21/08/2025
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie: Why Rest Is Just as Important as Walks and Training
When we talk about giving our dogs the best life, the conversation usually goes straight to walks, training, socializing, and mental enrichment. And don’t get me wrong—I love all of that for our dogs. It’s so important. But here’s something that often gets overlooked: sleep.
Sleep is so underestimated. People sometimes think of it as “downtime” or wasted hours, but it’s actually one of the most powerful things we can give our dogs. Just like with kids, when dogs sleep, they grow, they recharge, they de-stress, and they process everything they’ve learned.
So, How Much Sleep Do Dogs Actually Need?
On average, adult dogs need 12–14 hours of sleep a day, and puppies (or older dogs) may need up to 18–20 hours. Yes—you read that right! That means our dogs are designed to spend most of their lives asleep.
And science backs this up. A study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that when dogs don’t get enough sleep, they can become more stressed, irritable, and even less able to learn. Sound familiar? (It’s not that different from how we humans get when we’re overtired.)
Why Sleep Matters So Much
💤 Growth & Healing
During deep sleep, dogs release growth hormones and repair tissues. For puppies, this is when their little bodies are building muscle and bone. For active or working dogs, it’s when their muscles recover from all that running and playing.
💤 Learning & Memory
Did you know your dog is learning even when they’re asleep? Research shows that dogs consolidate new information during rest. So that sit, stay, or recall you practiced—sleep is when it really sinks in.
💤 Stress & Emotional Health
Dogs who don’t sleep enough often become more reactive. Their stress hormone (cortisol) rises, making them less patient with noises, people, or other dogs. A well-rested dog, on the other hand, is calmer and more resilient.
💤 Immune Support
Just like us, sleep boosts the immune system. A dog who rests well is better equipped to fight off illness.
As Dr. Stanley Coren, a leading canine researcher, once said:
“Sleep is not a luxury, it is a biological necessity. For dogs, it’s the time when their bodies repair and their brains recharge.”
Signs Your Dog Might Be Sleep-Deprived
• They’re crankier than usual or seem “on edge”
• They pace or can’t settle down
• They doze off in random spots during the day
• They struggle to focus in training
If you notice these signs, it might not mean they need more walks—they might actually need more rest.
Helping Your Dog Get Better Rest
• Give them a safe, cozy space where they won’t be disturbed.
• Let them nap—especially puppies. Try not to wake them unless you have to.
• Balance activity with rest—mental and physical enrichment is amazing, but overdoing it without downtime can backfire.
• Keep it calm—loud households or constant stimulation can make it hard for dogs to switch off.
In the End…
We pour so much love into giving our dogs full, happy lives through play, walks, and training. But sometimes the best gift we can give them is simply the space and permission to rest.
The next time your dog is curled up snoozing, instead of feeling guilty that you’re “not doing enough,” remember: that nap is not wasted time—it’s essential for their health and happiness.
Or as canine expert Alexandra Horowitz beautifully put it:
“For dogs, sleep is not idleness—it is a necessary part of living well.”
So go ahead—let sleeping dogs lie. They’re not just dreaming, they’re healing, learning, and growing.
