Health
How much rest does an Australian Labradoodle really need?
Walking, playing, training and, of course, preferably being involved in everything. Resting? For many Australian Labradoodles, that’s a little lower on their wish list. But did you know that getting enough rest is just as important? Especially for puppies, sleep is essential for growth and for processing all the new experiences they encounter. But how much rest does your Labradoodle actually need?
How many hours does an Australian Labradoodle sleep?
The amount of sleep a dog needs varies depending on their age and the individual dog. A young puppy can easily sleep and rest for 18 to 20 hours a day. That may sound like an incredible amount – something we can only dream of – but puppies have an enormous number of new experiences to process every day.
An adult Labradoodle needs less sleep. As a general guideline, aim for around 12 to 16 hours of sleep and rest per day. Older dogs often need more time to recover and may sleep more, around 16 to 18 hours a day. Don’t focus too much on the exact number of hours, though. Some Labradoodles simply need more rest than others.
A busy dog may actually be tired
You might expect a tired Labradoodle to curl up in their bed and fall asleep. If only it were that easy. Puppies in particular can become incredibly energetic when they’re tired. They may start running around, nipping, barking or suddenly seem to have forgotten that they ever knew how to listen to you.
Adult dogs can also become more restless or irritable when they don’t get enough rest. Does your Labradoodle struggle to settle down after a busy day or react strongly to everything around them? Take a closer look at the balance between activity and relaxation. Perhaps they don’t need another game, but simply a nap.
Create a comfortable place to rest
Having a place of their own helps your Labradoodle retreat and relax. This could be a dog bed, blanket or another comfortable spot in a quiet part of the house. Most importantly, make sure your dog is genuinely left alone when they are there.
This is especially important in households with children. Make it a rule that your dog’s bed or other resting place is off-limits. Is your Labradoodle sleeping there or simply lying quietly and watching what’s going on? Then they shouldn’t be petted, cuddled or encouraged to play. This way, your dog knows there is always a place where nothing is expected of them.
Alternate activity with plenty of rest
Of course, rest doesn’t mean your Labradoodle needs to spend the entire day lying on the sofa. Exercise and mental stimulation are just as important. An adult dog needs several walks spread throughout the day. And don’t just focus on the number of kilometres you cover.
Give your Labradoodle plenty of time to sniff and explore their surroundings at their own pace. To you, it might just be an ordinary lamppost, but to your dog, there’s apparently an entire story to discover. A relaxed walk like this provides both physical and mental stimulation. After walking, playing or training, make sure there is also time to do absolutely nothing.
Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right balance. Pay close attention to your dog, alternate active moments with plenty of rest and remember that doing more isn’t automatically better. Sometimes, stretching out in their bed and doing nothing is exactly what your Labradoodle needs.
