When we think about our dogs' well-being, we usually focus on walks, exercise, play, and training. However, there's a fundamental pillar that often goes unnoticed: rest. Sleeping well isn't a luxury or a reward for a dog; it's a basic physiological need that directly influences their health, behavior, and ability to learn.
In collaboration with ConductCan , a center specializing in canine education and behavior, and based on the experience of its founder and director, Antonio Ruiz de Conejo, we address why rest is one of the great forgotten aspects of living with dogs… and why understanding it can mark a before and after in their emotional balance.
What is sleep like in dogs and what is REM sleep?
Just like our own sleep, dogs' sleep is composed of different phases. One of the most important is the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase. During this time, the dog's body is deeply relaxed, but its brain remains very active.
It is during this phase that key processes such as learning consolidation, protein synthesis, and cell regeneration occur. Therefore, rest not only allows the dog to "recover energy," but is also essential for processing the day's experiences.
How can you recognize this phase? It's common to see small movements of legs, lips, or even soft vocalizations. These are normal signs of deep, restorative sleep… as long as it's not interrupted.
Poor sleep: how it affects us and how it affects dogs
We've all experienced the effects of poor sleep: irritability, lack of concentration, low frustration tolerance. Dogs experience something very similar, but with a particularly noticeable impact on their behavior.
According to ConductCan , a dog can be physically tired and still not get adequate rest. Physical exhaustion does not equate to mental rest. When the nervous system is overloaded—due to stress, overstimulation, or a lack of routine—a dog can sleep for many hours without achieving truly restorative sleep.
The result is usually a more reactive dog, with learning difficulties, emotionally unstable, and with a reduced ability to manage its environment.
How much rest does a dog really need depending on its age?
The amount of rest a dog needs varies throughout its life. Antonio explains that puppies, in the midst of their physical and neurological development, may need between 18 and 20 hours of sleep per day. Adult dogs typically require between 12 and 14 hours of rest daily, while senior dogs need even more rest to promote joint and muscle recovery.
Understanding this need is key: if a dog spends so many hours resting, the quality of that rest and the environment in which it takes place become fundamentally important. It's not just about how much sleep, but how and where it happens.
Deep rest is key for the dog to process what it experienced during the day.
How to tell if a dog isn't sleeping well
It's not always easy to identify sleep problems, especially when there are no serious symptoms. Some early signs to watch out for include:
- Difficulty switching off after walks or activities.
- Fragmented sleep, with frequent awakenings.
- Hypervigilance even in calm moments.
- Inconsistent responses to orders I already knew.
- Changes in appetite or digestion.
- Soft repetitive behaviors, such as excessive licking.
- Irritability with people or other dogs in everyday situations.
Often, these signs are normalized or attributed to "character" or "excess energy," when in reality they are indicating a lack of quality rest.
What might we be doing wrong at home without realizing it?
One of the most common—and well-intentioned—mistakes is confusing a tired dog with a well-balanced one. Under the assumption that "this breed needs a lot of activity," many families cram long walks, dog park visits, intense play sessions, and training sessions... all into a single day.
Other factors that influence rest include:
- Not providing a quiet and safe space where the dog will not be disturbed.
- Constantly interrupting their rest periods.
- Place your bed in areas of continuous passage.
- Lack of predictable routines.
- Intense activity right before going to sleep, believing that this will "make him fall asleep".
Far from helping, this keeps the dog in a constant state of activation that makes it difficult to get deep rest.
What changes can I make to help my dog rest better?
The good news is that small adjustments can lead to big improvements.
In the environment:
- Create a respected, quiet and comfortable rest area.
- Place the bed away from noise, doors, or passageways.
- Ensure a surface that is appropriate to their size and that takes care of their joints or physical needs.
In the routine:
- Establish predictable activity and rest schedules.
- Include moments of calm during the day as well, not just at night.
- End walks or games with relaxing activities, such as quiet sniffing.
- Avoid intense stimulation in the hours before sleep.
- Reinforce calming behaviors very subtly when the dog relaxes on its own initiative.
ConductCan emphasizes a key point: rest should not be seen as a reward, but as an essential part of the educational process and daily well-being.
When changes are not enough: seek professional help
If after two or three weeks of adjustments there is no improvement, or if more worrying signs appear —weight loss, digestive problems, aggressive behavior, panic or anxiety— it is essential to seek professional help.
Sleep problems can have medical causes, such as chronic pain or hormonal imbalances, so collaboration between dog trainers and veterinarians is essential for a complete and responsible assessment.
A well-balanced dog knows how to alternate between activity and rest.
What is a truly balanced dog?
A well-balanced dog is not one that is exhausted at the end of the day. It is a dog that has learned to alternate activity with quality rest, that can disconnect, relax, and feel safe in its environment.
As summarized by Antonio Ruiz de Conejo, founder and Director of ConductCan :
“A balanced dog is not an exhausted dog. It is a dog that has learned to alternate activity with quality rest.”
At Pethijos, we believe that well-being begins with the small details of everyday life. Understanding and respecting our dogs' need for rest not only improves their behavior but also strengthens the bond, improves coexistence, and enhances their long-term health. Because caring for them also means knowing when to simply let them rest.