Everything you need to know about your puppy’s napping routine. Read on to understand if your dog has a correct sleeping schedule or how you can improve it.
Puppy Sleeping Too Much or Not Enough?
A puppy needs 18-20 hours of sleep a day. Sleep is essential for their development, and just like humans, puppies also need a routine to be calm and happy.
However, it is important to note that puppies, just like human babies, wake up multiple times during the night and may require toilet breaks. This means that even though they need 18-20 hours of sleep, it may not necessarily be a continuous stretch of sleep. As a pet parent, you need to be prepared for interrupted sleep and be available to take your puppy outside for toilet breaks throughout the night. Also, it is essential to ensure that your puppy gets enough physical activity during the day, which will help them sleep better at night.
Creating a regulated sleep routine for your puppy not only helps them get sufficient rest but also helps you establish a bond with them. During the first few weeks, it is essential to be patient with your puppy as they adjust to their new surroundings. You can help your puppy settle down by providing them a warm and cozy sleeping spot, playing soft music or using a calming diffuser to create a peaceful environment. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid feeding your puppy just before bedtime, as a full stomach can make it harder for them to sleep. Instead, you can provide them with a small snack a few hours before bedtime.
If you’re a parent, you probably experienced it with your child, but if not – you should be mentally and physically prepared for a few sleepless nights. The first nights with your new puppy can be a little challenging, but creating a regulated sleep routine means you’ll both catch sufficient shut-eye in no time. Let’s get started!
Get Your Pajamas on
Since they can’t stay on their cute little paws for very long, make sure your puppy has a comfy napping surface in every room. Having cozy sleeping spots next to you helps the puppy feel safe while allowing you to keep an eye on the tiger and notice if they need to pee.
Did they doze off? Shhh, let them sleep, and don’t let anyone wake them up unless it’s time for a toilet break. Just like us, a well-rested dog is a good-mood-dog,
Are you going to bed? Take your puppy for a toilet break before, so you can sleep until it’s time for the next one.
A Day in the Life
Just because your puppy spends most of the day sleeping doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan some action for their waking hours! As your puppy’s personal trainer, it’s your job to schedule a well-balanced day routine.
Here’s an optional scenario; feel free to adapt it:
- Take your puppy for a toilet break after they wake up in the morning.
- Teach your puppy an exciting exercise from the Dogo app.
- Back home, it’s time to wind down: Put a portion of the puppy’s breakfast in a Kong-like toy and place it on their sleeping surface.
- Nap.
- Take your puppy for a post-nap toilet break.
- Your shared walk is an exciting activity this time.
- Give your puppy something to chew on (a bone would work) and chill out when you’re back.
- Nap.
- Take your puppy for another post-nap toilet break.
- Play or just let them explore.
- Take your puppy back inside while training a calm exercise from Dogo (try Loose leash walking).
- Dinner time!
- Take your puppy for a toilet break before you go to sleep.
Notice the repetitive pattern? Sleeping -> Toilet break -> Exciting activity -> Unwinding -> Eating -> Sleeping. That’s exactly the point: Building a good routine will help your dog become independent, knowing when they feel like napping and able to amuse themselves when you’re too busy.
Apart from physical exercise, mental stimulation is equally important for your puppy’s development. You can engage your puppy in interactive games like hide and seek, puzzle toys, and scent games, which will keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom. Another way to keep your puppy mentally engaged is by teaching them new tricks regularly. Dogs love to learn and show off their skills, and teaching them new tricks not only keeps them entertained but also strengthens your bond with them. Additionally, it is essential to monitor your puppy’s behavior and adjust their routine accordingly. If you notice that your puppy is getting tired or restless, you can cut short their playtime and allow them to rest.
Finding the right balance between sleep and other activities will help your puppy become a balanced, easy-going dog. The dream!
Examples of Activities
Exciting Activities:
Exciting Activities:- Learning exciting tricks with Dogo
- Walking on a leash
- Playing with a ball
- Playing with other dogs
- Sporting: running, swimming, agility, flyball
Calm Activities:
- Learning calm tricks with Dogo
- Walking on a long leash or even without in a safe zone
- Playing with an interactive toy
- Interactive toys: kong, snuffle mat
- Chewing on a bone, or a bully stick
A Break from the Routine
Some puppies are more anxious than others and need a more flexible routine. Whether your puppy is getting so excited that they have an accident at home 30-60 minutes before your scheduled toilet break or their routine is balling, it’s good to turn exciting events into non-events:
- Go out for toilet breaks and walks at different hours.
- Feed your puppy in various ways throughout the day.
- Get out of the house for 5-10 minutes and return.
- Dress up as if you’re about to go out, but don’t.
- Dress your puppy as if you’re taking them out and practice Dogo’s exercises at home.
Turning things into non-events will scare your puppy scares away and teach them to adapt to small changes.