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Puppies are little bundles of energy, and you may have asked, “How much do puppies sleep?” In fact, they usually sleep from 18 to 20 hours a day. Sleep is essential to healthy growth, contributing to the necessary development of the central nervous system, brain, immune system, and muscles. All of that sleep also helps them rest up during growth spurts.
When they’re awake, puppies burn a lot of energy – growing physically, experiencing new people and places, learning what they can and can’t do. Because the world is such an exciting, stimulating place, they won’t always pay attention to an internal clock telling them it’s time to rest. You can help by following a few simple guidelines for daytime naps and nightly bedtimes.
Ever brought home a furry bundle of joy only to find it snoozing most of the time? You’re not alone! Many new puppy parents wonder if their little fluffball is sleeping too much during daylight hours. The short answer? Yes, puppies DO sleep a lot during the day – and it’s completely normal!
In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about your puppy’s daytime snooze habits, why they’re so important, and when you should (or shouldn’t) be concerned.
Why Do Puppies Need So Much Daytime Sleep?
Puppies aren’t just being lazy when they conk out for hours – they’re actually doing important work! Here’s why your little one needs those frequent daytime naps
For Growth and Physical Development
Just like human babies puppies grow at an astonishing rate. During sleep their bodies are busy
- Building muscle
- Developing bone structure
- Repairing tissues
- Releasing growth hormones
All this physical development requires tons of energy, which is why your pup seems to cycle between playing like crazy and passing out completely!
For Brain Development
When your puppy sleeps, their brain is sorting through all the new information they’ve encountered. Think about it – everything is new to them! Each nap helps them:
- Process new experiences
- Consolidate memories
- Develop cognitive functions
- Make sense of training sessions
My neighbor’s Lab puppy learned “sit” in just two days, but she noticed he always took a long nap right after training. That’s his brain at work, filing away that new skill!
To Recharge Energy Levels
Puppies burn energy at an incredible rate. Have you noticed how they go from zooming around the house to suddenly flopping over for a nap? Their little bodies need these frequent recharge sessions to maintain their boundless enthusiasm.
For Immune System Development
Sleep also helps strengthen your puppy’s developing immune system. This is why disrupting their sleep patterns can sometimes lead to health issues.
Puppy Sleep Chart By Age: How Much is Normal?
The amount your puppy sleeps during the day will change as they grow. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Newborns (0-2 weeks)
- Total sleep: 18-20 hours daily
- Sleep pattern: Almost constantly sleeping (90% of the time)
- Key fact: They have what’s called “activated sleep” – they move and vocalize even while napping!
2-4 Week Old Puppies
- Total sleep: 18-20 hours daily
- Daytime naps: Multiple throughout the day
- Development: Eyes opening, hearing improving
4-12 Week Old Puppies
- Total sleep: 15-20 hours daily
- Daytime naps: Several naps, totaling 8+ hours
- Sleep cycle: Starting to develop distinct light and deep sleep patterns
3-6 Month Old Puppies
- Total sleep: 14-16 hours daily
- Daytime naps: 3-4 hours total
- Night sleep: Beginning to sleep longer stretches at night
Over 6 Months
- Total sleep: 12-14 hours daily
- Sleep pattern: Moving toward adult sleep schedule
- Variation: Large breed puppies may continue to sleep more than small breeds
Is My Puppy Sleeping Too Much During the Day?
This is probably the #1 question I get from new puppy owners! Here’s the truth: if your puppy seems healthy, active when awake, and is growing normally, those long daytime naps are probably perfect for them.
However, there are some signs that might indicate a problem:
When to Be Concerned
- Sudden changes in sleep patterns
- Difficulty waking your puppy
- Excessive lethargy even during awake periods
- Lack of interest in food or play
- Trouble breathing during sleep
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to check with your vet. But remember, most daytime sleeping is completely normal and healthy!
Breed Differences in Puppy Sleep Patterns
One thing many owners don’t realize is that different breeds often have different sleep needs. For example:
- Hunt-point-retrieve breeds (Labs, Spaniels, Weimaraners): Often take longer to settle into consistent sleep patterns and may wake more frequently
- Sight hounds (Whippets, Greyhounds): Known for being champion nappers, even as adults!
- Working breeds (Border Collies, Australian Shepherds): May sleep less during the day as they mature
My Whippet takes a 6-hour power nap after his morning walk, while my friend’s Springer Spaniel barely naps at all during the day!
Creating a Healthy Daytime Sleep Routine for Your Puppy
While puppies naturally sleep a lot during the day, there are things you can do to help them develop healthy sleep habits:
1. Create a Comfy Sleep Space
Your puppy needs a quiet, comfortable place to rest during the day. This might be:
- A crate with soft bedding
- A dog bed in a low-traffic area
- A pen with toys and a sleep area
2. Recognize Sleep Cues
Learning to spot when your puppy is getting tired can help prevent overtiredness (which ironically makes it harder for them to fall asleep). Watch for:
- Yawning
- Less interest in toys
- Getting a bit cranky
- Eye-rubbing with paws
3. Balance Activity and Rest
Puppies need a good balance of stimulation and sleep. Too much excitement can make it hard for them to settle, while too little may mean they don’t sleep as well.
