Puppy Sleep Schedule: How Much Rest Does Your Doodle Need?
Welcome to parenthood, doodle style! If you've just brought home an adorable Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle puppy from My Doodle Crush, you might be wondering why your little furball seems to snooze more than they play. Don't worry—your pup isn't lazy! Those marathon nap sessions are actually essential for their growth and development.
Understanding your doodle's puppy sleep schedule will help you create the perfect routine for your new family member. Here's everything you need to know about the ideal puppy sleep schedule for your Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle.
1. Newborn to 8 Weeks: The Champion Sleepers (Start of Your Puppy Sleep Schedule)
During their first two months of life, doodle puppies are professional sleepers. Newborn puppies typically sleep from 18 to 20 hours a day, which is essential to healthy growth and contributes to the necessary development of the central nervous system, brain, immune system, and muscles.
At My Doodle Crush, our puppies spend these critical early weeks with their moms and littermates, getting all the rest they need while we handle their early socialization and care. By the time your puppy comes home (usually around 8 weeks), they’ve established healthy sleep patterns that you’ll continue to nurture.
2. 8 to 16 Weeks: Maintaining a Consistent Puppy Sleep Schedule
Even after you bring your doodle puppy home, expect them to maintain that 18-20 hour puppy sleep schedule. You can expect that a 2-3 months old puppy will sleep about 16-20 hours a day, though there is variation based on your specific dog, his daily schedule and environment.
This is completely normal! Your mini Goldendoodle (30-40 pounds as adults) or mini Bernedoodle (20-40 pounds as adults) is growing rapidly during this stage. Those frequent naps fuel the incredible transformation from tiny fluffball to your future best friend. Think of it as their bodies working overtime to build strong bones, develop their brain, and boost their immune system.
3. 4 to 6 Months: Adjusting Your Puppy Sleep Schedule for Teens
As your doodle enters the “teenager” phase, you’ll notice they’re awake and active for longer stretches. They’ll still need about 14-16 hours of sleep per day, but the puppy sleep schedule pattern shifts. Instead of constant catnaps, they’ll have more defined wake and sleep periods.
This is when establishing a consistent puppy sleep schedule becomes crucial. Puppies benefit from consistent bedtimes to minimize anxiety and promote a predictable routine. Your doodle will start sleeping through more of the night (hooray!), though they may still need a midnight potty break.
4. 6 Months to 1 Year: Settling Into Adult Patterns
By six months, yourGoldendoodle or Bernedoodle is starting to look less like a puppy and more like a mini version of their adult self. Their sleep needs will gradually decrease to about 12-14 hours per day. They’ll still take naps during the day, but they’ll have much more stamina for playtime, training, and all those adorable doodle antics.
This is also when you’ll see their unique personality really shine—whether they’re the playful adventurer or the cuddly lap dog. Our puppies at My Doodle Crush are bred for wonderful temperaments, and this age is when those traits really blossom!
5. Creating the Perfect Puppy Sleep Schedule for Your Doodle
Here’s the secret: puppies thrive on routine! Young puppies sleep a great deal of the time, and family members, especially young children, should learn not to disturb them when they’re sleeping.
Set consistent times for meals, play, potty breaks, and sleep. Most doodle puppies do well with this puppy sleep schedule:
- Morning wake-up and potty break
- Breakfast followed by playtime
- Mid-morning nap (1-2 hours)
- Potty break and training session
- Afternoon nap (1-2 hours)
- Evening play and family time
- Dinner and final potty break
- Bedtime routine
The more predictable their puppy sleep schedule, the better your puppy will sleep—and the better YOU’LL sleep too!
6. Signs Your Doodle Needs More Rest (Beyond the Normal Puppy Sleep Schedule)
Even with a perfect puppy sleep schedule, sometimes your doodle might need extra rest. Watch for these signs:
- Getting cranky or nippy (yes, puppies get overtired just like toddlers!)
- Excessive hyperactivity or “zoomies” (often a sign they need to wind down)
- Difficulty focusing during training
- Clumsiness or stumbling
- Excessive yawning or eye rubbing
When possible, avoid waking a sleeping puppy and maximize the amount of time it spends napping. If your doodle is showing these signs, it’s time for a quiet nap in their crate or favorite sleeping spot.
7. Where Should Your Doodle Sleep?
Both Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles are social creatures who love being near their family. While it’s up to you where your puppy sleeps, many families find success with:
- Crate training: A cozy crate in your bedroom helps puppies feel secure and makes nighttime potty training easier
- Puppy playpen: A safe enclosed area with a bed and puppy pads for younger pups
- Dog bed in your room: Once fully house-trained, many doodles graduate to a comfy bed near their humans
At My Doodle Crush, our puppies are introduced to crate training before going home, giving them a head start on sleeping independently. Whichever option you choose, consistency is key for establishing healthy sleep habits.
8. Night Waking: What's Normal?
During the first few weeks home, expect some middle-of-the-night wake-ups. A general rule is that puppies can last about one hour per month of age without a potty break, meaning a three-month-old puppy might need a potty break every three to four hours.
When your puppy wakes you up at 2 AM, keep it boring! Take them outside quietly with minimal interaction, let them do their business, and put them right back to bed. No playtime, no treats, no excitement. They’ll quickly learn that nighttime is for sleeping, not partying.
Sweet Dreams and the Perfect Puppy Sleep Schedule for Your Doodle!
Understanding your puppy’s sleep needs and following a proper puppy sleep schedule is one of the best things you can do as a new doodle parent. Puppies can sleep up to 18 to 20 hours a day to support their rapid growth and development, and honoring that puppy sleep schedule sets them up for a healthy, happy life.
At My Doodle Crush, we breed our Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles for health, temperament, and appearance. We want every puppy to thrive in their forever home, and that starts with proper rest! Our family-raised puppies are already accustomed to healthy routines before they come home to you.
Whether you’re bringing home one of our beautiful red Goldendoodles, a gorgeous sable Bernedoodle, or one of our F1 mini English Goldendoodles, rest assured (pun intended!) that proper sleep will help them grow into the amazing companion you’ve been dreaming of.
Ready to add a My Doodle Crush puppy to your family? Visit us at mydoodlecrush.com to learn more about our available litters and our 2-year health guarantee! 🐾