Puppy Parent Survival Guide

Day 2: Sleep & Regulation

If your puppy feels more difficult today, you are not doing anything wrong.

Veterinary behavior research shows that Day 2 is often harder than Day 1.
The initial adrenaline has worn off, and your puppy’s nervous system is still learning how to regulate in a new environment.

This often shows up as:

• increased biting

• restlessness

• difficulty settling

• sudden bursts of energy

These are signs of fatigue, not disobedience.

What research tells us

Healthy puppy brain development requires 18–20 hours of sleep per day.

When puppies don’t get enough rest:

• impulse control drops

• stress hormones rise

• learning shuts down

An overtired puppy cannot “try harder”, their nervous system is overloaded.

Today’s priority: Protect sleep

Veterinary and behavior professionals agree that rest is foundational in the first week home.

Evidence-based focus for Day 2:

• Short activity windows
Play and interaction should be brief and intentional.

• Frequent rest periods
Crate or safe-space naps prevent overstimulation.

• Predictable rhythm
Potty → Eat → Calm interaction → Sleep
Repetition supports regulation.

• Fewer demands
Training expectations increase stress at this stage.

Common signs your puppy needs sleep

Behaviorists consistently note these cues:

• biting harder or more often

• zooming suddenly

• inability to settle

• whining or clinginess

These are signals to reduce stimulation, not add more activity.

How to help your puppy settle

• Move to a quieter space

• Reduce interaction

• Offer a calm chew

• Encourage rest before behavior escalates

Sleep supports learning far more than correction ever will.

How to measure success today

Success on Day 2 is not silence or perfect behavior.

Ask instead:

• Did my puppy rest well between activities?

• Did I prevent overtired meltdowns?

• Did I keep the day predictable and calm?

That is how regulation develops.

Professional reassurance

Struggling today does not mean the routine isn’t working.
It means your puppy is adjusting neurologically.

Rest builds resilience.
Structure builds security.

🤍 LMU Goldens
Evidence-based puppy guidance • Ethical breeding support

(Guidance aligned with veterinary behavior research and AAHA/AVSAB principles.)