Golden Retrievers are known for their calm and loyal nature, and they are a popular family pet. If you own a Golden Retriever puppy, you may notice they are sleeping almost as much as they play during the day. Watching a Golden Retriever sleeping is one of the most adorable and peaceful things to see. But how much sleep do Golden Retrievers need?
It’s normal for a Golden Retriever to sleep 12-14 hours per day. If your dog is a puppy, it will likely sleep even longer. Sleep is essential for dogs to maintain their health and for puppies to grow.
Golden Retriever Puppy Sleeping Habits
Golden Retrievers have a slightly different sleeping schedule than humans. Dogs need more sleep to be well rested, which is why it’s normal for them to sleep during the day.
Puppies tend to need even more sleep than adolescent and mature dogs. It’s not uncommon for a Golden Retriever puppy to sleep up to 20 hours a day! Sleep helps them develop both mentally and physically. If they don’t get enough sleep, your puppy’s behavior may show that they are tired. Some signs will be that they struggle to focus, get bursts of frantic energy or act temperamental.
Golden Retriever puppies also don’t sleep for extended periods yet — they take many sleeping breaks during the day. They quickly burn up a lot of energy while they are young, so they need to take more frequent naps during the day to make up for this lost energy and grow stronger.
Sleeping Tips for Your Golden Retriever
If you’re having trouble getting your Golden to sleep through the night, you can take some steps to ensure your dog gets enough rest.
Choose a Sleeping Area for Your Dog
One of the first things you should do with a Golden Retriever puppy is establish a comfortable place for your new best friend to sleep. This space can be a kennel, crate or dog bed. Ensure your puppy feels comfortable here and provide them with blankets or any other items that make it easier for them to sleep.
Establish a Routine
Your Golden Retriever will find it easier to sleep when you establish a solid routine with them. Dogs are very routine-oriented, and they feel more relaxed when they can expect bedtime at a certain time of night. They'll also be more likely to sleep through the night. Try to establish a routine in all aspects of your dog’s life by walking and feeding them at similar times each day as well.
Bring Home a New Pup With Golden Meadows Retrievers
Thinking of bringing a new family member into your home? Golden Meadows Retrievers will help you during every step of the way in your process of adopting and training a Golden Retriever puppy. We have healthy puppies available for adoption, and our highly experienced and trained staff is happy to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding your Golden Retriever. Contact Golden Meadows Retrievers to learn more about our adoption and training processes.