire them out for bedtime but also aid in their mental and physical development. Include a variety of toys, such as something to chew on, something to carry around, and interactive or outdoor toys for physical exercise.

Socialisation and Interaction

Socialisation is crucial for your puppy's comfort and safety. Gradually introduce them to new people, pets, and environments to help them feel comfortable in different situations. Supervise their interactions with other dogs and pets to ensure everyone's safety. Additionally, spend quality time with your puppy, playing, cuddling, and offering treats to build a strong bond and sense of security.

Health and Well-being

Monitor your puppy's health and well-being closely, especially during the initial adjustment period. Ensure they are eating and drinking enough, having regular potty breaks, and not showing any signs of illness or pain. If you notice any behavioural changes or persistent lethargy, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Frequently asked questions