How Long Do Cavapoos Sleep? [Sleep Habits + Training Guide]


how long do cavapoos sleep

Cavapoos, also commonly called Cavoodles, is the adorable cross between a Toy or Miniature Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Their curly coats and bewitching eyes have caused a surge in the popularity of this designer dog breed in recent years.

It varies from dog to dog, but adult Cavapoos are medium energy dogs that require about 9 to 14 hours of sleep per 24 hour period. It might not seem so when they wake you up in the middle of the night, but adult dogs spend about 50% of their day sleeping at different times. 

The amount of sleep needed varies from dog to dog and depends on factors like age, activity level, health, exercise, and home environments. 

As a general rule, large breeds like Retrievers and Boxers tend to sleep more than smaller breeds like Cavapoos. Big dogs have more weight to lug around and burn through their energy quicker than small dogs. 

A dog’s age also vastly affects the amount of sleep. Senior dogs and puppies require much more sleep than adult dogs. 

Canine sleep cycles are different than ours. Humans sleep 70 to 120 minutes at a time, while dog nap times are about 45 minutes. 

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is the stage in which we dream. Humans spend about 25% of the night in REM sleep, cycling in and out of this stage throughout the night. 

In comparison, dogs cycle only twice from REM to non-REM sleep, usually spending 6 minutes in REM. You may notice whimpering, twitching paws, and yipping during the time your Cavapoo is in dreamland. 

Although this might be worrying initially, this is perfectly normal, and your Cavapoo is probably dreaming about chasing squirrels. REM sleep happens approximately once every 20 minutes. 

Dogs also sleep throughout the day. They spend a total of about 5 or 6 hours napping at various times, usually not longer than an hour. This rest is essential to their overall health, and napping dogs should be left alone by all family members, including children. Hence the phrase “let sleeping dogs lie.” 

How Many Hours Do Cavapoo Puppies Sleep?

Puppies do a lot of growing and exploring when young and sleep most of the day. Young puppies under 4 months can sleep 18 to 20 hours in a 24 hour period, while an older puppy above 4 months will sleep 12 to 14 hours. 

Like a human baby, puppies do most of their sleep in frequent periods, and they are not likely to sleep through the night. Young puppies under 4 months cannot hold their bladders for long and require potty breaks throughout the night. 

As they age, they’ll need less sleep. By the time they are around 5 or 6 months old, they might be able to hold their bladders enough to be able to sleep through the night. 

Cavapoo puppies grow rapidly in the first few months of life, developing muscles, tissues, and bones. In addition to all that physical growth, they have a steep learning curve and spend their waking constantly learning.

The day-to-day activities of a puppy use a great deal of energy exploring and learning about the world. They are constantly being taught what to do, where to potty, our boundaries, and about the world around them. 

Such a high level of mental stimulation costs a lot of energy. It is not uncommon to find a puppy sprawled out asleep in the middle of a play session! 

If that happens, let the puppy rest. Sleep is vital to their development, and their bodies and minds need to recharge and recover. Puppies that lack sleep can be irritable and grumpy, hindering their overall growth and leading to behavioral problems like barking and chewing. 

How Important Is Sleep For A Dog?

Sleep is just as crucial for dogs as it is for us humans. It gives our bodies time to heal and allows our minds to relax and recover. Just like us, a sleep-deprived dog will have a weakened immune system and be more prone to sickness and fatigue.

Lack of sleep also has a significant effect on our moods. Sleep deprivation often results in grumpiness and irritability and has contributed to destructive behaviors like snapping and incessant barking

Some signs that your dog isn’t getting enough sleep include:

  • Irritability
  • Grumpiness
  • Over-reaction to stressful stimuli
  • Mood changes
  • Poor memory

Sleep also helps with memory consolidation, the process where your brain remembers pieces of information and experiences and absorbs them for use in the future. 

This non-invasive EEG study found that dogs remembered newly learned commands like “lie down” and “stay” better after waking up from an hour’s nap. 

Dogs, like us, go through “sleep inertia,” the brief period of drowsiness and confusion after waking up. The study found that dogs allowed to sleep for more than an hour went through shorter periods of sleep inertia and performed newly learned commands much more effectively. 

Where Should Cavapoos Sleep?

sleeping cavapoo

Your Cavapoo should sleep wherever you both are ensured a good night’s sleep. It differs in every situation. Some pet parents have reported having a better night’s sleep with their dog on the bed, while other lighter sleepers have been disturbed by their dog’s movements and noise during REM sleep. 

In all situations, there are pros and cons. It might be tempting to have your dog on your bed; however, this might not be the best way to ensure both of you sleep well. 

Light sleepers might be disturbed by a tossing and turning dog. In addition, dogs have the adorable habit of pawing and “making” their beds before lying down. Many a pet parent has been woken up in the middle of the night by their pooches digging away at bedding in an attempt to get comfortable. 

Dogs are predatory animals and are prone to waking up instantly alert if surprised. This might even be dangerous as dogs can bite or snap if surprised. 

However, a study in Buffalo, NY, surveyed 962 women and found that participants that slept with a dog in bed were more well-rested than those that slept with a human partner or a cat. 

Allergies affect about 10 to 30% of the population in the US. People with allergies might not do well with pet fur and dander in their bedding. However, Cavapoos can be low-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs and might be suitable for allergy sufferers.

