Having a puppy is a wonderful experience, but it can also be a lot of work and responsibility. One of the most important decisions you will make as a puppy owner is what time you should put your puppy to bed. It’s important to establish a consistent sleep routine to ensure your puppy is getting the rest they need and to help them adjust to their new home. This article will provide you with some tips and advice on when the best time is to put your puppy to bed.
Introducing Your Puppy to a Sleep Schedule
Table of Contents
Bringing home a puppy is an exciting but also exhausting experience. As a new pet parent, you’ll want to make sure that you’re providing your puppy with the best care possible. One important aspect of this is establishing a regular sleep schedule. Getting your puppy used to a set sleep time can help him or her settle into their new home and adjust to their new routine.
Why is a Sleep Schedule Important for Puppies?
A puppy’s sleep schedule is important for their physical and mental health. Much like humans, puppies need a good night’s rest to function properly. Just like us, when puppies don’t get enough sleep, they can become cranky, irritable, and have difficulty focusing.
Having a regular sleep schedule also helps puppies form good habits that they can carry with them into adulthood. Establishing a bedtime routine can help them learn to relax and settle down when it’s time to sleep. This can help them be better behaved during the day, and prevent them from getting into trouble.
When Should I Put My Puppy to Bed?
The amount of sleep a puppy needs can vary depending on their age, breed, and activity level, but generally they should get between 12 and 14 hours of sleep a day. This can be broken up into several naps during the day, or one longer sleep period at night.
Ideally, the best time to put your puppy to bed is when they are starting to get tired. This could be after playing or exercising, or when they start to yawn or show other signs of fatigue.
Creating a Bedtime Routine
Once you’ve determined the best time to put your puppy to bed, you can start to create a bedtime routine. This should be a calming and reassuring routine that you do each night before bed. Some ideas for a bedtime routine include:
Feeding
Feeding your puppy shortly before bed can help them settle down for the night. This should be a light meal, like a few pieces of kibble or a small handful of treats.
Potty Breaks
Make sure to take your puppy outside for one last potty break before bed. This will help them avoid having to go in the middle of the night.
Brushing
Brushing your puppy’s fur before bed can help them relax and feel comfortable. You can also use this time to check for any ticks or fleas that may have hitchhiked on your puppy.
Cuddle Time
Spending some time cuddling with your puppy before bed can help them feel safe and secure. You can also use this time to give them some positive reinforcement and tell them how much you love them.
Bedtime Toy
Providing your puppy with a toy to sleep with can give them something to snuggle up with and provide comfort during the night. This can also help to keep them quiet and prevent them from getting bored and restless.
Establishing a Sleep Schedule
Once you have your puppy’s bedtime routine in place, you can start to establish a regular sleep schedule. This should be the same time each night, so that your puppy can get used to the routine.
If your puppy is having trouble settling down for the night, you can try some calming techniques like playing soft music or giving them a massage. These can help to relax them and make it easier for them to fall asleep.
Once your puppy is used to their bedtime routine and sleep schedule, they will be well on their way to becoming a well-rested and well-behaved pet.
## Common Myths About When to Put Puppies to Bed
1. Puppies should go to bed as soon as the sun goes down. False – Puppies need adequate time to exercise, play and interact with their owners. As such, the best time for puppies to go to bed is when they are tired and ready for a rest.
2. Puppies should have a strict bedtime. False – Just as with human children, puppies need a consistent sleep schedule but it doesn’t have to be exact. A routine helps, but some flexibility is key.
3. Puppies should sleep in their crates at night. False – It is important for puppies to form positive associations with their crate and for them to feel comfortable spending time there. However, puppies should not be forced to stay in their crates for extended periods of time so they can learn to sleep in other areas of the house.
4. Puppies should be allowed to sleep in bed with you. False – It is best to avoid letting puppies sleep in bed with you as this can create bad habits that are difficult to break later. Additionally, puppies can sometimes be disruptive and prevent their owners from getting a good night’s sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I put my puppy to bed?
Answer: It’s best to put your puppy to bed around 10 or 11 PM. This allows your puppy to get enough rest while still having enough time to get used to her new schedule.
How often should I take my puppy on walks?
Answer: You should take your puppy on walks at least twice a day for about 20 minutes each time. This will give your pup plenty of exercise, as well as the opportunity to explore the world around her.
Conclusion
: Having a regular sleep schedule is important for puppies’ physical and mental health. It’s best to put puppies to bed when they are starting to get tired, and creating a bedtime routine can help them relax and settle down for the night. Establish a regular sleep schedule by putting them to bed at the same time each night, and use calming techniques like playing soft music or giving them a massage if they have trouble settling down.
