Is Your Dog Actually Getting Enough Rest?

Many dog owners focus on training and exercise but overlook the importance of rest. Dogs, especially puppies and high-energy breeds, need a surprising amount of sleep to stay emotionally balanced and well-behaved. Without enough rest, dogs can become overtired, hyperactive, and reactive.

How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?

🐶 Puppies: 18-20 hours per day

🐾 Adult Dogs: 12-16 hours per day

👵 Senior Dogs: 16-18 hours per day

If your dog isn’t meeting these numbers, they may be overtired and overstimulated—leading to problem behaviours like excessive barking, difficulty settling, and increased reactivity.

Signs Your Dog is Overtired:

⚡ Overly hyper or “zoomies”

🐾 Increased barking or nipping

🐶 Struggling to settle down, even after exercise

😬 More reactive or sensitive to triggers

How to Encourage More Rest:

✔️ Create a Calm Space – Use a comfy bed or crate in a quiet area for naps.

✔️ Limit Overstimulation – Balance play and exercise with structured downtime.

✔️ Use Enrichment Instead of Over-Exercise – Sniffing walks, puzzle feeders, and licking mats help tire your dog out without overloading their nervous system.

✔️ Train a Settle Cue – Place training is an excellent way to teach relaxation on cue.

If your dog struggles with restlessness or reactivity, the issue might not be a lack of exercise—it might be a lack of sleep. Prioritising rest can make all the difference in their behaviour and well-being! 🐕💤