Trying to keep a puppy awake during the day is harmful — puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep for healthy development and behavior.
You might have heard the idea that keeping a puppy awake during the day will help them sleep through the night. It seems logical: a tired puppy should sleep longer, right? Many new owners try this trick, hoping for a few more hours of uninterrupted rest.
Veterinarians and canine experts strongly advise against it. Puppies are growing rapidly and need far more sleep than adult dogs. Trying to keep them awake can backfire, leading to an overtired, grumpy puppy and potentially affecting physical development. The real solution is understanding their natural sleep needs and working with them, not against them.
Why the ‘Keep Them Awake’ Myth Sticks
The misconception persists because puppy behavior can be misleading. Between naps, puppies often seem bursting with energy, making owners think they don’t need much rest. The frustration of nighttime waking also drives desperate owners to try anything.
- Energy bursts fool owners: Puppies alternate between high-energy play and sudden crashes. These short active periods make them look awake most of the day, but they’re actually sleeping much more than it appears.
- Nighttime waking is exhausting: A puppy that cries at 2 a.m. can push owners to try drastic schedule changes. But keeping them awake during the day rarely fixes the root cause of night waking.
- Adult dog comparisons: Owners often compare their puppy’s sleep needs to those of adult dogs. Adult dogs sleep around 13–15 hours daily, but puppies require up to 20 hours for proper growth.
- Misunderstanding growth needs: Some owners think active play and training time is more valuable than sleep. In reality, sleep is when growth hormone is released and the brain processes new learning.
Trying to force wakefulness can create a cycle of overtiredness that makes puppies more irritable and harder to settle. A well-rested puppy is actually easier to train and more adaptable.
Understanding Puppy Sleep Needs
The American Kennel Club notes that puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep each day. That’s roughly eight hours at night and four daytime naps lasting two to three hours each. For every hour a puppy is awake, they typically need about two hours of sleep — a helpful guideline for planning their day.
Puppy Sleep Hours by Age
| Age Range | Total Sleep per Day | Nap Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn to 8 weeks | 16–18 hours | Naps every 2–3 hours |
| 8 weeks to 3 months | 18–20 hours | Four naps, 2–3 hours each |
| 3 to 6 months | 16–18 hours | Three naps, 2 hours each |
| 6 to 12 months | 14–16 hours | Two naps, 1–2 hours each |
| Adult dogs (1+ year) | 13–15 hours | One long sleep + occasional naps |
These ranges are general guidelines. Individual puppies vary, and large-breed puppies may sleep even more than smaller breeds. If your puppy seems to sleep more or less than these averages, consult your veterinarian to ensure their needs are being met.
The Safest Way to Handle Daytime Naps
Instead of fighting your puppy’s natural rhythm, create an environment that supports quality napping. A comfortable, quiet sleeping area — such as a crate or a designated bed — signals that it’s time to rest. After a play session or walk, guide your puppy to their sleeping spot and use a soothing tone to help them settle.
The puppy sleep requirements guide warns that keeping a puppy awake harms growth, emphasizing that frequent naps are essential for development. Sleep deprivation can make puppies grumpy and affect their long‑term health.
A consistent routine helps puppies learn when to expect rest. Try to schedule meals, playtime, training, and naps at roughly the same times each day. This predictability reduces stress and makes transitions to nap time smoother.
Signs Your Puppy Is Overtired
An overtired puppy may look very different from a sleepy one. Instead of calmly settling down, they might become hyperactive, nippy, or even aggressive. Recognizing these signs can help you intervene before the puppy becomes overly stressed.
| Sign of Overtiredness | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Uncontrollable zoomies | Frantic running, unable to focus or settle |
| Increased nipping and biting | Mouthing hands or clothes more aggressively than usual |
| Whining or barking excessively | Fussing without an obvious need (food, potty) |
| Refusing to settle for a nap | Circling, scratching crate, or crying even when placed in sleeping area |
If you notice these signs, it’s time for a calming break. Take your puppy to their quiet sleeping area, use a calm voice, and offer a chew toy or a treat for settling. Avoid exciting play or training at this stage.
Building a Healthy Puppy Sleep Schedule
A balanced schedule balances awake time with predictable rest periods. Most puppies can stay awake for about one to two hours before needing a nap. After a nap, they’ll be ready for play, training, or a potty break. As they grow, the awake windows lengthen.
- Start with a morning routine: First thing, take your puppy out to potty, then offer a meal or play session. After about 30–60 minutes of activity, guide them to their nap spot.
- Follow the awake-one-sleep-two guideline: For every hour your puppy is awake, plan for two hours of quiet rest. This isn’t a strict rule, but it’s a helpful starting point.
- Create a wind-down ritual: Before each nap, use a consistent signal — a specific phrase like “time to rest” or a gentle routine (e.g., short cuddle, then crate). This helps your puppy learn to relax.
- Don’t interrupt naps for play: Let sleeping puppies sleep. Waking them up can disrupt their rest cycle and make them overtired later.
- Adjust as your puppy matures: Sleep needs decrease with age. By the time your puppy is a year old, they’ll likely sleep 13–15 hours a day. The adult dog sleep schedule guide shows how much rest changes as dogs grow.
Patience is key. It may take a few weeks for your puppy to settle into a predictable nap routine. Staying consistent while respecting their need for plenty of daytime sleep will lead to a happier, healthier puppy — and better nights for you.
The Bottom Line
Keeping a puppy awake during the day is not just ineffective — it can harm their growth and behavior. Puppies need 18 to 20 hours of sleep daily, including multiple naps. Work with your puppy’s natural sleep-wake cycle by providing a calm environment and a consistent schedule. An overtired puppy is harder to train and more prone to behavioral problems.
If your puppy struggles to settle for naps or seems excessively sleepy or restless, your veterinarian can rule out underlying health issues and offer personalized guidance for your puppy’s age, breed, and temperament.
References & Sources
- Co. “Should You Try to Keep Your Puppy Awake During the Day So They Sleep at Night” Puppies require frequent naps during the day for healthy development, and keeping them awake can make them grumpy and negatively affect growth.
- Playpetbrands. “Puppy Sleep Schedule by Age” As dogs get older, sleep time is reduced to 13-15 hours per day, meaning young puppies are awake for only 4-6 hours total.