How Long Do Puppies Sleep? Hours by Age and a Puppy Sleep Schedule

Young puppies sleep for most of the day: between 15 and 20 hours in every 24 from about four to twelve weeks old, dropping to 14 to 16 hours by three to six months and around 12 to 14 hours after that. Most puppies sleep through the night by about 16 weeks, once their bladder can hold on until morning. A sleepy puppy who is bright and playful when awake is normal; one who is hard to rouse, uninterested in food or play, or not quite themselves needs a call to the vet.

How long do puppies sleep? Hours of sleep by age

Puppies sleep far more than adult dogs, and the amount falls steadily as puppies grow. The Royal Kennel Club gives these typical ranges for total sleep in a 24-hour period:

PDSA also says a new puppy may sleep 18 to 20 hours a day, so expect naps throughout the day, especially after playtime. These are ranges, not targets. Sleep needs differ between puppies, depending on their age and personality, and the total is split between night-time sleep and lots of sleep during the day rather than taken in one long stretch.

How much sleep do puppies need compared with adult dogs?

Adult dogs still sleep a lot. PDSA says most dogs need around 14 to 16 hours or more in a 24-hour period, and that puppies, older dogs and dogs who are unwell or recovering need the most. So if your adolescent dog still spends much of the afternoon asleep, that is usually normal too.

Why do puppies sleep so much?

A puppy's day is full of new sights, smells, people and lessons, and sleep is when their body and brain catch up. Sleep is essential for growing puppies, and the Royal Kennel Club lists several reasons they need so much of it:

• Growth. Sleep gives the body time to repair and supports building muscle, bone and tissue.
• Growth hormone. This is released during deep sleep and is an essential part of physical development.
• Brain development. Sleep helps a puppy process and retain what they have learned while awake.
• Energy. Play and exploring use a lot of energy, and sleep recharges them.
• Digestion. Energy shifts towards digesting food after a meal, which is why post-meal naps are so common.

Sleep also affects mood. PDSA reports that dogs getting less than ten hours of sleep a day may be more likely to show confrontational behaviour such as growling, snapping or biting. Tired dogs can also find it hard to pay attention, so protecting nap time is part of good puppy training, not a break from it.

When do puppies sleep through the night?

Most puppies sleep through the night by around 16 weeks of age, according to Woodgreen Pets Charity. Until then, the main thing that wakes them is a full bladder. Puppies under 12 weeks are likely to need at least one toilet trip overnight, and for the first couple of weeks you should expect to get up once, possibly twice. Blue Cross notes that most puppies cannot hold their urine overnight for several months because their bladder is simply too small.

A few things affect how quickly your puppy gets there:

• Size and breed. Larger breeds usually develop bladder control sooner than smaller breeds. If you are still choosing a dog, our breed guides are a good place to compare sizes and temperaments.
• Settling in. Many puppies are unsettled for the first few nights after leaving their mum and littermates. PDSA describes some crying, barking or whining at night as normal while a puppy adjusts.
• Routine. A predictable evening, a final toilet trip and a calm response in the small hours all help.

If your puppy is older and still struggling to sleep at night, the Royal Kennel Club suggests asking your vet to rule out a health problem.

Puppy sleep schedule: daily routine and naps

Puppies thrive on routine, and good sleeping habits start with a predictable day. The Royal Kennel Club recommends a regular daily routine of eating, playing, toileting, walks and sleep, and PDSA advises setting a bedtime and sticking to it from the start. A simple daily schedule for a young puppy looks like this:

1. Wake up, then straight outside for the toilet.
2. Breakfast, then another toilet trip.
3. A short spell of play, gentle training or exploring.
4. Toilet, then a nap in their bed or puppy crate.
5. Repeat through the day, keeping their usual meal times.

A puppy who has just woken, eaten or played usually needs the toilet, so build those trips into the pattern. Our guide on how to toilet train a puppy covers daytime timing in more detail.

How to help your puppy sleep at bedtime

A puppy sleep routine at bedtime builds healthy sleep habits. Woodgreen suggests a wind-down that starts well before lights out:

• Give the last meal at least three hours before bed.
• Play earlier in the evening, and avoid exciting games close to bedtime.
• Start winding down about 30 minutes before sleep: quiet voice, dim lights, calm cuddles.
• Take your puppy out for a final toilet break just before bed.
• Settle them in the same place, at the same time, every evening.

Daytime matters too. PDSA says exercise and games help dogs sleep better, and sniff walks, where a dog explores at their own pace, tire the mind as well as the body. For a young puppy, a short sniff around the garden can be enough to help your puppy sleep well that night.

Where should a puppy sleep? Setting up their sleep environment

Where your puppy sleeps long term is your choice, but most UK charities agree on how to start. Blue Cross recommends beginning with your puppy in your bedroom, in a dog bed or crate, then moving gradually to their permanent spot. PDSA also advises sleeping in the same room for the first few nights.

Sleeping close to you helps in two ways: your puppy feels reassured, and you hear when they need the toilet, which speeds up house training.