4. Be Consistent
Puppies thrive on routine. Try to create a consistent pattern of:
- Wake-up time
- Regular feeding times
- Play/training sessions
- Nap times
- Bedtime
Common Questions About Puppy Daytime Sleep
Should I wake my puppy up from daytime naps?
Generally, no. Let sleeping dogs lie! Unless you’re working on nighttime potty training and need to limit late evening naps, it’s best to let your puppy wake naturally.
My puppy sleeps all day but is wild at night – help!
This is common! Try to:
- Keep your puppy more active in the evening
- Create a calming bedtime routine
- Make sure the last daytime nap doesn’t end too close to bedtime
Is it normal for my puppy to twitch and make noises while sleeping?
Absolutely! Puppies (and adult dogs) often dream and may twitch, whimper, or even “run” in their sleep. This is completely normal and often quite entertaining to watch!
My puppy was sleeping 18 hours a day but now only sleeps 14 – is something wrong?
This is typically just a sign of maturity. As puppies grow, they gradually transition to adult sleep patterns, which means less total sleep.
When Puppy Sleep Problems Might Need Attention
While most puppy sleep issues are normal developmental phases, sometimes they can indicate a problem:
Possible Issues to Watch For:
- Restlessness that doesn’t improve with time
- Difficulty breathing during sleep
- Excessive crying or whining that doesn’t respond to comfort
- Extreme lethargy that doesn’t match normal puppy sleep patterns
If you’re concerned, it’s always best to consult with your vet. They can rule out any health issues that might be affecting your puppy’s sleep.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Puppy Naps!
Those long stretches of puppy daytime sleep are precious – for both of you! They give your pup the rest they need to grow and develop, and they give you a chance to get things done (or maybe catch a nap yourself!).
Remember, this sleepy phase doesn’t last forever. Before you know it, your puppy will be an energetic adult dog with more awake time throughout the day. Many puppy parents actually look back fondly on those early days of frequent naps!
So next time you find your little one conked out in an adorable position during the middle of the day, snap a picture, smile, and know that all that sleep is helping them grow into the amazing adult dog they’re meant to be.
Do you have a puppy that’s an extra champion sleeper? Or one that fights naps like a toddler? Share your experiences in the comments – I’d love to hear about your sleepy (or not-so-sleepy) pup!
Tips to Help Your Puppy Sleep During the Day
Leave your puppy alone when they’re sleeping. It is hard to resist cuddling your dog and letting them fall asleep in your lap, but you don’t want them to be dependent on you to fall asleep. Keep an eye on your dog because when they wake up, they’ll need to be taken outside.
It’s also important to show your puppy where to sleep. If your pet seems drowsy, encourage them to nap in a safe place, such as a crate, a dog bed, or a quiet place in the house where they can nap undisturbed. It may take time for them to get the idea, but eventually they’ll recognize that spot as the place for sleep.
Schedules are important for puppies. Plan the day so that active time is followed by quiet time for sleep. They’ll most likely be ready for a nap after playtime or a walk. Your puppy may nap every hour or so, sleeping from 30 minutes to as long as two hours. All of this sleep is perfectly normal.
Recognize when your puppy is overly tired. No matter how much fun you’re having, don’t let them get too tired. Too much stimulation and exhaustion can lead to unfortunate behavior. Guide them to their crate or sleeping place and encourage them to wind down.
Tips to Help Your Puppy Sleep at Night
Make their crate an appealing place to be. Don’t buy an expensive dog bed for a new pup, because they’re likely to chew it up. Line the bottom of the crate with a soft, felted, inexpensive blanket or two. Beware of wool blankets or mats that can be chewed apart into long strings that cause choking.
If you can, bring home a soft toy or baby blanket that smells like the pup’s mom and keep that in the crate. Many owners place the puppy’s crate in their bedroom, so they can feel that their family is close by.
Establish a bedtime routine. By giving the puppy a routine right from the start, you’ll teach them that nighttime is for sleeping, and you both will get a better night’s sleep. Restrict the pup’s intake of food and water for several hours before bedtime. Play, cuddle, and take them outside to potty before bedtime.
Keep their sleep area quiet and dim. If you watch TV in bed, keep the volume down and the light low. You may even want to use blackout shades if the room gets early morning light. The quiet and dark will be the puppy’s cue that it’s time for sleep. If your crate is made of wire, you can put a crate cover over the top of it to make it darker and more den-like.
During the day, make sure your puppy has had a chance to go to the bathroom and has plenty of physical and mental exercise. Teach them to love getting into the crate by rewarding them with a treat. While they’re learning the routine, be prepared for some whining, barking, or howling before they settle in for the night.
Be prepared for interruptions. Just like human babies, puppies sometimes are not yet ready to sleep through the night. Your puppy may need a potty break during the night. If they’re sleeping in a crate in your bedroom, you’ll be able to respond if they need to go out. Calmly carry them outside, praise them quietly when they go, and put them right back in the crate for sleeping.