21/08/2024
You'd be obtuse to not understand the importance of sleep for the human brain. I'm sure we've all got first hand experience of sleep deprivation to some degree.
Some have spent a fair few sleepless nights crate training a new pup that just won't settle, some a few months with a crying baby, and the unfortunate insomniacs who spend many nights in sleepless torture for no known cause.
Lack of sleep can wreak havoc on our brains. Symptoms of mental and physical exhaustion. Irritability, lack of focus and overall functionality.
This phenomenon is not unique to humans.
If you come to me for puppy consults or classes, one of the main things I will address is sleep and routine. And about 95% of clients aren't giving their pups enough opportunity to have a restful sleep.
Those 3pm puppy tantrums aren't defiance; it's lack of sleep. And can you blame them?
It's very rare for a pup to be able to self regulate in this context.
I wouldn't ever put the expectation on a puppy to know when it needs to sleep and to take themselves somewhere they won't be disturbed for quality sleep.
I often hear "Oh yeah, he sleeps heaps. Always under my feet at the desk while I'm working".
My next question is along the lines of "So when you get up, does your pup stay sleeping or do they get up to follow?"
And every time it's the same answer. The pup gets up to follow. Your dog is sleeping light enough to be aware of environmental stimuli.
This is NOT a restful sleep for your dog.
The best solution I can offer is to...
✨️crate train your dog✨️
I don't mean just at night time to put your dog in the crate to sleep while you're sleeping. You want to crate during the day in addition to this. A minimum of a couple hours through the day to give them the opportunity to have good quality sleep. Ofcourse you can give alternative solutions I.e a kennel and run, puppy pen set up. The key idea is your puppy has a place to rest away from distractions and human disturbance (It's also a great way to prevent separation anxiety issues 😏).
Don't be afraid to lock your dog away often. Despite what humans think, dogs don't need hours and hours of stimulation. Dogs thrive with structure. If you give your dog everything it needs to be a well rounded dog then the amount of hours spent confined is irrelevant - this is different for every dog and acknowledge what breed you have and how to meet their needs for breed fulfillment.
This is all true for adult dogs too. Despite what people say, in my experience, a tired dog is a good dog, an over tired dog is an a**hole.
If you're dealing with a dog with behavioural issues you will notice the threshold for triggers is a lot lower if your dog isn't getting good quality sleep. Dogs make bad choices if they're sleep deprived. Help them make better choices by giving them the best opportunity for a restful sleep.
