Why do dogs sleep so much?

In the wild, dogs need to conserve their energy for hunting. Hunting requires a lot of energy for a dog and a lot of stress is placed on them as they are using their physical and mental energy. Time between hunting is spent resting, calming down and lowering the stress levels. Apart from puppies and adolescents, dogs in the wild very rarely play, conserving energy for hunting and rearing puppies. In living with humans in urban areas, this natural instinct to save energy still applies. The dog will sleep most of the day, saving energy for play, walks, nose work, exploring etc. It is a case of “old habits die-hard,” and it’s up to us to see that they get their share of rest, and all the love and care they deserve.