The 3-3-3 Rule: The Importance of Sleep for Your Rescue Dog

• Sleep helps your dog regulate stress hormones

• Adult dogs need 12-14 hours of sleep daily; rescue dogs may need more initially

• Never disturb your dog when they're resting

• Create a calm, quiet sleep environment

• Sleep-deprived dogs are more reactive, anxious and irritable

When your rescue dog first arrives, you might be surprised by just how much they sleep. It can feel worrying, but sleep gives your dog’s body and mind a chance to repair, allows them to process and reset, so they can regulate stress hormones and start feeling safe.

Sleep helps your dog regulate stress hormones

For a dog experiencing the upheaval of rehoming, sleep allows them to regulate stress hormones, process new experiences and start feeling safe. Cortisol, the stress hormone, spikes during anxiety and can stay elevated for days. Uninterrupted rest helps cortisol levels come back down, which is essential for both physical and emotional wellbeing. Without enough sleep, your dog will struggle to settle, may become more reactive or anxious, and will find it harder to bond with you.

Adult dogs need 12-14 hours of sleep daily; rescue dogs may need more initially

Adult dogs typically need 12-14 hours of sleep per day, while puppies and older dogs often need more. During the decompression period, it's not unusual for dogs to sleep even longer as they recover from the stress of transition. This doesn't mean your dog is unwell or depressed - it means they're doing what they need to do to adjust.

Never disturb your dog when they're resting

Resist the urge to disturb your dog when they're resting, even if it's tempting to check on them or give them a quick pat. Interrupted sleep prevents proper recovery and can leave your dog feeling more stressed and unsettled. Make sure everyone in the household understands that when your dog is sleeping, they're off-limits. If your dog has retreated to their safe space to rest, respect that boundary and let them be.

Creating a calm, quiet sleep environment

Your dog's safe space should be quiet, low-traffic and comfortable. Keep lighting dim and noise to a minimum. Avoid placing their bed near busy areas like the kitchen or hallway. Use familiar bedding from their foster home, if possible, as the scent provides comfort, so avoid washing it in the first few days, If your dog is in a crate, cover it with a blanket to create a den-like atmosphere and block out visual stimulation.

Sleep-deprived dogs are more reactive, anxious and irritable

Dogs that don't get enough sleep are more likely to be reactive, anxious, irritable or hyperactive. You might notice they struggle to settle, overreact to small triggers or seem unable to regulate emotions. If your dog seems particularly on edge, sometimes the solution is as simple as giving them more opportunity to rest.

As your dog begins to feel safer, you'll notice changes in how they sleep. Early on, many dogs curl up tightly (a protective position that’s completely normal. As trust builds, they may start sleeping on their side with legs stretched out, which is a sign of relaxation. Eventually, some dogs will sleep on their back with their belly exposed – the ultimate sign of comfort and trust. These small changes are worth celebrating. They’re a visible sign that your rescue dog is beginning to feel at home.

Sleep is healing. It's how your dog processes everything that's happened, regulates their emotions and builds resilience. Don't rush this stage. Let your dog sleep, recover and adjust at their own pace.