If we could tell every new puppy owner just one thing, it would be this:
Your puppy needs more rest than you think.
We know, it sounds weird. You just brought home your adorable new Goldendoodle, and they’re so cute when they’re awake. You want to play with them, show them off to friends and family, let the kids interact with them constantly. But here’s what we’ve learned from raising dozens of litters: a tired puppy that hasn’t had enough sleep isn’t a playful puppy. It’s an overstimulated, nippy, hyper mess.
Puppies need between 15-20 hours of sleep a day. Not quiet time in their pen. Actually sleeping. Most new owners have no idea this is normal, so when their 8-week-old puppy is acting like a tiny furry tornado at 7pm, they think something is wrong. Nope. They just need a nap.
Here’s what we see happen: You bring your puppy home Friday evening. The grandparents come over Saturday morning. Your neighbor stops by Sunday to meet the new baby. Your kid has a birthday party and three friends want to come see the puppy. By Sunday night, your cute little fluffball has turned into a land shark, biting everything and everyone, refusing to listen to anything, and basically seeming like the worst puppy ever.
It’s not the puppy. They’re exhausted.
The difference in behavior between a well-rested puppy and an overstimulated one is night and day. A puppy who has gotten enough sleep is calmer, listens better, trains easier, and is honestly just nicer to be around. The biting stops. The crazy zoomies are less frequent. They’re more affectionate instead of defensive.
So here’s our advice: for the first few weeks especially, keep your puppy’s schedule pretty protected. Yes, let them meet people and socialize (that’s important). But don’t do it all at once. One visitor or outing at a time, followed by quiet time and a nap. If relatives want to meet your puppy and they’re planning to stay for hours, schedule it early in the day when your pup still has some energy to spare. Plan for them to need a nap afterward.
Put your puppy in their crate for quiet time (it should be a happy place, not a punishment). Put them on a consistent schedule. If they seem crazy, don’t assume you got a difficult puppy. Usually, they’re just telling you they’re tired.
This one thing changed everything for us. We hope it helps you too.