Puppies need a lot of sleep in order to grow and develop properly. Like human babies, puppies spend the vast majority of their time sleeping. A 4 month old puppy will sleep around 18 to 20 hours per day. Knowing how much sleep your puppy needs is important to make sure they are getting adequate rest.
How many hours should a 4 month old puppy sleep?
On average, a 4 month old puppy should get around 18-20 hours of sleep per day. This will usually be broken up into several naps throughout the day and a longer stretch of uninterrupted sleep at night. Puppies at this age cannot yet control when they fall asleep, so they will just konk out whenever they get tired.
Here is a rough guideline for how a 4 month old puppy’s day might be broken up:
- Nighttime uninterrupted sleep: 7-10 hours
- Morning nap: 1-2 hours
- Midday nap: 1-2 hours
- Afternoon nap: 1-2 hours
- Evening nap: 1-2 hours
Of course, every puppy is different and will have their own ideal sleep schedule. The totals above are just averages – some puppies may need slightly more or less sleep than this.
Why does my 4 month old puppy need so much sleep?
Puppies need a lot of sleep for several reasons:
- Growth and development: Sleep allows puppies’ bodies to rest and repair. This is vital for healthy growth and development.
- Brain development: Puppies’ brains are rapidly developing during the first months of life. Sleep allows their brains to consolidate everything they are learning.
- Building energy: All of that learning, playing, and exploration is tiring! Puppies need to recharge their energy with naps and nighttime sleep.
- Training the sleep cycle: Allowing puppies to get ample sleep establishes good habits and routines for their adult sleep cycles.
In summary, puppyhood is a crucial developmental period. Plenty of sleep allows puppies’ bodies and minds to grow properly so they can turn into healthy adult dogs.
Signs your 4 month old puppy needs more sleep
If your 4 month old puppy is not getting enough sleep, you may notice some signs, such as:
- Hyperactivity and inability to settle down
- Short attention span and lack of focus
- Increased nipping, chewing, and other unwanted behaviors
- Lethargy, crankiness, and extreme tiredness
- Reduced appetite
- Lack of interest in training or playing
Puppies who are sleep deprived may act out, just like tired toddlers! Make sure your pup is getting adequate rest to prevent problem behaviors.
Establishing a sleep schedule
While puppies will naturally sleep whenever they are tired, having a consistent sleep schedule can be very beneficial. Establishing predictable nap times and bedtimes helps regulate their sleep-wake cycles. Here are some tips for creating a schedule:
- Stick to the same wake up time every morning
- Schedule naps at similar times, such as after meals and playtime
- Have set quiet time in the evenings to start bedtime routine
- Keep bedtime and wake up time consistent, even on weekends
- Use cues like crating or chews to signal naptime
- Reward and praise them for sleeping in their designated area
It can take some time for a schedule to take effect. Be patient and consistent. Use positive reinforcement to help your puppy learn the routine.
Tips for good naptime habits
You can set your puppy up for success at naptimes by following these tips:
- Choose a designated sleeping area, like a crate or bed
- Stick to a consistent nap schedule
- Use white noise or music to create a soothing environment
- Keep the room darkened during naps
- Ensure the space is safe and comfortable for unsupervised sleep
- Provide access to water in case they wake up thirsty
- Take them outside to potty right before naptime
- Give them something comforting like a toy or blanket
- Reward them for calmly settling in the sleeping area
Following these tips will help your puppy learn to settle down easily at naptimes. This prevents disruptive barking or whining from an overstimulated pup.
Nighttime sleep tips
Getting good nighttime sleep is just as important as naps during the day. Here are some tips to help your puppy sleep through the night:
- Establish a relaxing bedtime routine like grooming or gentle play
- Take your puppy outside right before bed for a potty break
- Choose a secure sleeping space like a crate or puppy pen
- Put the crate in your bedroom at first for comfort and bonding
- Ensure the space is comfortable with a bed, chew toys, etc.
- Keep the room cool, calm, and quiet overnight
- Reward your puppy for calmly settling into their night bed
- Ignore minor whining – only take them out for true potty needs
- Transition their sleeping location gradually as they gain bladder control
With time and consistency, your puppy will get used to sleeping peacefully through the night in their space.
