You’ve played fetch, fed them a good dinner, let them sniff every blade of grass in the yard… so why is your puppy acting like they’ve just downed an energy drink?
It’s late, the lights are dim, and instead of curling up and dozing off, they’re zooming around the room like their tail’s on fire.
One second they’re yawning, the next they’re nibbling your sock like it owes them money. Sound familiar?
Yep, puppies fighting sleep is a real thing. And while it’s kind of funny (until it’s not), it can leave new dog parents wondering what on earth is going on.
Puppies Need a Ton of Sleep (No, Really)
Most new owners are shocked when they find out how much puppies should be sleeping. We’re talking 18 to 20 hours a day. That’s basically a full-time nap career. And when they don’t get enough sleep, their little bodies go into meltdown mode.
Cue the nipping, the barking, the chaos.
Imagine giving a toddler a fizzy drink and then telling them it’s nap time. That’s an overtired pup. Not pretty.
Why Puppies Fight Sleep
There’s no single reason, but a few common culprits tend to show up across the board.
Overstimulation is a big one. If your pup’s been playing too long or had a super exciting outing, their little brain gets flooded with energy. Then they can’t settle down, no matter how sleepy they actually are.
Separation anxiety can also creep in, especially at night. If your puppy’s not used to being alone or being in a crate, they might stay awake fussing just because they’re not sure where you went.
Discomfort is another sneaky reason. Maybe the crate feels weird. Maybe they need a wee. Maybe their bed smells like the washing machine and not like them anymore.
Basically, they’re tired… but their brain’s yelling “nope.”
Signs Your Puppy Is Overtired
Some pups show it more dramatically than others. But here are the usual suspects:
- Sudden zoomies, like a sugar rush from nowhere
- Whining and barking at literally nothing
- Grabbing at your hands or clothes with their teeth
- Trouble settling, even when they’re clearly exhausted
And yes, sometimes it looks like they’re full of beans. But under that hyper surface? One cranky, sleepy baby.
Help Them Wind Down (Before It Gets Wild)
If your pup’s turning into a tiny sleep-fighting gremlin each night, your routine might need a little tweaking.
First up, structure helps a lot. Puppies love knowing what comes next. Try sticking to regular nap times and bedtime. If you’re too loosey-goosey with the schedule, they stay wired for longer.
Wind-down time is key. About 30 minutes before bed, switch to quiet activities. Ditch the squeaky toys. Opt for gentle chew toys, low lighting, calm vibes. A soft belly rub and some slow petting goes a long way.
And yes, potty breaks right before bedtime are a must. Nothing ruins puppy sleep faster than a full bladder.
Creating a Sleep-Friendly Setup
Think about where your puppy sleeps. Is it warm, soft, and a bit den-like? A good crate or pen setup with comfy bedding can help them settle faster.
Some pups prefer a little stuffed toy to snuggle. Others need the space to stretch out.
If your house is noisy or bright, try dimming the lights and playing gentle background noise. There’s even dog sleep music if you fancy being a bit posh about it.
Oh, and don’t forget scent. A blanket that smells like you can seriously calm a nervous puppy.
Crate Training Without the Drama
Crates are brilliant for building sleep routines, but only if your puppy feels safe in one. It’s not a cage. It’s their own little bedroom.
Start small. Pop treats in there during the day. Let them wander in and out. Build the positive vibes. Never force them in when they’re already stressed. That just teaches them crates = bad news.
With time, a crate becomes a cue for rest. Some dogs will even take themselves off to bed when they’re knackered.
If They Still Won’t Settle…
Sometimes, even after all the prep and the yawns, your puppy’s still fighting sleep like a champ. Here’s what might be worth checking:
- Are they getting enough daytime naps? Skipping naps leads to bedtime chaos
- Is their food or water schedule keeping them too alert too late?
- Have they been out for a walk or play session a few hours before bedtime?
- Could something be bugging them physically like fleas or itchy skin?
And if your puppy is still battling sleep every single night despite your best efforts, a quick check-in with a vet or trainer never hurts. Sometimes there’s a subtle issue lurking behind the scenes.
One Step at a Time
Puppy sleep stuff isn’t something that fixes itself overnight. You’ll probably have a few nights where you wonder why on earth you ever brought this furry goblin into your home. Totally normal.
But stick with it.
With the right setup, some routine, and a sprinkle of patience, your pup will learn to settle. You’ll start to notice the bedtime zoomies fade and the sweet floppy sleep moments take over.
Sooner than you think, you’ll be laughing about those 11 PM sock attacks like it’s all part of the story.
Who knew puppies could be so dramatic about going to bed, right?