How to Settle Your Puppy for Bedtime - for a harmonious puppy life
Puppies' sleep problems: why it's hard to wind down
Dogs sleep well when they are tired, you might think. But this is not always the case. Especially not puppies or young dogs. They want to stay up well past their bedtime so they don't miss anything. Sometimes the environment is so interesting (or stressful) that relaxation, the precursor to sleep, is not possible. You can read more about the importance of sleep for your puppy in our article Sleep and rest, essential for a harmonious puppy.
Overstimulation: signs and solutions
An overstimulated dog can't relax, and often, unwanted behaviors are exhibited, which can be a nuisance. Running in figure eights or some other figure for that matter, trying to rip down curtains or devour the neighbor's cat, humping sofa cushions, or your child's cuddly toy. Young dogs become a mess and make a mess, when they are overtired.
Regular bedtime: creating a sleep routine
Therefore, it is both kind and wise to help your puppy or adolescent dog to sleep regularly. "Go to bed" may be exactly what a wound-up adolescent dog needs to hear. We need to follow through by guiding your dog to his/her bed, sitting next to them, and helping them unwind, massage and keep close until hyperactivity has turned into calmness.
Create a safe place for your puppy to sleep
If you want, your house can have a dog bedroom without you being classified as a bizarre person (just a little weird). A place that mimics a den. A canopy over a side table with a dog bed underneath that can inspire an overtired puppy to crawl into the den and get some shut eye. A small, semi-dark, undisturbed corner is the point. The den should have a "no trespassing" sign over the opening; dogs want to sleep in peace.
Licking and gnawing: natural ways to soothe
The most natural sleeping pill for dogs is to gnaw or lick. Let's take it to the jungle, my friends. Imagine a wolf puppy that suckles. Afterward... they fall asleep! Like fallen autumn leaves around a stately oak, the pack of puppies spreads out around their milk-drained mother. Well into adulthood, our dogs are affected similarly by licking or gnawing.
Adrenaline and focus: why you need a trigger
Some distance away, a pack of young wolves circles prey in the same jungle. One of them has locked eyes on a buck. When he takes one step forward, the rest of the wolves will follow. In all of them, actions specific energy is generated only known to hunters. A rush of adrenaline creates razor-sharp focus. Enough power to rush, tear down, and kill. Even if the process takes its toll, the adrenaline required will remain long after if nature hadn't been so wise that the wolves have a natural abreaction. Chewing.
Chewing and resting: naturally after meals
A fallen prey is divided by each individual taking a piece and dragging it away into the shade. Determined paws are set against the bone while jaws rip off skin, tendons, and muscles. Satiated with meat, they lie down and for hours, they chew and gnaw. Afterwards, a young wolf can't do anything else but rest their head and sleep well. The same goes for your dog.
Licking: nature's way of calming and promoting sleep
So let's honor the wolves in our dogs, adopt their customs and give our domesticated predators the same opportunity. Let your overtired dog in need of rest chew themselves to sleep in a cozy corner and unwind to the sound of crunching bones. That's their true lullaby. You can also learn more about the right ways to socialize your puppy in our article Socializing your dog the right way.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
Your personal dog trainer on your mobile
Petli is the app where you can train your dog in a fun format, get personalized coaching from dog experts, meet like-minded people in a warm community and exclusive discounts on great products.