If you plan to use a crate, introduce it slowly so it feels safe; our step-by-step guide to crate training a puppy explains how. One that is too big can lead a puppy to toilet in one corner and sleep in another.

Whichever sleeping area you choose, PDSA recommends a quiet spot where your dog will not be disturbed, and making sure everyone in the house knows to leave them alone while they rest. A calm, undisturbed spot helps a puppy get quality sleep. A blanket that smells of mum, if the breeder gives you one, can comfort a puppy in their new bed. Our checklist for your puppy's first night covers setting up their space before the first night.

Moving the bed further away

Once your puppy has settled for a few nights, move the bed away from yours a little at a time. Woodgreen suggests a foot or two each night, pausing if your puppy struggles, and warns this can take a few weeks. Blue Cross describes the same idea as moving it inch by inch.

Night-time toilet trips in the first few weeks

Getting up in the small hours is tiring, but it is short-lived and it stops accidents becoming a habit. Keep each trip as boring as possible:

• Set an alarm if your puppy is very young, so you can offer a toilet break before they are desperate.
• Carry or lead them straight to the toilet spot.
• No lights beyond what you need, no play and no fuss.
• Praise quietly when they go, then straight back to bed.
• If they do not need to go, reassure them with a gentle touch or a hand near the crate and let them settle.

Blue Cross advises taking your puppy out last thing before bed and first thing in the morning. If your puppy sleeps away from you, lay newspaper down away from their bed until they can hold on for longer.

Should you leave a puppy to cry?

No. PDSA says comforting an upset puppy helps them feel safe, while ignoring them can leave them feeling isolated and more frightened. Blue Cross adds that a puppy left to cry can end up tired, anxious and irritable during the day. Crying may mean your puppy needs the toilet, is scared or is uncomfortable. Our guide to why puppies cry looks at the common causes and how to respond.

Signs your puppy is overtired or not getting enough sleep

Puppies do not always know when to stop. A puppy who has missed a nap can look full of energy when, in fact, a lack of sleep is the problem. PDSA lists these signs that a dog is not getting enough sleep:

• Irritability, which in puppies often shows as extra nipping and mouthing
• Sluggishness or less enthusiasm than usual
• Difficulty paying attention

If your puppy suddenly becomes bitey or frantic in the evening, try a toilet trip and then a quiet spell in their bed rather than more play. Give them several calm "snooze spots" around the house, and teach them gradually to settle and be comfortable alone, because stress and anxiety about being alone can make it hard to sleep soundly. Never send your puppy to bed as a punishment, as it can make their bed feel like a bad place.

Is my puppy sleeping too much? When to see a vet

A healthy puppy who sleeps a lot but is lively, curious and eating well when awake is almost always fine. What matters is change, and how your puppy seems when they are awake. The Royal Kennel Club says sudden changes in a puppy's sleep patterns, excessive tiredness, refusing to sleep or restlessness can point to an underlying health problem.

Call your vet for advice if your puppy:

• Seems low in energy or not quite themselves
• Is sleeping more, moving more slowly or losing interest in play or walks
• Is very tired after short spells of exercise
• Is off their food, or has sickness or diarrhoea alongside tiredness
• Is restless and struggles to settle when they should be sleeping
• Is older and still waking through the night

PDSA advises not to force a lethargic dog to walk or play.

Contact your vet immediately if your puppy:

• Is struggling to breathe
• Is floppy, collapses or is very hard to wake
• May have eaten something poisonous

If your puppy snores loudly, gasps or seems to work hard to breathe while asleep, mention it to your vet. Our guide to puppy breathing fast explains what normal sleep breathing looks like and when it is a concern. If you are ever unsure whether your puppy is sleeping too much or too little, ring your vet; you will not be wasting their time.

Frequently asked questions

How long should an 8-week-old puppy sleep?

A lot. At 8 weeks your puppy will sleep for most of the day: the Royal Kennel Club puts puppies aged four to twelve weeks at 15 to 20 hours a day, and PDSA says a new puppy may sleep 18 to 20 hours. Expect short bursts of play followed by long naps.

How long does a 3-month-old puppy sleep?

Around three months, total sleep starts to drop. The Royal Kennel Club gives 14 to 16 hours a day for puppies aged three to six months, with longer awake spells and more predictable naps.

Is it normal for a puppy to sleep all day?

Yes, for a young puppy it usually is, because young puppies need plenty of sleep. What matters is that they are bright and interested in food and play when they are awake. If they seem flat or unwell, call your vet.

Should I let my puppy sleep whenever they want?

Generally, yes. Sleep supports growth and learning, so let them nap during the day. The exception is a toilet trip just before bedtime, which helps them get through to morning.

Should I wake my puppy up to pee at night?

For very young puppies, setting an alarm to offer a quiet toilet break can prevent accidents. As they grow and can hold on for longer, you can stretch the time between trips and then stop.

What time should a puppy go to bed?

There is no single right time. Choose a bedtime that suits your household and keep it the same every evening, because puppies settle best with a routine.

Do larger puppies sleep through until morning sooner?

Often, yes. Larger breeds usually develop bladder control sooner than smaller breeds, which can mean fewer toilet trips in the small hours.