The Art Of Puppy Naps

Puppy Naps - that is what we call "alone time" in our household.  In an active household of multiple dogs & cats, Puppy Naps give our dogs a much needed break from the rest of the pack.  Puppy Naps allow our dogs to have peace and quiet, which allows them to truly unwind and relax.

Puppy Naps are not just for puppies - adult dogs benefit from naps as well.  Khruiz, my 5 year old male Belgian Sheepdog, still takes Puppy Naps every day.  While he enjoys being with the rest of the pack, he also gets grouchy if he doesn't get some time to himself.  Every day, he asks to go to bed.  He likes to lounge on my bed (this is also the only time he gets to hog the whole bed!). And throughout the day, our dogs crawl in to their crates (the doors are open during the day) to grab a quick nap when they need a break.

Puppy Naps also help young puppies learn that it is okay to be alone- that even though we (the humans and other dogs) are in the house, we don't all have to be together every waking moment.  Teaching your puppy to be away from you also helps to deter separation anxiety.

When you are home, what is the percentage of time that your puppy (or dog) is in the same room with you? Do you find that your pup begins to panic if you step outside without them?  Is your dog already starting to show signs of anxiety (excessive drooling, destructive behavior, barking, etc.) when you leave?  It may be time to start instituting Puppy Naps in your house....

In the beginning, keep Puppy Naps short and stack the deck in your favor:
1. Make sure your pup has had mental and physical exercise (a tired puppy is less likely to fuss about being away from you).

2. Place the pup in a room that they are comfortable resting in (usually the room where they sleep at night). If your dog enjoys their crate, make it available to them.

3. Give them a new bone or toy - something that you feel safe leaving them with- that will occupy their minds.  Remember that Puppy Naps does not mean they MUST sleep, just that they hang out by themselves.  If your dog fusses, ignore them - going back to quiet them will only teach your dog that all they have to do is fuss, and you will magically appear!

4. Keep the naps short at first- 5 to 10 minutes if your dog is new to Puppy Naps.  On days when you are home for several hours at a time, give your pup several short naps to help speed the learning process along.

5. It is important in the beginning that you stay in the house as well!  If your dog is showing signs of separation anxiety, having you going outside can cause more anxiety - all while you are trying to show your dog that naps are good!  Select a calm, quiet project to do while your puppy learns about naps, or take a short nap yourself!

As your dog becomes more comfortable with Puppy Naps, you can extend the nap time, wean off the bone or toy, and the increase the activities that you do during their naps.  And you may find your puppy starts giving itself a self-appointed nap!


It's been a long day... I think I'll go take a Puppy Nap! ~ Katrina