How to Keep a Puppy Awake

Similar to babies, puppies need their sleep in order to develop and grow up to be healthy adult dogs. The average puppy can sleep up to 20 hours a day. However, if your puppy seems to be nocturnal and sleeps during the late hours of the day but is up and playing at nighttime, you can have many sleepless nights. To correct this, adjust your puppy's sleep schedule and incorporate measures to keep it awake during part of the day that it would normally sleep.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Schedule regular nap times for your puppy during the day. Having set nap times can make it so your puppy is awake or asleep during the same times each day.

    • 2

      Play with your puppy during the day and keep it entertained. Occupying your pup with fun games may make him forget all about sleeping. Throw a ball or stick and have your puppy fetch it, or use commercial dog toys to stimulate your pup's interest.

    • 3

      Observe your puppy. If you catch it falling asleep during a time it should be awake, take it for a walk outdoors. The potty break will wake up your pup. If your puppy lies down to sleep while you walk it, lift it back up on its feet and keep moving.

    • 4

      Provide your puppy with treat-filled puzzle toys to keep it busy while you're not home. Instead of sleeping, your puppy will be too busy trying to figure out how to get to the treats. These toys can be purchased at many big retailers and at most pets stores.