Two Yellow Lab Puppies Yawned at the Exact Same Moment

Two yellow Labrador Retriever puppies sit nose to nose on a tan couch, jaws stretched open in huge, matching yawns. Pink tongues curl, tiny whiskers fan out and eyes squeeze shut or half close. A gray throw blanket is tossed over the back of the sofa, and a curtain and a doorway open into the next room.

Labs are energetic dogs, but puppies need plenty of sleep, and a yawn is a sign of a puppy winding down. Dogs yawn when they're tired, but sometimes also when they feel unsure or relaxed. Because they are social, puppies often copy one another, so one yawn can quickly turn into two. Encourage naps by offering a quiet bed and a regular routine, and don't wake sleeping puppies. If you let your Lab on the couch, a stool or ramp can protect his joints from jumping down, and a washable blanket keeps the cushions clean. Bored or overtired puppies can become mouthy, so make sure there are plenty of chew toys. Your vet can tell you how much sleep is normal for your puppy's age.

After a yawn like that, a nap can't be far behind. The couch is soft, and these two are ready. Within a minute or two, those open mouths will close, the heads will drop, and the room will be filled with quiet breathing.