Decompression: Relaxing Time For Puppies
Decompression in dogs follows the 3-3-3 rule. It takes three days for the initial decompression, three weeks to learn your household’s routines and then three months to feel confident at home. This means during that time they first arrive until they get through the first fear period, they need space to decompress and need our support to help build up their confidence. It is a big adjustment coming from their mom and littermates into a new home without them. While it may be tempting to smother the pup in cuddles, give them time to approach you.
Those first three days you may notice the puppy is quiet, has an upset stomach and is not resting well. This is when you use the crate to encourage a restful sleep. It will also help to establish boundaries and predictability with the pup. Puppies and dogs love routine, so if you are consistent, it will help them settle in sooner.
Following the first three weeks, you will notice the pup’s personality start to come out. They will have more energy, start to test boundaries and will be engaging with you more. Continue to work on this bond at the dog’s pace. Playing with them and training is a great way to create a bond. Remember to continue being consistent so the pup doesn’t develop bad habits.
After three months, they will be ready to start taking on more responsibilities. This will include walks around the neighborhood, visiting stores and new environments. Your Puppy Development Trainer will advise you on when to start different outings with the pup.
An important part of their role as a guide dog will involve working hard to get their handler from one location to the next and then time to relax. As a puppy, they do not know how to relax or decompress. It is our job to teach them these skills. Often a puppy will show they are overwhelmed or overstimulated by mouthing hands, clothes or their leash; they may take treats harder; jumping up at you or may start to vocalize or pace. This is a sign we need to decompress and reset.
Decompression can take on many forms but always remember, a decompression activity is about the dog. Some examples of decompression are:
- A walk on a long line
- Sniffing grass or trees
- Eating a frozen kong
- Lick mat
The Importance Of Sleep
Dogs develop at a faster rate than humans, so sleep is an important part of a puppy’s development. As puppies learn and grow, they need sleep to help them recharge, rest and absorb this new information. It takes a lot of energy to develop at the rate they do. The long and the short of it, sleep is essential to life. Without it, it massively affects the control centre that is their brain and can cause a range of health, anxiety/stress or behavioural problems further down the line.
A puppy who is not getting enough rested sleep will often get overstimulated and start nipping, jumping up and running around the house. While it may seem cute for a young pup, these are not ideal for a future guide dog. It also allows the pup to rehearse bad behaviours and will be harder to correct as they age.
If your puppy is showing any of these signs, it’s best to have them sleep in the crate so they will be undisturbed. Initially your pup may bark in the crate because they are overtired, however, allow them to work through this. They will quickly fall asleep.
Typical sleep requirements:
- Newborns (less than 2 weeks old): Sleep around 90% of the time, or almost 22 hours a day.
- 8 weeks old: Need 18-20 hours of sleep per day.
- 10-12 weeks old: Sleep around 18-20 hours per day.
- 14-16 weeks old: Sleep around 18 hours per day.
- Older puppies (6 months and older): Start to move towards an adult-like sleep schedule, around 12-14 hours per day.
- Adult dogs: Typically sleep 10-14 hours per day.
If you feel you pup isn’t getting enough quality sleep, talk with your Puppy Development Trainer. Use their wake windows purposefully and focus on quality socialization vs quantity.