Why Dogs Need Sleep More Than You Think, And How Much Is Enough

Just like us, dogs need regular rest to stay healthy, happy and balanced. But when it comes to understanding how much sleep our dogs really need, and why it’s important, many owners are left guessing. Whether you’re raising a bouncy new puppy or caring for a senior dog who seems to nap all day, sleep plays a vital role in their wellbeing and behaviour.

In this post, we’ll break down why sleep matters so much for dogs, how their needs change with age, and what poor sleep can mean for your training goals. At the end, we’ll show you how Paws Academy can help support your dog’s journey – in person or virtually, wherever you are in the world.

Sleep Is Not Just Rest – It’s Essential Recovery

For dogs, sleep is more than just time spent lying down. During deep sleep cycles, their bodies go to work repairing tissues, consolidating memories and processing emotions. This is especially important for puppies, who are rapidly developing both physically and mentally.

Sleep also affects how dogs behave. A tired dog is more prone to stress, poor impulse control and reactivity. You may notice this after a disrupted night or an overly busy day – your usually calm pup becomes easily overwhelmed, snappy or hyper. Sleep acts as a regulator. Without enough of it, dogs can’t function at their best.

How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need By Age?

Understanding how your dog’s sleep requirements change over time helps you meet their needs more effectively. Here’s what to expect at each life stage.

Puppies: The Ultimate Sleepers

Puppies need a lot of sleep. Typically, between 18 to 20 hours per day. This isn’t laziness – it’s biology. Their brains are developing rapidly, absorbing new experiences and learning constantly. Sleep helps organise all that new information, strengthens memory and reduces overstimulation.

Puppies often wake up full of beans, ready to play, train or cause mischief. But they can just as quickly burn out. Look out for signs of tiredness like nipping, ignoring commands or sudden zoomies – these are often caused by overtiredness, not excitement.

The key with puppies is balance. Keep play and training sessions short and purposeful, and always give time for recovery afterwards. A well-rested pup learns better and behaves more consistently.

Adult Dogs: Sleep With Routine

Once your dog reaches adulthood (usually from 12 to 24 months, depending on breed), their sleep needs shift to around 12 to 14 hours per day. This can vary depending on activity levels and breed traits – for example, working breeds or very active dogs may nap more deeply after a busy day.

What matters most at this stage is routine. Adult dogs thrive when they know what to expect, including when it comes to rest. Providing them with a quiet, safe space to nap during the day, and keeping night-time routines consistent, helps support better sleep.

If your dog is struggling with behaviour issues, revisiting their sleep habits is a smart place to start. Are they getting enough rest? Are they constantly being interrupted? Do they have a comfortable, low-stimulation place to relax?

We’ve seen time and again how simple changes to rest can have a big impact on behavioural progress.

Senior Dogs: Slower Pace, Deeper Sleep

As dogs enter their senior years – often from around age seven onwards – you may notice them sleeping more. This is completely normal. Older dogs tend to rest between 14 to 18 hours a day, depending on their health and energy levels.

Sleep becomes even more critical in this stage of life. It helps ease joint pain, reduces anxiety and allows older bodies to recover from daily movement. If your older dog seems unusually restless at night, it could be a sign of discomfort, confusion or underlying health concerns. In this case, speak with your vet and don’t overlook the role that changes in sleep can play.

Gentle support, calm routines and plenty of sleep contribute to quality of life for senior dogs.

The Sleep and Behaviour Connection

If you’re in the middle of training your dog – whether it’s basic manners or addressing more complex behaviour challenges – sleep is your hidden ally.

Dogs process learning during sleep. It’s when new commands settle into memory and emotional reactions start to become manageable. When sleep is disrupted or insufficient, even well-trained dogs can regress.

Some signs your dog might not be sleeping well include:

• Being unusually reactive or easily startled

• Ignoring known cues

• Restless pacing or digging before sleep

• Trouble settling in new environments

You wouldn’t ask a sleep-deprived child to sit through school – and dogs are no different. By ensuring they’re rested, you’re setting the stage for better focus, calmer energy and a more successful training outcome.

At Paws Academy, we always factor sleep into our training approach. It’s not just about repetition, it’s about readiness – and sleep is a key part of that puzzle.

Creating a Healthy Sleep Environment for Dogs

Setting up the right environment helps your dog rest better. Here are a few tips to support quality sleep, no matter their age:

1. Provide a consistent sleeping spot

Dogs like routine. A comfy bed in a quiet area of the house gives them the signal that it’s time to switch off.

2. Limit stimulation before bed

Avoid intense play or noisy activity right before bed. Let their evenings wind down calmly so they can drift off more easily.

3. Avoid constant interruptions

Especially with puppies, waking them from sleep too often disrupts their rhythm. Let them nap uninterrupted whenever possible.

4. Watch for sleep disturbances

Snoring, twitching or repeated waking may be signs of discomfort, anxiety or a sleep disorder. If in doubt, check in with your vet.

5. Match their schedule to their energy

Some dogs naturally nap more during the day, others sleep deeply overnight. The goal is to ensure they’re well rested across a 24-hour period.

Sleep and Training: Why You Can’t Separate the Two

One of the biggest mistakes we see in dog training is expecting too much from a tired dog. If your dog is skipping naps, overstimulated by constant noise or not sleeping well at night, it will show up in their behaviour.

This doesn’t mean training is impossible – far from it. But it does mean the whole picture has to be considered.

At Paws Academy, our trainers work with you to create plans that factor in rest, recovery and readiness. Whether we’re working in person or through virtual consultations, we help you understand your dog’s daily rhythm – so training becomes more natural and enjoyable for both of you.

When to Seek Help

If you’re unsure whether your dog is getting enough sleep, or if sleep seems to be impacting their behaviour, don’t hesitate to reach out. Sometimes small adjustments can make a world of difference.

We also know that every dog is unique. Breed, history, age and lifestyle all play a part. That’s why we offer both in-person and virtual training consultations – so no matter where you are, expert guidance is within reach.

Whether you’re struggling with a nippy puppy who refuses to settle or an adult dog showing signs of stress, we can help you map out the right routine, including that all-important sleep.

Ready to Support Your Dog’s Best Sleep and Behaviour?

If you want your dog to learn better, behave better and live more calmly, don’t underestimate the power of sleep.

At Paws Academy, we look at the full picture – not just the behaviours, but the environment, routine and wellbeing behind them. We offer expert training that meets your dog where they are, online or in person, no matter your location.

Reach out to us today and find out how our training plans can help your dog rest well and thrive.