How to Build Healthy Rest Habits for Your Dog

If there’s anything that's more important than exercise when it comes to your dog's health rest. When dogs rest, they have the ability to boost their immune system, regulate emotions, build better brains, and overall provide time for the body to heal. 
As a dog owner, it does not happen instantly when you try to help your dog develop good habits of sleeping. You are required to get them the right place to sleep, put them on the same routine daily, and also look after them very keenly. By all these things together, you will be able to help your dog develop good and healthy sleep patterns
The Guide explains the sleeping pattern of dogs and how to create an appropriate sleeping environment, finding out the correct routine for healthy habits and identify the signals that indicate your Dog’s health Conditions are abnormal. 

Many pet owners often make the mistake of comparing their dog’s amount of sleep to their own. However, dogs need about twice as much rest as humans, and they have a very different sleep cycle as well.

Puppies usually need between 16-20 hours of sleep per day.
A puppy experiences rapid brain and body growth while it's sleeping. They often have very broken up sleep habits; they'll take short naps here and there, then when they wake up, they'll take another nap, etc. 

Adult dogs need approximately 12 to 14 hours of sleep every day.
Most adult dogs have more of a set schedule for sleep. They sleep primarily during the night, but will mostly rest in short periods throughout the day. 

Senior dogs generally sleep approximately 15-18 hours in a 24 hour period.
Canines aging process exhibits an accompanying decline in their metabolic rates, along with shortened sleeping periods. Dogs that are advanced in age are likely to get up more than once in the night or appear very tired and sluggish during daytime. 

The area where your dog goes to sleep should be a safe happy comfortable place where he can relax... not just an area of your house that is empty. 

The ideal place for sleep must meet three criteria: 

1. a low-light area at a comfortable temperature (not in direct sunlight and not with lots of strong air blowing from an air-conditioning unit or heating unit) between 20°C and 26°C (68°F to 79°F).
2. Quiet and private: Locate the bed in a peaceful spot in the house, like a bedroom corner or your study area. Quite and private spaces are perfect for sleeping. If you can, don't put the bed in areas that get a lot of traffic, like near the front door or where you are watching television. 
3. Good ventilation: You should provide good airflow through the area where your dog will sleep, but try not to have a strong draft blowing directly on them while they sleep. 

The ability to rest on a comfortable bed will make it easier for your dog to relax.

Size: You need to make sure that the dog has enough space to stretch out when lying down. As a general rule, the bed should be 1.2-1.5 times the length of your dog's body. 

Materials: 

• Beds covered with materials that are soft on an everyday basis (all-season type beds).
• Cooling pads or breathable foam beds for hot weather 
• Thick fleece or plush beds for cold weather 

Scent plays a major role in dogs feeling secure 

Placing something with your scent on it close to the bed can help alleviate separation anxiety in many dogs and allow them to relax more quickly. 
You can also provide scent-based enrichment (like a sniffing mat or puzzle feeder) before bedtime, so your dog can release some of his mental energy and settle down to sleep naturally. 

Developing good sleep habits has consistency as an important factor. Dogs' response to regularity and routine is positive. 

You should feed adult dogs twice a day, and it is best if the feeding time for both meals is close to each other every day. 
Six to eight weeks after your puppy reaches adulthood, do not give them any water after dinner or too close to bedtime to avoid disturbing their sleep. After finishing their meal, wait at least two hours before you do any exercise with them or let them have rest. 

You should ensure to include some relaxing activities for your pet during the last hour before bedtime.
A walk with your dog about an hour before bed gives them the opportunity to investigate and expend energy. Many dogs find that sniffing during walks provides a very calming and mentally rewarding experience. 
Mentally tiring your dog can be a great way to help them settle down after. A short training session or a few minutes of playing with a puzzle toy will mentally tire your dog out. 
You can also create a bedtime routine to signal to your dog that it's time to go to sleep. Dogs respond well to repetitions. 

A very good simple bedtime sequence would be as follows:

1. TIP: Walk
2. clean paws
3. small treat
4. gentle petting
5. and lights off. 

If you can use those same words and activities consistently every night, you will be giving your puppy a consistent bedtime routine that lets them know it is time to sleep. 

Dogs sleep patterns can often be an indicator of how they are feeling overall. 

Look out for the following indicators: 

• Sudden Increase in Sleeping (excessive): This could indicate that your puppy is sick, or in pain. 
• Frequent Waking at Night: This can be due to anxiety, pain or medical issues.
• There are two issues to consider here...loud snoring or breathing difficulty may indicate that your canine has a respiratory issue and/or is overweight. 
• they refuse to sleep in their bed, it could be that their bedding is not comfortable, it could be too hot, or may have a bad odour. 

If either of the above is happening on a frequent basis, it is a good idea to take your dog to the vet. 

All dogs have their own individuality, and you will have to make adjustments to how you approach your dog’s bedtime based on their breed and personality.

• High-energy dogs like border collies or huskies bear a large need for physical exercise and will be reluctant to lay down and go to sleep if they get too little exercise. 
• Sensitive dogs like chihuahuas and pomeranians may be more relaxed and comfortable in quiet environments where their beds encase them providing a sense of protection, and safety. 
• Older dogs and those with medical conditions are more comfortable sleeping on orthopedic-type beds, which will help to support their joints, and they will be more comfortable when resting. 

The following list contains common mistakes made when building and developing your dog's rest schedule.

• Do not create negative associations between your dog and their crate by using it as a punishment or as an opportunity for them to "sleep it off," because you want their resting area to always be somewhere they feel safe and secure.
• Try to avoid making frequent changes in feeding or walking times. 
• Now, if you suddenly make too many changes to when you feed or walk your dog, this can throw off their biological rhythms.
• You should always reward your dog for their calm resting behavior, with praise or treats (once in a while) so your dog will learn to relate relaxation to positive experiences.

Good sleep habits will contribute to your dog's overall health and well-being. If you allow your dog to feel comfortable, have a predictable routine, and have their needs met, the dog will develop good sleep habits. 

If a dog feels safe, they are physically tired and mentally stimulated, then they will develop good sleep habits. Over time, these habits can lead to a calmer, healthier, and happier companion.