The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds. Their friendly nature and ability to train makes them great family pets, but what is it really like to own one? Can you expect them to be busybodies or are they long sleepers?
When you own a dog you will gradually learn about their needs and personalities. This includes what they eat, their grooming requirements, and important health information.
This article will explore the sleeping habits of Golden Retrievers. This will help you know what kind of rest a healthy dog needs and if you should have any concerns about sleeping patterns.
Table of Contents
How Many Hours A Day Does A Golden Retriever Sleep?
Knowing how much sleep your dog should get through the different stages of their lives is important. This can help you ensure they get the rest they need and identify any underlying health problems that make them sleep too much or too little.
How Much Does A Golden Retriever Puppy Sleep?
Sleep is essential for the development of Golden Retriever puppies. They will typically sleep up to 20 hours per day. This allows the puppy’s central nervous system, muscles, and brain to develop. The energy saved while sleeping is diverted to the puppy’s growth.
For the first two to three weeks of a Golden Retriever Puppy’s life, it won’t do much apart from sleep and feed. They will need to stay close to the mother and their litter as they are not able to regulate their temperatures.
Golden Retriever puppies shouldn’t be separated from their mother until they reach at least 8 weeks. After this, they can be taken home, where they will sleep between 18 and 20 hours per day.
You will need to feed a Golden Retriever puppy three times per day. They will typically sleep after they feed. You should also take your puppy for regular potty breaks when they are awake as they are not able to control their bladder.
You should try to create a good routine for your puppy in terms of naps, feeding times, and potty breaks. This will help to toilet-train the dog and ensure it gets the rest it needs to fully develop.
How Many Hours A Day Do Adult and Adolescent Golden Retrievers Sleep?
As your Golden Retriever Puppy grows to become an adolescent, the amount of sleep required will drop. The amount of sleep that adolescent and adult Golden Retrievers need every day is typically between 12 and 14 hours but can be as much as 18 hours.
There will be times when this varies, and it is important that you can identify why any sleeping patterns may change.
How Many Hours A Day Do Senior Golden Retrievers Sleep?
Senior Golden Retrievers sleep slightly more than adolescent and adult dogs, and this will typically be between 16 and 18 hours.
Most older dogs tend to slow down a bit as they get older. This can mean longer naps.
Older Golden Retrievers don’t need the physical exercise that younger dogs do. However, they still require mental stimulation and attention.
Senior Golden Retrievers may sleep more if they develop mobility issues or are on medication.
Why Do Golden Retrievers Sleep So Much?
There are many factors to consider why your Golden Retriever sleeps so much. You should expect Golden Retriever puppies to sleep for most of the day. This is perfectly natural and allows them to develop fully.
The amount your adult Golden Retriever sleeps will be determined by a number of factors. These factors are useful to know as they could help you identify any underlying issues that your dog may have.
Personality
The first thing to consider is your dog’s personality. There are no set rules for exactly how long your Golden Retriever sleeps. After time you will understand your own dog’s sleeping patterns.
If your dog suddenly changes from regular sleeping patterns or you have any other concerns, you should always speak with your vet.
Environment
Changes to a dog’s environment can disturb regular sleeping habits and cause them to sleep more. Moving house or introducing a new animal to your home can do this.
Weather
Warm weather can also be a contributing factor to your Golden Retriever sleeping more. This is because Golden Retrievers are a double-coat breed and they can struggle to regulate their body temperature in hot weather.
Illness
If your Golden Retriever is sleeping more and this seems out of character, there may be an underlying illness. Looking out for other symptoms and ensuring it is still eating and drinking is important.
Speaking with a veterinarian can help you to determine whether they are sleeping more because of illness or other factors.
Lack Of Mental Stimulation
Golden Retrievers are very active breeds and require a lot of exercise. They are also a very intelligent breed and need a lot of mental stimulation.
A lack of mental stimulation can lead to your dog becoming bored and may result in them becoming lethargic and sleeping more.
Why Is Sleep Important For A Golden Retriever?
We have already covered the importance of sleep to your Golden Retriever puppy’s development. However, dogs of all ages require a good amount of sleep as well.
Adolescents in particular need structure around their sleep as they may not know when to rest and this can result in the dog burning out. A structured sleep routine can help with training and behavioral issues.
Adult Golden Retrievers will typically know when they should rest, but it is still important to keep an eye on them, especially after they eat.
Golden Retrievers shouldn’t exert themselves after eating as this can increase the risk of bloat. Bloat is a life-threatening condition where the dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists. This can restrict the blood supply and can be fatal if the dog does not receive urgent treatment.
What Can Affect A Golden Retriever’s Sleep?
There are a number of factors that can affect the sleep patterns of Golden Retrievers. While dog owners may have concerns about their Golden Retrievers sleeping too much, it can be just as worrying for dogs not to get enough rest.
The following causes can result in Golden Retrievers losing sleep:
Illness
If a Golden Retriever is ill it can disturb its sleep. This can be particularly frustrating as sleep is essential to recover from illness and lack of sleep can lead to further health issues. If you have concerns about your dog’s health you should speak with your veterinarian.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can also cause your dog to lose sleep. Golden Retrievers are a very social breed and build strong bonds with their owners.
This is perfect for people that want a loving family dog, but it can mean the dog suffers from separation anxiety when away from its owners.
Crate training your Golden Retriever from a young age will minimize the risk of separation anxiety. It also gives them their own sleeping space.
Unfamiliar Surroundings
Moving home or taking your Golden Retriever on holiday can be a confusing time for them. It can take dogs a while to get comfortable in new spaces, and this may affect their sleeping habits.
