Puppy Sleep Schedule By Age: A Guide For New Puppy Owners In 2023
As a new puppy owner, one of the most important things you need to know is how much sleep your furry friend needs. Just like human babies, puppies require a lot of sleep to grow and develop properly. However, their sleep needs change as they grow older. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at puppy sleep schedules by age to help you ensure your pup is getting the rest they need.
Personal Experience
Before we dive in, I wanted to share my personal experience with my puppy’s sleep schedule. When I first brought my puppy home, he was only 8 weeks old and slept for most of the day. As he grew older, he started to become more active and needed less sleep during the day. However, I noticed that when he didn’t get enough sleep, he became more irritable and had trouble focusing during training sessions. That’s why it’s important to understand your puppy’s sleep needs and adjust their schedule accordingly.
Puppy Sleep Schedule by Age
8-12 Weeks: At this age, puppies need around 18-20 hours of sleep per day. They will likely take several naps throughout the day and sleep for longer periods at night.
12-16 Weeks: Puppies still need around 18-20 hours of sleep per day, but they may start to stay awake for longer periods during the day. They may also sleep for slightly shorter periods at night.
4-6 Months: At this age, puppies need around 14-16 hours of sleep per day. They will likely still take naps during the day but may sleep for longer periods at night.
6-12 Months: Puppies need around 12-14 hours of sleep per day at this age. They may still take naps during the day but will likely sleep for longer periods at night.
Schedule Guide for Puppy Sleep
While every puppy’s sleep schedule will be slightly different, it’s important to establish a routine to help them get the rest they need. Here’s a general schedule that you can follow:
- 8-12 Weeks: 4-5 naps throughout the day, with the longest nap being at night.
- 12-16 Weeks: 3-4 naps throughout the day, with the longest nap being at night.
- 4-6 Months: 2-3 naps throughout the day, with the longest nap being at night.
- 6-12 Months: 1-2 naps throughout the day, with the longest nap being at night.
Schedule Table for Puppy Sleep
| Age | Naps per Day | Total Sleep per Day | Longest Nap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 Weeks | 4-5 | 18-20 hours | Night |
| 12-16 Weeks | 3-4 | 18-20 hours | Night |
| 4-6 Months | 2-3 | 14-16 hours | Night |
| 6-12 Months | 1-2 | 12-14 hours | Night |
Questions and Answers
Q: What happens if my puppy doesn’t get enough sleep?
A: If your puppy doesn’t get enough sleep, they may become irritable, have trouble focusing during training sessions, and may even develop health problems. It’s important to ensure they get the rest they need.
Q: Can I let my puppy sleep with me?
A: While some puppy owners choose to let their furry friends sleep in their bed, it’s important to establish a separate sleeping area for your puppy. This will help them get into a routine and ensure they get the rest they need.
Q: Should I wake my puppy up to go potty during the night?
A: During the first few weeks of your puppy’s life, you may need to wake them up during the night to go potty. However, as they get older, they should be able to hold their bladder for longer periods. Use your judgment and pay attention to your puppy’s behavior to determine if they need to go out during the night.
FAQs
Q: How can I help my puppy sleep better at night?
A: You can help your puppy sleep better at night by creating a comfortable sleeping area, establishing a routine, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime.
Q: What should I do if my puppy is sleeping too much?
A: If your puppy is sleeping too much, it’s important to ensure they are getting enough exercise and mental stimulation during their waking hours. You should also consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Q: How can I tell if my puppy is getting enough sleep?
A: If your puppy is getting enough sleep, they should be alert, playful, and have a healthy appetite. If they seem lethargic or irritable, they may not be getting enough rest.
By following these guidelines and paying attention to your puppy’s behavior, you can help ensure they get the rest they need to grow and develop properly. Happy sleeping!
