Sleep and Rest: Essential for a Calm Puppy
The wolf howls in the night forest, he wants to but can't sleep... (The wolf song, Ronja Rövardotter). That's exactly how it can be, especially for the little ones. Puppies and young dogs often disguise their overtiredness with giggles and unwanted antics. If we interpret the energy as under-stimulation and increase activation, the situation worsens. When dealing with dogs, it's rarely time for more speed, but rather time for a lullaby.
Overstimulation is common in puppies
Puppies are usually slightly overstimulated. They've left their mother and littermates to settle into something completely new. Everything is different; new home, new family, new scents and sounds. Understandably, it is all a bit overwhelming for a puppy whose understanding of it all equals that of an infant child. Regulating and managing the stress and emotions that arise is nothing puppies do automatically. They need help with that.
Harmful effects of stress in puppies
Long-term stress is very unhealthy. High adrenaline, cortisol, and noradrenaline negatively affect physical and mental health. Growing up with elevated stress hormones also affects the dog's development and sets the bar for your adult dog. A puppy who isn’t helped and guided to wind down and put to bed several times a day is more likely to have stress-related issues as an adult. For more information on stress in dogs, see Stress in dogs: considerations and solutions.
How to distinguish between energy and stress
To see the difference between under and overstimulation isn’t easy as both states look the same. But don't mistake your puppy's zoomies and trouble being compliant with eagerness or drive. It could very well be stress. Avoid activating more in the hope of giving the youngster an outlet. Help your little friend wind down instead.
Effective methods to calm your puppy
Soothing effects of tactile massage
Light long strokes along the puppy’s body. From the forehead to the tail. Imitate the mother dog’s soothing licks. This will help lower your puppy’s heart rate as the calming hormone oxytocin is released.
Gnawing on chewing bones is soothing
Chewing requires your puppy to take it easy to avoid choking. Most dogs lie down to gnaw which also lowers the heart rate. If your puppy tends to run around with the chew, try holding it for your puppy to chew on, settle down and come to rest. Let go of the bone once your puppy can remain calm while chewing.
Reducing stress with licking activities
Licking is stress-relieving for youngster puppies as the action mimics suckling. Put some liver paste or raw food in an activation toy or spread out on a lick mat. Let your puppy settle down and lick. Always keep an eye on your puppy while chewing or playing with activation toys.
Create a safe haven for your puppy
Puppies love a safe and secure den. A place to crawl into where alone time and rest is guaranteed. It can be a bed or a part of a room, a crate with the door open or maybe under a table. Preferably a cooler, dark place full of bedding. In the den your puppy can chew bones, rest, sleep or just chill out undisturbed. So make a den, cover a crate or a low table with a dark, thin fabric and place your puppy’s bed in there. The den is your puppy’s bedroom with a “Do not disturb” sign over it.
Reduce surface area to encourage rest
Large games rooms and long leash = playground. If you want to help your puppy settle down try to restrict the area. Shorten the leash, pick your puppy up, build a puppy pen. A reduced surface or opportunity helps wild puppy’s calm down. The limited choice will eventually leads to a slower pace. There is no “time-out” punishment involved here, just a restricted area to minimize bolting around.
Use of Adaptil for stress reduction
Adaptil is ascent similar to the one the mother dog’s releases when suckling takes place. The scent may reduce anxiety and stress. Adaptil offers collars, spray or fragrance dispensers plugged into the wall socket. If your puppy is stressed no matter where you are, a collar is the best option. If you want to create a peaceful place - use the wall box. Use the spray if you need to help your puppy wind down at a friend's place or in the car.
Create safety with bedtime routines
Have set times when you help your puppy fall asleep to prevent stress. Put your puppy in his/her bed or on the sofa. Does your puppy oppose? Try holding your puppy in your arms or have a finger in the collar if necessary. It's not a wrestling match we're aiming for, keep calm and steady, not firm. You want to stay close, apply a light pressure around your puppies body as this helps dogs relax. Breathe deeply and talk in a soothing voice. Try tactile massage if your puppy needs more help to wind down.When your puppy is almost asleep, try to let your puppy fall asleep without your support. It’s good to be able to fall asleep independently. Just slowly leave the sofa/dog bed. You won’t be able to sit still during the entire nap and you want to avoid leaving a sleeping puppy as this can create insecurity. For more guidance on this process, see How to put your puppy to sleep - for a harmonious puppy life.
Be nearby when the puppy is sleeping
Dogs are pack animals and want to be with us. If they learn that we disappear when they sleep, there is a risk that they will try to avoid sleeping. Instead, let the puppy fall asleep independently. Always be nearby, talking, whining and moving around so the sleepy puppy hears you while John Blund takes your place on the couch. This routine will feel safe for the puppy, as opposed to falling asleep deeply in your arms and then waking up alone and confused in the dog bed.
How your emotions affect your puppy
Puppies are like emotional sponges. They soak up our feelings and intentions and respond to them. If a pack member gets wound up, it rubs off on the rest. So be aware of your state of mind. No matter how much your puppy messes about, try to keep your cool. Take deep breaths, move slowly, and keep your voice and touch soft. If your puppy turns to you for guidance you want to mediate a calm state of mind.
Establish a routine for regular cooling down
Make rest and calming down a routine. Dogs love routines and if rest is made into a daily habit your puppy will learn to calm down. If you do this preventively, you can avoid scratches, cuts in the hands and torn curtains as stress can never take over. Do your puppy a favor, create great rest and sleeping habits and you’ll be rewarded with a balanced puppy who will grow into a cool-headed adult. For further reading, see The different stages of puppy maturity - essential information for anyone with a puppy and Puppy preparation: essential purchases before your puppy comes home.
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.
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