Showing the dog around a new property and taking a blanket or toys that have the dog’s scent can help them feel more comfortable quickly.
Lack Of Exercise
It is important that Golden Retrievers get the exercise they need to ensure they fall asleep easily. Dogs with pent-up energy can display behavioral issues and struggle to settle in the evenings.
If you are unable to regularly walk your dog because of other commitments, injury, or illness, hiring a dog walker is recommended. A tired dog is much more likely to enjoy a night of quality sleep.
Injury
A sleep-deprived Golden Retriever may be carrying an injury that makes it difficult for them to get comfortable. Ensuring adult Golden Retrievers’ sleep is not interrupted will help with injury recovery.
The Top Tips To Ensure Your Golden Retriever Enjoys A Quality Sleep
Golden Retriever puppies sleep most of the day, and it is unlikely that you will have issues with this.
To ensure your dog sleeps well, there are a few steps you can take. The following tips will help Golden Retriever owners with adolescent, adult, and senior dogs battle sleep deprivation.
Exercise
If you want your dog to sleep soundly it is essential that they are regularly exercised. A minimum of 2 hours of exercise every day should tire your dog out.
Spreading your dog’s exercise throughout the day will keep them engaged and should include walking, running, and playing.
A nightly walk is advised as this allows your dog to go to the toilet and tires them out before bedtime. If you only walk your dog in the morning it may have excess energy to burn off by bedtime.
Mental Stimulation
Golden Retrievers are an intelligent breed and need to be mentally stimulated. Taking your dog on regular walks will allow them to explore and engage with different sights and scents. Your dog might interact with other people and dogs as well, which can be great for their development.
Failure to mentally stimulate your dog can lead to issues with their sleeping pattern. There are lots of ways to engage with your dog in your home.
Using food dispensing toys is a great way to make your dog work for their food. They get to play with the toy and are rewarded with the food that drops out of it.
Playtime with your dog in your home is also important. Using puzzle toys for them to play with can keep them occupied and entertained.
Teaching your dog tricks is a great way to spend time and bond with them. It’s also a great way for them to get mental stimulation. Over time, the tricks you teach your dog can grow more complex and can also improve their obedience.
Routine
The importance of a good bedtime routine for your dog is essential – just like it is for us! Starting this from a young age will help your dog understand when bedtime is and teach them that it is not a bad thing.
An evening walk that allows them to go to the toilet will minimize the risk of them needing to go in the night. It should also tire them out.
Dogs work well with routines and giving them a specific bedtime toy can help with this.
Too many new toys can get them too stimulated before bedtime. Using the same toy will help to signify it is time for them to go to their bed or crate.
Diet
Your dog’s diet will have a significant impact on its overall health and well-being, which includes how well they sleep.
A good diet is essential for a dog’s development and some food can be difficult for the dog to digest. This can lead to the dog being windy, lethargic, and irritable.
Certain ingredients in high-quality dog food can improve sleep. Turkey is high in the amino acid L-tryptophan which has been shown to regulate sleep.
Finding the best puppy food for Golden Retrievers will help with the puppy’s growth and development. It will also ensure it doesn’t cause any sleep problems.
Comfortable Sleeping Area
Getting your dog a comfortable bed gives it a designated sleeping area. Crate training your dog from an early age also gives them their own safe space that they associate with sleep.
It is important that you try not to send dogs to their bed or crate as a punishment. This will give the area negative connotations for your dog. Their sleep area should be seen as a restful zone for them to relax.
FAQs
Can Golden Retrievers oversleep?
Knowing how much sleep your adult Golden Retriever should get will help you determine whether they are sleeping too much. Oversleeping and lethargy in dogs can be caused by underlying health issues.
It could also be caused by a poor diet and lack of exercise. Keeping a close eye on your dog’s development and any changes in its sleep cycle will help you identify any potential issues.
Your vet will be able to give you advice as your dog grows and help with any queries or concerns.
How can I tell if my Golden Retriever is not getting enough sleep?
If your dog is suffering from sleep deprivation it may show negative behavioral traits. Much like humans, dogs aren’t at their best if they don’t get enough sleep. This can result in the dog failing to follow simple commands as easily as usual.
It can also lead to increased aggression or irritability. This can be very serious for families with young children. Although Golden Retrievers have a loving nature, it is important they don’t show aggression near children.
Another symptom is increased separation anxiety. This is another issue that can result in behavioral issues. This underlines the importance of identifying what is causing your dog’s sleep problems.
Should Golden Retriever puppies nap regularly?
All young puppies require plenty of sleep to develop properly, and Golden Retrievers are no different.
Golden Receiver puppies will nap throughout the day. In between this, they will eat, play, and go to the toilet.
It is essential that puppies get enough food to aid their growth. Play is also needed for them to develop socially and physically. Sleeping in between this allows the puppy’s body to focus its energy on muscle development and growth.
They can sleep as much as 20 hours every day before it gradually starts to reduce to between 12 and 14 hours.
Should I let my Golden Retriever sleep in my bed?
It is your own personal choice whether you allow your dog to sleep in your bed. However, giving your dog their own bed or crate training can minimize the risk of separation anxiety and ensure they have their own safe sleeping area.
Final Thoughts
Adult Retrievers will have a snooze for between 12 and 14 hours on average. Puppies sleep the most with as much as 20 hours of sleep per day, while senior dogs tend to start sleeping for longer periods as they get older.
A well-rested Golden Retriever is a healthy one, so keeping an eye out for any issues will minimize the risk of the dog becoming sleep deprived.
You can find out more about the Golden Retriever breed by exploring other topics here at Barksinthepark! Discover everything you need to know about this wonderful breed right here!