A TikTok video of a golden retriever puppy named Ronnie being gently woken from a nap has captured hearts online.
Shared by the account dedicated to Ronnie (@ronnietheretriever_), the clip shows the 9-week-old puppy sprawled out on a double bed, looking adorably sleepy.
As he lifts his head to greet his mom, the on-screen text reads "Oh hey mum," followed by a yawn. In the next shot, a woman is seen cuddling him, capturing a sweet moment between them.
The video, posted on November 8 with the caption, "Why are puppy cuddles just the best," has garnered 112,000 views.
Comments poured in, with one user noting, "He's had such a long hard day of napping," while another remarked, "The inside out ear. You know that was a good nap!" A third viewer simply asked, "How can anything be this perfect, please?"
Just like human babies, puppies need ample sleep for growth—around 18 to 20 hours daily, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). To support healthy sleep habits, the AKC recommends these tips for both day and nighttime puppy routines:
Daytime Sleep Tips:
- Let your puppy sleep alone: Avoid holding them to sleep, fostering independence in their sleep routine.
- Create a designated sleeping spot: Guide your puppy to a crate, dog bed, or quiet area for naps.
- Establish a sleep schedule: Balance active playtime with quiet time for rest, as puppies typically nap every hour, from 30 minutes to two hours.
- Avoid overstimulation: Watch for signs of fatigue and help them wind down by guiding them to their sleeping spot.
Nighttime Sleep Tips:
- Make the crate cozy and safe: Line the bottom with a soft, inexpensive blanket, avoiding chewable materials that could cause choking. Expensive beds aren't necessary at this stage.
- Add comforting items: Place a toy or blanket with the scent of their mom in the crate, and consider keeping the crate in the bedroom for added security.
- Set a bedtime routine: Restrict food and water intake a few hours before bed, include a potty break, play, and some cuddling to signal it's time for sleep.
- Keep the sleep area quiet and dim: Lower lights and volume to signal nighttime, and consider blackout shades or a crate cover for a cozy, dark environment.
- Prepare for interruptions: Puppies may need a nighttime potty break. Calmly take them out, offer quiet praise, and return them to the crate to reinforce sleep behavior.
With these tips, owners can help their puppy develop a comforting and consistent sleep routine.
Newsweek reached out to @ronnietheretriever_ for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
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