The Importance of Zzzz

Sleep and relaxation are imperative to a healthy and happy lifestyle for our dogs. As pet owners we plan for and schedule activities to keep our dog’s minds and bodies busy. However, have you considered scheduling essential downtime into your dog’s day?

Training should be followed by sleep!

This concept was first introduced to me at the beginning of my protection sport career. Not only was having our dogs safely contained in their kennel after a workout necessary for the smooth running of a club training day but it was also beneficial to the dog as napping in-between sessions or on the ride home helped them soak up what they had just learned. Now, scientists have confirmed this!

When working with clients in their home the last bit of our session usually involves the dog or puppy attempting to nap while we go over homework and I answer questions. When I notice this I tell my clients to let their dog nap or to put them away to aid in the retention process.

When working with client’s dogs at my home during a Board & Train Program I always plan for downtime and naptime after each training or enrichment activity. My go to is to double the downtime of the training. So if we worked for 20 minutes I then put the dog or puppy away so that they will take a nap for 40 minutes. I recommend dogs and puppies be put in their crate or kennel during this time as they are already accustomed to relaxation and sleep in these spaces or are working on it. Other spaces dogs in training can get their naps in after training is on their cot in “Place” or on the ride back home in the car if clear car rules and relaxation in this space has already been established.

Read the article below for a scientific sleep study highlighting the importance of a well rested dog in training and the effectiveness sleep has before and after training sessions. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/dog-spies/memory-wins-when-dogs-sleep/