Why Puppies Need More Sleep Than Training
Updated: 3 days ago
When you bring a puppy home, it can feel like every moment should be spent training, because there's so much to teach. But I know I bang on about this all the time, and one of the most important things your puppy needs isn't training at all, it's sleep. A puppy under 16 weeks needs 18 to 20 hours a day. Rest is when your puppy's brain sorts out what they've learned, and a well-rested puppy is calmer, less bitey and quicker to learn, while a tired puppy is a manic little devil.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Young puppies need around 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day. Sleep helps their brain store what they've learned, supports growth and keeps their emotions steady. Overtired puppies often get bitey, wired and frantic, which can look like naughtiness. Keep training sessions short, follow busy times with a nap, and build a routine with plenty of rest. Older puppies and adolescents still need lots of sleep, often 14 to 18 hours a day.
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How much sleep do puppies need?
A rough guide:
8 to 12 weeks: around 18 to 20 hours a day
3 to 6 months: around 16 to 18 hours
6 to 12 months: around 14 to 16 hours
Adult dogs: often 12 to 14 hours
Puppies vary, but if your puppy is getting much less than this, they may be overtired.
Why sleep matters more than training time
1. Sleep helps learning stick
When your puppy sleeps, their brain processes what they've practised. A 2017 study from Eƶtvƶs LorƔnd University in Budapest found that dogs' brain activity during a nap after training was linked to how well they remembered what they'd learned.
2. Sleep supports growth
Puppies grow quickly, and rest gives their bodies time to recover and develop.
3. Sleep keeps emotions steady
A rested puppy copes better with new things and recovers more quickly from small worries.
Is my puppy overtired?
Signs of an overtired puppy:
Biting more, and harder
Zoomies that seem frantic rather than fun
Ignoring cues they know
Barking, whining or struggling to settle
Grabbing clothes, lead or furniture
Many puppies don't know how to settle themselves yet. They need your help to switch off.
How to help your puppy sleep more
1. Watch the awake time
Young puppies often need a nap after about 45 minutes to an hour awake. Plan rest into the day.
2. Create a calm sleep spot
A crate or pen in a quiet corner, with a comfy bed, helps your puppy settle.
3. Follow activity with rest
After play, training, visitors or outings, help your puppy wind down with a chew and quiet time.
4. Keep training short
One to five minutes is plenty. Short sessions with lots of rest in between work far better than long ones.
5. Keep a routine
Regular times for meals, toilet trips, play and naps help your puppy's body know when it's time to sleep.
Sample day for a young puppy
Wake, toilet, breakfast
Short play or training
Nap
Toilet, short play, calm chew
Nap
Lunch, toilet
Short training or a little outing in your arms
Nap
Evening play, dinner, toilet
Calm time, then bed
What about a 7 month old puppy's sleep?
At seven months, most puppies still sleep around 14 to 16 hours a day. Adolescence can bring restless nights or earlier waking for some, so keep a steady routine and make sure they have calm time after busy days.
RENEE'S TIP
When your puppy starts biting or zooming for no obvious reason, check the clock. If they've been awake for an hour or more, they probably need a nap, not more play.
QUICK CHECK
ā 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day for young puppies
ā Overtired puppies bite more
ā Nap after about an hour awake
ā Short training, lots of rest
ā A steady daily routine
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FAQs
How much sleep does a puppy need?
Young puppies need around 18 to 20 hours a day. Older puppies need around 14 to 18 hours.
Why does my puppy bite more when tired?
Overtired puppies struggle to control themselves. Biting and frantic zoomies are often a sign they need a nap.
How long should a puppy be awake between naps?
Young puppies often need a nap after about 45 minutes to an hour awake.
What is a good sleep schedule for a 7 month old puppy?
Around 14 to 16 hours of sleep a day, with a steady routine and calm time after busy days.
Does sleep help puppies learn?
Yes. Research suggests sleep after training helps dogs remember what they've learned.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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