To be allowed to sleep on the bed is a privilege that has to be earned, not a right. Dogs prone to separation anxiety, dominance problems, or aren’t entirely house-trained should not be let on the bed. 

According to an AKC survey, 45% of respondents said that their dogs slept on their beds. 20% sleep in their crates, 17% sleep in dog beds on the floor, and a small 4% sleep outside. 

Can A Cavapoo Sleep Outside?

Cavapoos should be allowed inside to sleep with their families at all times. They are a mix of two toy breeds that love spending time with their pack, and sleeping outdoors will not be the best for their mental health. 

The most significant danger faced by outdoor dogs is the weather. 

Low temperatures can cause hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition where the body temperature drops. Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering and weakness. Later stages of hypothermia include slow, labored breathing, muscle stiffness, and difficulty breathing. 

Although Cavapoos have thick, curly coats that give them moderate protection against the cold, they won’t do well as outdoor dogs. In addition, their small size leaves them vulnerable to other animals like coyotes and raccoons. 

All puppies under 6 months need to be kept inside. They are at their most vulnerable and have no defenses against the elements. 

If, for some reason, your Cavapoo has to sleep outside, here are some must-haves to keep your furry friend safe. 

  1. Insulated dog house with a waterproof roof
  2. Warming lamps similar to those used in incubators
  3. Blankets and bedding
  4. A doggy sweater or jacket 
  5. A fenced yard to keep your Cavapoo in and safe, and other animals out
  6. Access to water at all times 

Consider letting your dog out only for play and for short periods. They are pack animals that can be miserable being separated from their families. You are their pack, and they want to be close to you! 

When Will My Cavapoo Puppy Sleep Through The Night?

Cavapoo puppies, although voracious sleepers, will not be able to sleep through the night until at least 4 months old. Puppies under 4 months have tiny bladders and will need to go outside several times a night for potty breaks.

If crate-training, have the crate near enough to your bed so you can wake up from any whining or barking, a sure-fire sign that your puppy needs to go potty. 

Young puppies about 8 weeks old can only hold their bladders for 2 to 3 hours at a time. Every month of growth adds approximately an hour to this, so puppies about 4 months can sleep about 5 hours before needing a potty break, while a 6-month old pup might be able to sleep 7 to 8 hours through the night. 

Tips for Helping My Cavapoo Sleep Better

  1. Ensure your Cavapoo gets plenty of exercise

Cavapoos are medium-energy dogs that have modest exercise needs. An hour of brisk walking a day together with lots of play sessions in between should be adequate for most Cavapoos. 

Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle are breeds that love the water. As a result, most Cavapoos tend to be water-babies and will enjoy a good swimming session. Swimming is an excellent, low-impact way of tiring your Cavapoo out and ensuring he’s getting adequate exercise. 

Introduce your pup to the local pond or a shallow bay and think about outfitting them with a life vest to help keep them afloat. 

2. Set up a routine

Have a strict bedtime routine that includes the last play session, potty break, treats, and crating. Dogs are creatures of habit that thrive on consistent routines that will help them better adapt to living situations. 

Adhering to a nightly routine will make your Cavapoo happier and minimize the stress and anxiety caused by any changes in schedule. 

Your pup will learn:

  • When he will be fed
  • When he will be let out to go potty
  • When he will be crated and expected to sleep
  • When he will be let out the following morning

3. Cover the crate with old blankets or coverings

A dark, comforting crate will help reduce stimuli that could interfere with your Cavapoo’s sleep. Keep the crate in a dark corner of the room or house and minimize the disruptions or activities going around the crate. 

4. Avoid too much play before bed.

It is better to get the exercise needs fulfilled earlier in the day. An excited or overstimulated dog that just had a play session might find it difficult to sleep through the night. 

5. Avoid food and water just before bed. 

Start withholding food and water about 2 hours before bedtime to minimize the chances of your pup having to go potty in the middle of the night. However, check with your veterinarian first before withholding water. Dogs with underlying medical conditions might need water at all times.

6. Check for medical conditions.

If your Cavapoo is having trouble sleeping through the night and you suspect a medical condition, see your vet for help. Restless nights could be due to mites, fleas, or any other undiagnosed medical conditions.

Changes in Sleeping Patterns

As with humans, the sleeping patterns of dogs change over time and as they age. However, a drastic change in sleep habits might indicate a more serious mental or physical problem. 

Some common causes of changes in sleep patterns include: 

  • Anxiety. Dogs can get anxious if they experience a change in their living environments, such as a family member’s absence, a new home, or a change in their crate placement. 
  • Allergies and skin problems can cause scratching throughout the night, keeping themselves and their parents awake. 
  • Mites and fleas can also cause scratching and need veterinary care.
  • Pain from joints or arthritis. Older dogs are susceptible to arthritis and other bone conditions that can cause pain throughout the night as they turn. Pacing, panting, and whining might be signs that your dog has a painful condition that needs to be treated. 

If your Cavapoo is exhibiting different behavior at night, observe him to ensure he’s getting adequate care. When in doubt, always visit your veterinarian. 

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Final Thoughts 

Cavapoos are lovely dogs that require minimal maintenance. By ensuring your pup has adequate exercise and mental stimulation, you are on the path to a better night’s sleep for the both of you. 

If you notice any changes in sleep patterns, do not try to diagnose the problem, and take your dog straight to the vet. Work with your veterinarian to effectively manage any disorders and follow the treatment plan.

Good luck, and may you and your beloved Cavapoo have many happy years together! 

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