When we think about our dogs' well-being, we usually focus on walks, exercise, play, or training. However, there's a fundamental pillar that often goes unnoticed: rest. Getting enough sleep is not 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 discuss why rest is one of the most overlooked aspects of living with dogs... and why understanding it can make all the difference in their emotional balance.
How dogs sleep and what REM sleep is
A dog's sleep, like ours, 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 their 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 for "energy recovery" but is essential for the dog to process what they have experienced during the day.
How to recognize this phase? It is common to observe small movements of paws, lips, or even soft vocalizations. These are normal signs of deep and restorative sleep... as long as it is not interrupted.
Poor sleep: how it affects us and how it affects dogs
We have all experienced what it's like not to sleep well: irritability, lack of concentration, low frustration tolerance. Something very similar happens in dogs, but with a particularly visible impact on their behavior.
According to ConductCan, a dog can be physically tired and still not rest properly. Physical fatigue does not equate to mental rest. When the nervous system is saturated—due to stress, overstimulation, or lack of routines—the dog can sleep for many hours without achieving truly restorative sleep.
The result is usually a more reactive dog, with difficulties learning, emotionally unstable, and with less capacity to manage their environment.
How much rest does a dog really need according to its age?
The amount of rest a dog needs is not the same at all stages of its life. Antonio explains that puppies, in full physical and neurological development, may need between 18 and 20 hours of sleep a day. In adult dogs, rest usually ranges from 12 to 14 hours a day, while senior dogs again require more rest time 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 occurs become of fundamental importance. It is not just about how much they sleep, but how and where they do it.
Deep rest is key for dogs to process what they have experienced during the day.
How to detect a dog that is not sleeping well
It is not always easy to identify sleep problems, especially when there are no severe symptoms. Some early signs to look for include:
- Difficulty unwinding after walks or activities.
- Fragmented sleep, with frequent awakenings.
- Hyper-vigilance even during calm moments.
- Inconsistent responses to known commands.
- Changes in appetite or digestion.
- Soft repetitive behaviors, such as excessive licking.
- Irritability with people or other dogs in usual situations.
Many times, these signs are normalized or attributed to "character" or "excess energy," when in reality they indicate a lack of quality rest.
What we might be doing wrong at home without realizing it
One of the most common—and well-intentioned—mistakes is confusing a tired dog with a balanced dog. With the idea that "this breed needs a lot of activity," many families pile up long walks, dog parks, intense games, and training... all in one day.
Other factors that influence rest are:
- Not providing a quiet and safe space where the dog won't be disturbed.
- Constantly interrupting their resting moments.
- Placing their bed in high-traffic areas.
- Lack of predictable routines.
- Intense activity right before bed, believing that this will make them "pass out."
Far from helping, this keeps the dog in a state of constant activation that makes deep rest difficult.
Changes to help your dog rest better
The good news is that small adjustments can lead to big improvements.
In the environment:
- Create a respected, quiet, and comfortable resting area.
- Place the bed away from noise, doors, or high-traffic areas.
- Ensure a surface appropriate for their size and that cares for their joints or physical needs.
In the routine:
- Establish predictable schedules for activity and rest.
- Include calm moments throughout the day, not just at night.
- End walks or play with relaxing activities, such as quiet sniffing.
- Avoid intense stimulation in the hours leading up to sleep.
- Reinforce calm behaviors very subtly when the dog relaxes on its own initiative.
From ConductCan, they emphasize 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 concerning signs appear —weight loss, digestive disturbances, aggressive behavior, panic, or anxiety— it is essential to seek professional help.
Rest problems can have medical causes, such as chronic pain or hormonal imbalances, so collaboration between canine educators and veterinarians is essential for a complete and responsible evaluation.
A balanced dog knows how to alternate activity and rest.
What a balanced dog really is
A 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 secure in its environment.
As Antonio Ruiz de Conejo, founder and Director of ConductCan, summarizes:
“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 in the small details of everyday life. Understanding and respecting our dogs' rest not only improves their behavior but also strengthens the bond, coexistence, and their long-term health. That's why we design orthopedic beds designed with their well-being in mind. Because caring for them also means knowing when to simply let them rest.