How much do puppies sleep?
A lot. Lab puppies sleep 16 to 20 hours a day, in many short stretches. Naps are not optional; they are when puppies grow and process what they learned. An overtired puppy gets nippy, wild or cranky. If your puppy is acting like a tornado, a nap is probably overdue.
Set up a sleep space
Use a crate of the right size, with a divider so there is room to lie down and turn around but not to use one end as a bathroom. Place it in your bedroom for the first few weeks. Puppies feel safer near their people, and you will hear when they need a potty break. The blanket we send home smells like the litter and can help your puppy settle.
A bedtime routine
- Last meal two to three hours before bed
- Play and exercise in the evening, then calm down
- Last potty trip right before bed
- Lights low, quiet voice, same spot each night
Routines tell your puppy sleep is coming. Dogs learn them fast.
Night potty breaks
Puppies cannot hold it all night at first. A common guideline is that a puppy can hold their bladder for about one hour per month of age. An eight-week-old may need one or two nighttime trips, and a four-month-old can often sleep through. Keep them calm: carry your puppy outside, say little, no play, then straight back to the crate. See our crate and potty training guide.
What to do about crying
Crying in the first few nights is normal; your puppy has just left their littermates. Check that they have been out, are comfortable and are not too hot or cold. If they just want company, a short, quiet reassurance can help. Avoid letting your puppy out of the crate every time they fuss, since that teaches them crying works. If crying escalates and you think they need to go, take them out and then return to the crate.
Daytime naps matter
Teach your puppy to nap in the crate during the day too. Short naps, a chew and a closed door help build independence. Aim for a nap after every play session and meal. This also prevents bedtime from being the only time they are crated.
Common sleep problems
- Waking at 4 or 5 a.m.: often hunger, a full bladder or light. Try blackout curtains and slightly later bedtime.
- Won't settle: more exercise earlier in the day, and a calm wind-down.
- Accidents in the crate: crate may be too big, or breaks too far apart.
Milestones
Many Lab puppies sleep five to six hours by 10 to 12 weeks, and through the night by four or five months. Every puppy is different, so do not worry if yours takes longer.
Safety
Never leave collars with tags in the crate, remove unsafe toys and make sure bedding cannot be swallowed. Provide a puppy-safe chew only when you are around to supervise.
Read more in your Lab puppy's first week home and the new puppy checklist.
A sample 24 hours with a 9-week-old
6:30 a.m. potty and breakfast. 7:15 play and training. 8:00 nap in the crate. 10:00 potty, play, short outing in the yard. 11:00 lunch and nap. Early afternoon: potty, a bit of exploring and training. Late afternoon: dinner. Evening: calm play, then a final potty trip around 10 or 11 p.m. Overnight: one or two quiet potty breaks. Your puppy will nap after every meal and play session, often for an hour or two each time.
Why puppies wake at night
- A full bladder, especially in the first weeks
- Hunger, if the last meal was early
- Loneliness, since they are used to littermates
- Discomfort from heat, cold, light or noise
- Teething pain around three to five months
Helpful extras
A white-noise machine can mask household sounds. A snuggle toy with a heartbeat, or a worn T-shirt from you, can ease separation anxiety. Some puppies settle better with a covered crate (leave airflow). Keep the room cool, and leave a small light or night light if your puppy seems uneasy in total darkness.
When to ask for help
If your puppy cries for hours without settling, pants heavily, drools, refuses all food or seems truly distressed, call your vet. Most sleep struggles are normal and fade within a couple of weeks of consistent routines. If you are one of our families, you are welcome to call or text us anytime.
Questions? Talk to a real person
The first week is the hardest, and we are glad to help you through it. Call or text (919) 899-8917, browse our available puppies, or send us a note. There's no cost and no pressure in asking.