Nothing keeps you busy like a new puppy, but between the walks, playtime and endless cuddles, it can be easy to forget that one of the most important things they need is sleep — lots of it. A consistent puppy sleeping schedule is more than just a convenience for you. It plays a big role in shaping good behavior and easing stress as they adapt to your home. Here’s everything you need to know about a puppy’s sleeping habits.
Most puppies need far more sleep than adult dogs — often 16 to 19 hours in a 24-hour period. This rest fuels their rapid physical growth and brain development, while also helping them process new experiences. Without enough downtime, puppies can become overtired, which often leads to crankiness and even unwanted behaviors like excessive chewing, whining, nipping, biting, no longer listening, or lack of self control.
“Just like young children, puppies need plenty of rest to grow and learn,” Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch Chief Veterinary Officer, says. “Building a predictable routine helps ensure they get the amount and quality of sleep they need to thrive.”
A well-planned puppy nap schedule keeps your pup’s energy balanced throughout the day. Aim for 2 to 3 structured nap periods between play, meals and potty breaks. Using a crate or a quiet designated space for naps teaches your puppy that these areas are for rest — not play.
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:
Keeping naps consistent in timing and setting builds strong sleep cues, which carry over to bedtime.
Evening routines help your puppy wind down and sleep through the night. Start by feeding dinner at least 3 hours before lights-out to allow for digestion and a final bathroom trip. Avoid high-energy play right before bed, opting instead for gentle activities like a short sniff walk or quiet toy time.
Sample bedtime flow:
Crate training can be one of the best tools for regulating a puppy’s sleep schedule. A crate acts as a safe, den-like space that helps puppies relax and sleep more soundly. Start with short crate sessions during the day and work up to overnight stays.
If your puppy cries in the middle of the night, keep things “all business” — take them outside quietly, give them a chance to relieve themselves and return them to their crate without play or excitement. This prevents them from learning that nighttime wakeups mean fun or attention. “If a normally settled pup starts waking frequently, look for simple causes like a late-evening meal, overexcitement before bed or a too-full bladder. Persistent restlessness or signs of distress are a good reason to check in with your veterinarian,” Dr. McCullough shares.
Puppies generally need less sleep as they get older. For example, an 8-week-old puppy might need 3 or more daytime naps and frequent night breaks, while a 5-month-old puppy may only nap twice and sleep for longer stretches overnight. Adjust nap lengths and bedtime as your puppy becomes more independent, but keep the overall structure consistent to maintain healthy sleep habits.
Creating a consistent puppy sleeping schedule helps your pup feel secure, promotes better behavior and supports physical and mental development. Balance active play with scheduled rest, follow a predictable bedtime routine and adjust the schedule as your puppy matures. With patience and consistency, you’ll be setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy sleep habits — and more peaceful nights for both of you.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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