An adult dog usually sleeps for a good part of the day, a puppy often clearly more, and senior dogs regularly need extra rest too. And it is not just about the night: healthy dog sleep consists of night-time sleep and naps during the day. So there is no magic exact number of hours for every dog. Age, level of stimulation, health and the resting spot all make a big difference.
Puppy, adult dog or senior: this much rest is often normal
| Life stage | Total rest per 24 hours | What is usually normal |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | Often around 18 to 20 hours | Short active periods alternating with lots of sleep and recovery. |
| Adult dog | Often around 12 to 14 hours | Night-time sleep plus several naps during the day, with lots of variation from dog to dog. |
| Senior | Often around 14 to 18 hours | More rest periods, getting tired more quickly and sometimes needing longer to recover after activity. |
| Dog in recovery | Regularly more than normal | Extra sleep can be appropriate, depending on the cause and your vet's advice. |
Even a busy or very active dog does not necessarily need less sleep; dogs like these often need to learn how to switch off, and it can help to understand how calming activities like chewing fit into a healthy routine.
Why one dog needs more sleep than another
It is completely normal for sleep behaviour to vary so much. These are the biggest factors behind the differences:
- Age plays a major role. Puppies grow incredibly fast and senior dogs often recover more slowly, so both groups need more rest than the average adult dog.
- Breed or type of dog matters too. A watchful dog, working dog or sensitive dog may stay alert more easily, while a calm family dog may find it easier to nap for longer.
- The daily routine makes a big difference. Lots of visitors, play, training and walks require recovery, but too little challenge can also cause restless behaviour. So both over- and understimulation can disrupt rest.
- Health and physical comfort are important. Pain, itching, nausea or other discomfort can make sleep restless, even if your dog looks tired.
- The environment matters more than many people think. Noise, draughts, lots of people passing by and having to stay alert all the time make truly deep relaxation much harder.
What sleep does for the body, mind and behaviour
Sleep is recharge time for your dog's whole body. During rest, the body recovers from exertion, growth and tissue maintenance get the time they need, and your dog can build up energy again. A lot happens mentally too: impressions from the day are processed, new things sink in better, and your dog often stays sharper and steadier in their behaviour. Enough rest also supports the immune system and overall wellbeing. With too little sleep, you are more likely to see irritability, overexcited behaviour or less flexibility.
Sleeping a lot during the day? This is often normal - until it isn't
Yes, dogs often sleep a lot during the day, and that usually simply fits a healthy pattern. So a dog that naps a lot is not automatically unhappy, or necessarily happy either; the bigger picture matters, including how you keep your dog busy indoors. Above all, pay attention to what your dog is like when awake: do they eat normally, enjoy moving about, recover well and respond as you know them to?
That your dog "sleeps all day" is often only half true. Many dogs rest in short spells, alternating with looking, listening and light dozing. It is wise to pay attention if there is a sudden change, sluggishness, difficulty waking, signs of pain or ongoing restlessness; recognising stress signals in dogs helps you spot problems sooner. If anxiety seems to play a role, see our guide to helping an anxious dog. If you are unsure, discuss it with your vet.
How to choose a sleeping spot that really helps your dog relax
The best sleeping spot is not necessarily the most expensive or the prettiest, but the place where your dog visibly lets go. Look at these points:
| Aspect | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Spot in the home | Choose a quiet place where people are not constantly walking past. It is better to avoid a dog bed right next to the front door, in the middle of the walkway or directly in front of a window where your dog has to follow every sound and movement. |
| Feeling safe and secure | One dog relaxes best close to you, while another prefers a bit more shelter. See whether your dog likes to keep an eye on things, or would rather lie in a corner where there is less stimulation. A good spot feels safe, not stressful. |
| Type of resting spot | A dog bed, cushion, crate, sofa or bed can all work perfectly well. There is no hard-and-fast rule. If your dog truly settles there, does not keep springing up and lies relaxed, the choice is often already much better. |
| Space and position | Your dog should be able to lie both curled up and stretched out. If the spot is too small, they will change position more often. If it feels too open or too spacious for an insecure dog, a bit more enclosure can actually feel nicer. |
| Comfort and support | Look for pleasant material, enough padding and support for the joints, especially for larger or older dogs. A surface that is too hard, cold or unstable is less inviting for truly deep rest than a spot that supports the body well. |
| Temperature, light and sound | Draughts, direct sun, bright lights or recurring noise can disrupt sleep. Some dogs look for coolness, others for warmth. A resting spot that feels good in winter will not automatically be just as suitable in summer. |
| Multiple resting spots | For many dogs, it is useful to have more than one spot. That way they can switch between closeness and quiet, light and dark, or warm and cool. If you notice your dog keeps moving themselves, they are often telling you exactly what they need. |
Use routine, a crate or a "place" cue if that helps
Not every dog settles by themselves, especially puppies and dogs that get excited quickly. A little guidance often makes a big difference:
- Make the transition from active to calm predictable. After walking, playing or training, first comes water, then a short calm period, and only then the resting spot.
- Use the same order every time and, if you like, the same word, such as "place" or "rest". Repetition makes relaxation recognisable.
- Reward calm behaviour with small, precise rewards. When practising a place command, small training treats, such as compact Braaaf reward snacks, are often more practical than large treats.
- A crate or fixed spot can be helpful if it is built up positively; good crate training for your dog helps with that. Use that spot as a safe rest zone, not as a punishment spot.
- For some dogs, giving chews safely is a pleasant wind-down moment, if chewing clearly makes them calmer. Just make sure you then really leave your dog alone.
- And very importantly: teach children that a sleeping dog should not be disturbed, not even "just for a quick cuddle".
Does your dog sleep when home alone too?
Many dogs do indeed sleep when they are home alone, but it is better not to assume that. Only with a camera can you really see whether your dog relaxes, walks around, keeps watch or becomes restless. With puppies, being able to be alone, being house-trained and truly being able to rest do not always develop at the same pace. Eight hours alone may be manageable for some stable adult dogs, but for many puppies and sensitive dogs that is too long. Leaving a dog alone for a whole night is rarely a good standard solution. Destructive behaviour, whining or restlessness are more likely to point to stress than healthy sleep.