Managing daytime activity
In addition to scheduled naptimes, it is important to manage your puppy’s activity during their awake hours. Puppies can get overstimulated, making it hard for them to settle down. Here are some tips:
- Include both energetic playtime and more mellow activities
- Incorporate training sessions – mental exercise is tiring too!
- Provide appropriate chew toys for soothing teething discomfort
- Limit high-energy playtimes to 15-20 minutes
- Have one-on-one quiet time like brushing and petting
- Watch for signs of overtiredness like hyperactivity or biting
- Enforce naptimes consistently to prevent over-tiredness
Keeping your puppy’s schedule balanced will help prevent restlessness and crankiness when it’s time to sleep.
Common puppy sleep problems
Despite your best efforts, puppies may still struggle with certain sleep issues. Here are some common 4 month old puppy sleep problems and how to handle them:
Whining in the crate
Puppies may whine or cry when first transitioned into sleeping in a crate. Try giving them a comfy blanket from home, a long-lasting chew, or a toy to help them settle. Completely ignore minor fussing so they don’t learn it gets your attention. Only take them out if they truly need to relieve themselves.
Nighttime potty accidents
Your puppy is still building nighttime bladder control at this age. If accidents happen, cut off food and water a few hours before bedtime and take them out right before bed. Clean any accidents thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner. Transition their sleeping location gradually as they gain control.
Early morning wake ups
Puppies often wake up too early. Try moving their crate farther from your bedroom to reduce distractions and noise. Avoid giving attention if they wake up early so they don’t learn to expect it. Be patient and take them out when it’s closer to your normal wake up time.
Refusing to nap
Some rambunctious puppies fight naptimes. Use treats, toys, and praise to reward them for settling into their sleeping area. Provide something soothing like a heartbeat toy. Completely ignore them if they refuse to nap, as scolding can backfire. Stay consistent and they will learn the naptime routine.
Seek advice from your veterinarian if your puppy’s sleep problems persist or if they seem lethargic or unwell.
Puppy sleep schedule chart by age
Here is a quick reference chart with guidelines for expected sleep hours by puppy age:
| Puppy Age | Night Sleep | Total Daytime Sleep | Total Daily Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 10-12 hours | 10-18 hours | 18-20 hours |
| 3 months | 10-12 hours | 8-16 hours | 18-20 hours |
| 4 months | 8-10 hours | 8-12 hours | 16-18 hours |
| 5 months | 7-8 hours | 6-10 hours | 14-16 hours |
| 6 months | 7-8 hours | 4-8 hours | 12-14 hours |
These are general guidelines – some puppies may need more or less sleep than indicated based on factors like breed, activity level, and individual needs.
Things to avoid
To ensure your 4 month old puppy gets adequate, restful sleep, avoid:
- Overstimulation and lack of routine
- Excessive naps during the day that interfere with nighttime sleep
- Letting them sleep too much during the day and become hyperactive at night
- Inconsistency with nap times and durations
- Allowing children or other pets to disrupt their sleep
- Noisy, bright, or uncomfortable sleep environments
- Rigidly sticking to schedules – be flexible if your puppy needs more rest
The importance of rest
Raising a healthy, happy puppy means making sure they get all the sleep they need. Puppies who don’t get adequate rest can suffer both physically and behaviorally. Ensure your growing fur baby gets enough daytime naps and nighttime sleep to support their continued development. With time and patience, you can establish excellent sleep habits that will benefit your puppy now and as they grow into adulthood.
Conclusion
At 4 months old, puppies need around 18-20 hours of total sleep per day. This is broken up into several shorter naps plus a longer overnight sleep period. Puppies this age cannot yet regulate their own sleep cycles, so it’s up to owners to enforce a consistent schedule. Adequate sleep is crucial for a puppy’s growth, brain development, training, and behavior. While some struggle is normal during this transitional stage, establishing good sleep habits now pays off as your puppy matures. Be patient, consistent, and make sure your pup’s sleeping area meets all of their needs for comfort and security. With time, your furry friend will become a champion sleeper and thrive thanks to all that precious shut-eye.
