Understanding Your Dog’s Sleeping Patterns

Brought to you by the AKC GoodDog! Helpline – the AKC’s 7-day-a-week training support service
By Hilarie Erb, AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer

It may seem like puppies and dogs don’t sleep much because when awake, they seem so very awake. But dogs during all life stages sleep quite a lot more than humans do and understanding their sleeping patterns and needs can make life for them, and their humans, better!

Puppies

Puppies up to about 1 year old, need 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day! It sounds like a lot but broken down, it’s about eight hours at night plus four, two- to three-hour naps during the day, or more naps of shorter duration. Just like human toddlers, they may not always want to go down for their naps, but it’s important that their daily routine include time for naps in a secluded, cozy place away from the distractions in the household.

It is better to have planned naptimes rather than to just let puppies run around the house all day, leaving their owners wondering why they don’t drop from exhaustion. Overly tired puppies get overstimulated and obnoxious — again, just like human kids!

A common practice of owners during the COVID pandemic has been to let their puppies spend the entire day with them just because they are working from home, but this prevents puppies from getting the sleep they need. Puppies need structure that includes time for sleeping on their own; this is best for their health and mental well-being and it will help them to be prepared for when their owners do return to offices for work. When puppies get enough play time, training, and just hanging-out time with their people, there is no need to feel guilty about enforcing a naptime in a cozy crate.

Young Adult Dogs

Young adult dogs sleep a lot too, about eight to 14 hours daily. Giant breeds tend to sleep a little more while smaller dogs somewhat less. Different breeds have different energy levels; some are hyper-alert while others are more mellow. Dogs also spend a good amount of time just lying around – looking out the window or just resting – without actually being asleep. They usually sleep at night when humans do, are less distracted than puppies, and take long naps during the day when their bodies tell them to.

Senior Dogs

Senior dogs sleep more, about as much as puppies do. Their bodies and brains need more sleep time to recover from exertion, and you might notice that they sleep more soundly.

As your dog grows from puppyhood to senior dog, you will become familiar with his or her sleeping habits. If you notice a sudden increase in the amount of time your dog sleeps, or the dog does not wake up eager to do favorite things as usual, make an appointment with your veterinarian. There might be medical reasons that should be addressed. If everything seems normal, just let your sleeping dog lie!

For more tips and advice on training your dog, join the AKC GoodDog! Helpline, a seven-day-a-week telephone support service staffed by experienced dog trainers: www.akcgooddoghelpline.org.