How Enforced Puppy Naps Work—And Why They Matter

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Raising a puppy is no easy task, especially when they’re bursting with endless energy. Sometimes, puppies are having so much fun they need reminders to rest. Enforced puppy naps have become a popular way to ensure puppies get the sleep they need. But how does scheduled nap time work?

To find out, we spoke with a professional trainer and a veterinarian. Read on to learn what enforced puppy naps entail—and how your own pup might benefit. Below, we’ll outline the steps for putting your puppy down for a nap. We also have tips for navigating some challenges you might encounter.

The Benefits of “Enforced Puppy Naps”

Puppies need a lot of sleep—about 18-20 hours per day if they are under six months old. “Puppies, like human infants, need plenty of rest for healthy development, but they don’t always know when to stop,” explains Dr. Wayne Johnson, a veterinarian at Birdneck Animal Hospital.

Enforced puppy naps involve setting aside time for your puppy to rest instead of waiting for them to fall asleep on their own. According to Dr. Johnson, they can:

Support a puppy’s growth, immune system, and brain development
Mitigate negative puppy behaviors like biting, chewing, and excessive barking
Reduce stress and anxiety, improving a puppy’s overall emotional well-being
Support memory and learning
Aid in potty training
Promote independence

According to Rachel Lane, certified behavior consultant, dog trainer, and owner of Leash & Learn, the effects of more sleep can have long-lasting consequences. An overly tired dog will lack self-regulation and develop long-term undesirable habits. So puppies need to get enough sleep!

11Audrey11 via iStock

How To Put Your Puppy Down for a Nap

First, it’s important to understand that every puppy is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. The key is to start with a basic schedule and then adjust it to meet your own pup’s specific personality and needs.

Here are some basic guidelines for establishing a puppy nap time routine.

1. Meet your puppy’s needs

Before putting your puppy down for a nap, ensure their basic needs are met. This means they’ve already gone potty, and they aren’t hungry or thirsty. They should also be physically and mentally tired, says Lane.

2. Choose a suitable location

Lane encourages pet parents to use a crate for puppy nap time. “The crate should be in a quiet area of the home,” she says, adding that some puppies sleep better in a dark room with music in the background. Alternatively, a white noise machine, radio, or TV can drown out distractions.

If you prefer not to use a crate, any quiet, low-traffic spot free from visual distractions will do. Soft bedding and low light can create a comfortable space. Aim for minimal stimulation and human interaction.

3. Create a calm atmosphere

Try to transition from playtime to rest time with a cool-down period. Calm your voice, pet softly, move slowly, and let your puppy know it’s time to settle down.

4. Let your puppy sleep as long as they want

Puppies take multiple naps throughout the day, usually lasting between 30 minutes and two hours. According to Lane, unless your schedule interferes, there’s no need to rouse a snoozing puppy. You can let them sleep until they wake up naturally.

However, if your schedule can’t accommodate this extra sleep time, by all means, wake them up!

5. You can ignore (some) whining

Some puppies will whine in protest—but Lane says it’s okay to ignore a bit of crying. That said, watch your pup for signs of severe distress. If they don’t settle after ten or so minutes, it might be better to try again later.

Sample Nap Schedules

Maintaining a consistent routine can help your puppy learn when it’s time to rest. You can implement nap time around your schedule and your puppy’s needs.

It’s important to note that scheduled naps should not be rigidly enforced but rather tailored to meet your puppy’s natural sleep needs. Nap length will fluctuate, so adjust as the day progresses.

Nap schedule for puppies under six months

For young puppies under six months, the general rule of thumb is that for every 1 hour awake, puppies get 2 hours of sleep. Here’s what that might look like:

6 a.m. wake up, breakfast
7 a.m. 1st nap
9 a.m. playtime, training
10 a.m. 2nd nap
12 p.m. lunch, playtime
1 p.m. 3rd nap
3 p.m. playtime, training
4 p.m. 4th nap
6 p.m. dinner, playtime
7 p.m. 5th nap
9 p.m. playtime, hangout
10 p.m. bedtime

IuriiSokolov via iStock

Nap schedule for puppies six months to one year

Puppies over six months old will begin to sleep less (about 14-16 hours per day), so they can take fewer naps. Their nap schedule might look something like this:

6 a.m. wake up, breakfast
8 a.m. 1st nap
10 a.m. playtime, training
12 p.m. 2nd nap
1 p.m. lunch, playtime
2 p.m. 3rd nap
4 p.m. playtime, training
5 p.m. dinner
6 p.m. 4th nap
8 p.m. playtime, hangout
10 p.m. bedtime

Helpful Tools

There are several tools and techniques you can use to make puppy nap time easier.

First, you’ll want a crate or dog bed with a playpen to provide a comfortable and safe space for your puppy to rest. Cozy blankets offer warmth and security.

Consider a soothing heartbeat toy to encourage calm. A white noise machine can also block out distractions and promote relaxation.

Lane recommends offering a KONG or Toppl stuffed with lickable filling. “Licking is a self-soothing behavior and can help the puppy fall asleep,” she explains. It also makes nap time a treat instead of a chore. You could use a lick mat, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my puppy isn’t settling down?

If your puppy has trouble settling down for a nap, consider evaluating the environment. Ensure that it’s calm and conducive to rest without distractions.

Additionally, review your routine to see if any adjustments could better serve your puppy. A puppy who consistently resists naps or appears overly tired may need more exercise, playtime, or mental stimulation. To help them settle, try scheduling nap time after physical activities.

It’s essential to avoid making nap time stressful for your puppy. If your puppy seems anxious about napping, enforcing naps may not be productive.

What if my puppy isn’t adjusting to their nap schedule after a week?

If your puppy isn’t adjusting to their nap schedule after a week, you may need to adjust the schedule, sleeping area, or routine. Be patient and flexible, and consider using comforting items like a KONG to help your puppy acclimate.

At what age should you stop enforcing puppy naps?

According to Dr. Johnson, enforcing naps is most effective for puppies up to six months old. “As they mature, their sleep patterns become more regular, and they’ll start naturally taking breaks,” he explains. By the time your puppy reaches adulthood, they should be able to regulate their energy and emotions without enforced naps.

How To Start Enforcing Puppy Naps—And Why They Work

The Benefits of “Enforced Puppy Naps”