New owners are often surprised by just how much a young puppy sleeps - and understanding normal sleep patterns helps you plan a calmer routine.
How Much Sleep Is Normal?
Cavoodle puppies typically sleep 18-20 hours a day in the first few months, in short bursts between bouts of play, feeding and exploration. This heavy sleep need supports rapid physical and brain development.
Building a Sleep Routine
Create a calm, consistent bedtime routine - a final toilet break, a quiet wind-down period, and settling into their crate in a dimly lit, quiet space. Consistency helps your puppy learn to self-settle over time.
Overnight Waking
Very young puppies (under 12 weeks) often need one overnight toilet break. Keep this trip calm and low-stimulation - minimal talking, dim lights - so your puppy learns nighttime is for sleeping, not playing.
Daytime Naps
Puppies can become overtired and unusually nippy or hyperactive if they don't get enough daytime sleep - a common and easily missed cause of "witching hour" behaviour in young puppies. A predictable nap routine in a quiet space helps.
When Sleep Patterns Change
As your Cavoodle matures past 6-12 months, total sleep time gradually reduces towards the 12-14 hours typical of an adult dog. Sudden changes in sleep pattern in an older dog are worth mentioning to your vet.
