Puppies sleeping a lot isn't cause for concern. Puppy sleep hours can range from 18 to 20 a day, versus the 14 hours of daily sleep by an adult dog. This is because puppies are growing and they need their rest.
Puppies Use a Lot of Energy
Puppies need more sleep than adult dogs because they have a lot going on in their lives. Puppies grow and develop physically very, very quickly. They also have a lot to learn, and they're struggling to find their place in the family and the world.
Puppies spend their waking hours learning all sorts of new things. They must learn where and when to go to the toilet. They must begin obedience training. On top of this, they're investigating the world and learning new things and meeting new people and animals all the time.
Puppies Need Structured Sleeping Hours
When puppies are awake, they usually display and use a lot of energy. Some puppies don't know when they're tired, and will wind up playing until they're too exhausted to continue and fall asleep wherever they happen to be.
If your puppy wants to sleep, let him sleep. Your puppy needs 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day. He'll get some of this sleep during the day in the form of short naps. You should establish a bedtime routine, however, so that as your puppy grows into an adult dog he learns to get most of his sleep at night.
Teaching your puppy a nighttime sleep routine so that he learns to sleep through the night can also improve your own quality of sleep, since your puppy will be less likely to cry and howl all night long.
Teaching Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night
Your new puppy won't be able to sleep through the night from the moment you bring him home, but by the time he's reached four months of age, he should be able to sleep all night long. Ideally, you should keep your new puppy in your bedroom at night. This enables you to remain attentive to his needs, and take him out if he needs to go (remember that young puppies don't yet have complete control over their bladders and bowels). You can use a fan or other form of white noise to help your puppy relax; you can crate your new puppy in your bedroom at night, or you can create a nighttime potty area there, but only if you're resigned to letting your puppy relieve himself in your bedroom during the day as well.
Don't let your puppy sleep in the evening, because if you do, he won't be able to sleep through the night. Keep him up and entertained with games and training. Withhold food and water for at least three hours before you put him to sleep. That way he'll be less likely to need to wake up for a potty break.
Keep the things you need to take your puppy out handy, so you don't have to search for them in the dark. Set your alarm to wake up before your puppy does; you don't want him learning he can wake you up. Keep the nighttime potty break serious; don't play with him or make a fuss, just bring him straight back to bed after he's finished.