
24/06/2025
Did you know that puppies need around 18–20 hours of sleep a day?
Just like babies, their brains and bodies are developing rapidly, and rest is essential for learning, memory, and emotional regulation. When they don’t get enough sleep, it’s much harder for them to focus, take in new information, or cope with everyday situations—even fun ones like training.
That’s why I run my classes earlier in the day, when puppies are typically well-rested and ready to engage. A sleepy pup isn’t being stubborn or uninterested—they’re simply not in the right state to learn.
Take Maple, for example. She’d had her naps, but in this heat and by the time her lesson started, she was already on the back foot. She tried her best, but it was clear she was not in the mindset to learn, and partway through, she actually climbed on her mum and nodded off. It was a gentle reminder that even the most enthusiastic pups need plenty of downtime.
If you’re planning on coming to class, it’s always a good idea to make sure your pup has had a chance to rest beforehand—so they, and you, can get the most out of the session.
Have you noticed how sleep affects your pup’s training or behaviour?