Golden Retriever Sleeping: 9 Genuine FAQs Needed Answered!

Although it`s a significant part of the life of a Golden Retriever, sleeping is most of the time overlooked.

Lots of dog owners experience issues when talking about their Golden`s sleeping habits.

This is in part because of the owners` lack of experience, but also due to lack of knowledge. The latter can easily be improved by researching for the missing information.

This is where we thought to come into help and list a few of the most common FAQs we are essential for a Golden Retriever`s sleeping routine.

Do Golden Retrievers Like to Sleep?

If your Retriever is sleeping a lot, you might be wondering if it might have a health issue or it simply love it.

Yes, Goldies like to sleep and just be lazy sometimes if they don`t have “something” to do. Some Goldens will just laze around even if not sleeping, while their owners will ask themselves if this is normal or not.

Some teenager puppies will be more playful and may sleep for a few hours lesser. However, sleeping for longer periods of time is perfectly normal in both pups and adult Retrievers.

How Many Hours a Day Does a Golden Retriever Sleep?

An adult Retriever will typically sleep anywhere between 12 and 14 hours per day, while the puppies or laziest Goldens will even go as far as 18 hours a day.

In fact, there are lots of different reasons why your dog may seem to sleep more than normal. One needs to find out the cause of his dog sleeping so much before knowing what can be done about this.

Does My Golden Puppy Need a Sleep Schedule?

Pretty much like human babies, Golden puppies also play or try to always explore their own surroundings until they tire out. Thus, they may require anywhere between 18 and 20 sleeping hours to fully recover.

According to Nicole, due to the fact that they aren`t really physically able to go for really long stretches at night without relief, they`ll need a sleeping schedule.

In order to find out just how much sleep your Retriever pup require before taking a potty break, go for this rule of thumb: Count 1 hour for each and every month of their life and then add one.

For instance, if your little Goldie is 5-month old, they might need to sleep for 6 hours before being to run all over the place again.

After 9 – 10 months, lots of Retrievers only need 10 – 12 hours. Canines that were recently rescued might require a bit more structure regarding their sleeping schedules at night as well.

What Defines a Retriever`s Sleep Schedule?

Some Goldens have a tendency of spending a lot of their time asleep or awake, but somehow relaxing.

Older Retriever need more sleep for the simple reason they get tired a lot more easily. In fact, it`s a general rule of thumb that the bigger the dog breed, the more time dogs need dozing.

The essential consideration for the sleep schedule of a dog is how often and when they require relief.

A professional trainer from the Philadelphia area, Nicole LaRocco-Skeehan, states:

When we talk about whether to let dogs sleep late, 95% of the time, we’re talking about bathroom issues… The dog is getting up in the middle of the night, going elsewhere and peeing, and coming back to bed.

Should I Let My Dog Sleep Late Every Day? – American Kennel Club

For a canine that develops bathroom problems overnight, you might want to rethink the entire schedule of their meals as well. Nicole says:

It’s simple — calories in, calories out… If you’re trying to figure out when it’s coming out, you need to know when it’s coming in.

Should I Let My Dog Sleep Late Every Day? – American Kennel Club

Why My Golden Sleeps So Much?

Here are some possible causes why your Retriever might seem to sleep more than usual.

Nature

One of the most common reasons for your little pal taking naps more often for longer periods of time it`s simply because it comes for it naturally. Typically, it`s normal for a large canine such as a Golden to sleep around 12 – 14 hours a day.

As we`ll find out soon, if your dog is too young or too old, most likely it will sleep longer.

Boredom

Retrievers need exercises every day! If your fluffy friend has taken more naps might be because your dog isn`t properly stimulated.

In general, it`s advisable for you to offer your pooch at least 1 hour of physical exercise a day. Daily walks in the park, playing fetch or taking your little pal to the beach it`s usually more than enough.

Age

Pups tend to sleep longer than adult Golden Retrievers since the little ones are growing at a first rate when being young. In order to rebuild their muscles, they need more sleep.

This is also why you`ll see a Retriever puppy or teenager sleeping for even 15 – 18 hours per day.

Hot Weather

If it`s too hot, your Goldie might start feeling lethargic and might sleep longer periods of time.

In such situations, it may help to cool your dog down by doing morning and evening walks, or having access to cool rooms or shaded areas.

If your dog still tends to sleep more even though the weather has cooled down, get in touch with a vet.

Diet

It might very well be your dog`s diet that is causing this issue. Not feeding your canine enough food, feeding it too much or sudden change in its diet might lead to more sleep sessions.

Do your research and learn new tips in what your dog needs to eat to have an overall healthy well-being! Consulting your local veterinarian and following his guidelines is also recommended in these cases!

Illness

A medical condition might cause for your furry friend to sleep longer. This usually tends to happen all of a sudden and it may also show various symptoms like fatigue or vomiting.

In such a case, it`s recommended to take your canine to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Do Golden Retrievers Sleep With Their Owners?

This question deserves a surrounding “yes” despite the long debate among canine owners. Your Retriever can sleep with its owner in the same bed just fine.

Actually generally speaking, this provides so many benefits which include making both you and your furry friend feel safer during sleep as well as strengthening your better bond with your little friend.

Other than this, you have to be aware of all the aspects of this issue to better understand this specific debate. Only then you can be sure the decision of sleeping with your Golden is a good decision.

Why Do Golden Retrievers Sleep Weird?

It all depends on many factors. For instance, if at a given moment you find your Retriever sleep on its back and inside your home is rather warm, most likely your canine companion is only attempting to stay cool.

Your dog`s underside belly doesn`t have that fur as on its back, so it`s probably only trying to get more air on the less insulated area of the body.

Where Should Golden Retrievers Sleep at Night?

No matter if we are talking about a new pup or an adult Golden Retriever you just brought inside your household, the very first sleeping tips for any dog of this breed is establishing a safe area where your dog can sleep.

This can either be a crate, kennel or dog bed with a cute blanket on it.

Although establishing a sleeping place for your fluffy friend is essential, you might also have to train the little fella` to go to its sleeping area on its own. This usually happens after you make sleeping arrangements where you notice dog is more inclined to sleep at will. – Click here!

Note: Don`t pick your canine and move it to its sleeping area as this may create a negative experience with its sleeping space.

Do Golden Retrievers Need Blankets?

If the weather outside is really cold and temperatures drop under 7°C, it`s best if your Golden Retriever will get a blanket.

Your Goldie will be able to tolerate weathers anywhere between 7°C and 32°C. With lower temperatures than this, be certain to have a fireplace near your Retriever or keep a cozy blanket near just in case.

Conclusion

When it comes to your Golden Retriever, sleeping although often overlooked is so significant. This is an essential aspect of keeping your little pal happy and healthy.

Your canine companion needs to sleep as much as it feels it needs it. However, if this starts happening more than normal, you should pay attention at changes in your pooch`s behavior or appearance.

In such a case, any signs of lethargy or weakness requires your vet`s attention right away!