If you are a puppy owner, you know that you have your hands full ensuring that your four-legged friend gets the proper rest it needs. As a puppy grows and develops, it is important to provide them with the right amount of rest at the ideal time.
The question of “What time should a puppy go to bed?” is one that often arises for new owners. If a puppy does not get enough sleep, it may become cranky and less responsive to training or commands; on the other hand, too much sleep can interfere with its growth and development.
The good news is that you can make sure you and your puppy will both receive the sleep you need by making a few changes to their routine. In this article, we’ll go through how to make your puppy’s optimal resting schedule and address any queries you might have regarding how much sleep pups require.
Age & Activity Levels Impact Bedtime
The time a puppy should go to bed is largely dependent on age and activity level. As puppies age, their total sleep time typically decreases. The recommended amount of sleep for a 3-month-old puppy is between 14 and 18 hours per day, whereas a 9-month-old puppy will need closer to 13–14 hours per day.
Physical activity also affects bedtime for puppies. Puppies require plenty of physical activity to thrive and stay healthy. Depending on their breed, daily walks or agility exercises are highly recommended. Regular exercise helps keep them lean, fit and alert, which leads to improved mental and physical health—and better sleep quality at night. In fact, playing outside until exhausted can help puppies settle at night and get the rest they need. It is advised that young puppies (under a year old) engage in 60 minutes of physical activity each day. This can involve running outside with other dogs in their social group, playing games with their family, participating in agility training, or simply playing fetch in the backyard.
Develop a Bedtime Routine
To help your puppy adjust to a routine, establish one for bedtime. Puppies often respond best to structure and a set schedule. This should include both sleep and playtime, so you can start building the link that bedtime is for rest, not for play.
A great way to achieve this is by implementing crate training. This helps puppies feel secure and safe when they’re alone in their crate, as well as helping them understand that their crate is the place where they sleep, rather than just a place to be stuck in when they’re in trouble. Start by having your puppy get comfortable with being in their crate during the day without being closed in or left alone—tossing treats or toys inside can help with this process. You can then move onto slowly introducing longer periods of time spent in their crate until they are able to stay through the night without needing to be taken out.
At night, consider going through a calming routine with your dog that signifies that it is time for bed. This can entail letting them play quietly for a little while outside, followed by some mellow music inside before turning in for the evening. If you want to be sure that your dog understands that it’s almost time for bed, you can think about brushing their coat before snuggling up on the couch.
Tips for Establishing a Bedtime
Creating and following a consistent bedtime routine for your puppy can help them get the best possible rest each night. The key is to ensure your pup is tired enough to sleep, but not so tired that they can’t relax.
Exercise and Play
One great way to tire out your pup before bed is by taking them for a walk or playing games with them. This can also be a great bonding activity for the two of you, as it helps form a stronger connection.
Bedtime Routines
Taking the time each night to establish a consistent bedtime routine can help your pup settle down and relax before falling asleep. This routine should include feeding your pup at the same time every night, followed by brushing their teeth and offering an extra special treat just before they go to bed. This way, they know that once this sequence of activities starts, it is time to sleep.
Food and Water Intake
To aid in housebreaking, it’s crucial to restrict your puppy’s food and drink consumption several hours before bedtime. For dinner, giving out treats all day long will do. This will instill discipline in your puppy as early as possible, which will last throughout maturity.
Create a Calming Space for Your Puppy
Creating a comfortable space for your puppy for a good night’s rest is key to helping it transition from its mother and siblings. Finding the perfect spot might take some experimenting, but the goal should be to make sure it’s a place that is both secure and calming.
Some ideas for setting up a puppy sleeping area include:
- Stocking it with comforting items such as blankets, a stuffed toy, or even a ticking clock (which mimics the beats of its mother’s heart).
- Providing enrichment items such as stuffed Kongs or interactive puzzles. These provide mental stimulation while they are in their bed, which helps reduce anxiety.
- Providing food and water nearby so they can easily eat when they wake up during the night.
- Keeping the area quiet and free of distractions so that the puppy can fall asleep easily.
You can hasten your puppy’s adjustment to its new home by providing a warm and secure environment, which will result in more peaceful nights and joyful days ahead.
Avoid Stimulation Around Bedtime
When it comes time to put your puppy to bed, you should provide a calm and comforting environment to ensure they have a peaceful sleep. Avoid intense games and activities that get puppies aroused before bedtime. Long and soft petting can be helpful in calming the pup down. Additionally, you should reduce stimulation and turn off any lights before bedtime.
Puppies learn from their environment, so by keeping a consistent routine of when they go to bed, your puppy will start to recognize the signs that it’s time for sleep. They may find it challenging to retire for the evening if there are commotions or loud noises. A nice, safe location where your puppy won’t be woken up during the night should be where they sleep.
Monitor Sleeping Habits of Your Puppy
It is important to be aware of your puppy’s sleeping habits, including how much sleep they are getting and when they are sleeping.
Amount of Sleep
Puppies require about 8 – 10 hours of sleep per night. Puppies can sleep for up to 20 hours a day, depending on their age and activity level. Monitoring how much your puppy is sleeping will let you know if they are getting enough rest, especially if the amount of sleep seems to be increasing.
Sleep Patterns
Dogs sleep in polyphasic patterns – meaning that they move between short periods of deep sleep and shorter periods of light sleep throughout the night. Keeping an eye on when your puppy is asleep will provide important clues as to their overall health and well-being.
It’s also crucial to pay attention to any modifications in your puppy’s sleeping routines or behaviors. This can assist you in identifying any problems before they worsen.
People Also Like: What to Put on a Lick Mat for Your Puppy to Keep Entertained
Conclusion
Establishing a routine and sticking to it is key to teaching your puppy when it’s bedtime. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your puppy is in its crate or bed when it’s time for you to turn in for the night. Keep the routine consistent, allowing the puppy to associate bedtime with a calming environment and treats, such as a Kong toy filled with peanut butter or a stuffed toy. Finally, don’t wait until your puppy is tired to put it to bed; instead, aim for a time before your puppy is yawning and sleepy. Making sure your puppy gets adequate sleep will be simpler if you train him to go to bed earlier in the evening.
