How to help a restless dog sleep better at night

Dogs are creatures of habit and thrive on knowing they have an established, predictable routine. A consistent daily schedule helps your dog feel secure, reduces anxiety, and can improve behaviour. Here is a guide to establishing a healthy daily routine for your dog that covers feeding, exercise, mental stimulation, and rest.

Why Routine Matters for Dogs

Dogs are not naturally comfortable with uncertainty. A predictable routine helps dogs understand what to expect throughout the day, which reduces anxiety and helps prevent problem behaviours such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, and attention-seeking. A good routine also ensures that your dog’s physical needs are consistently met, supporting long-term health and wellbeing.

Morning

Start the day with a toilet break as soon as possible after waking, particularly for puppies or senior dogs. Follow this with breakfast at a consistent time each day. Most adult dogs do well with two meals per day (morning and evening), while puppies typically need three to four meals daily.

Morning is also a good time for exercise. A walk before work or school benefits both your dog and you. The length and intensity should be appropriate to the breed and age of your dog. For high-energy breeds, a good morning run or long walk can help them settle during the day.

Midday

If you are away from home during the day, consider how your dog will cope. Most adult dogs can manage four to five hours alone, but longer periods are not ideal. A dog walker, a neighbour, or doggy day care can help break up the day for dogs that cannot cope with long periods of solitude. A midday toilet break is important for puppies and senior dogs, and is appreciated by dogs of all ages.

Afternoon and Evening

A second walk or exercise session in the afternoon or early evening provides another opportunity for physical activity and mental stimulation through sniffing and exploring. Evening is also a good time for training, play, or enrichment activities such as puzzle feeders or Kong toys. Training sessions should be short (5 to 10 minutes) and end on a positive note.

Evening feeding, at a consistent time, signals the end of the active day. After dinner, allow time for your dog to settle before bed.

Bedtime

A final toilet break before bed helps avoid night-time accidents. Ensure your dog has a comfortable, familiar sleeping space. Consistency in where your dog sleeps helps them feel settled and secure. Puppies and young dogs may take time to adjust to sleeping through the night; patience and consistency in routine will help.

Adapting the Routine

Routine does not mean rigidity. Life changes, and your dog’s needs will evolve as they age. Puppies need more frequent feeding and shorter exercise sessions; senior dogs may need gentler, more frequent shorter walks. The key is consistency within whatever structure works for your household, rather than adhering to a schedule that no longer serves your dog’s needs.