The Puppy Whisperer: 3 Secret Signs Your Puppy Needs a Break
Every new puppy owner dreams of a perfect puppy. The cuddles, the fun, the cuteness, the lovely walks…
Whilst there are moments that encompass all of these things, the reality can be quite different and often involves a whirlwind of energy, nipping and sudden bursts of utter chaos!
You’ve likely asked yourself, "why is my puppy acting like a monster?"
I hear you. The truth is, most puppies aren’t intentionally ‘naughty’ or, as one of my clients puts it, ‘spirited.’ Often, the frantic zoomies, non-stop biting or moments where you think your puppy has been possessed are actually signs that your overstimulated puppy is long due a good old break from it all and a really good sleep.
Learning to read your puppy’s body language before they reach their breaking point is a game-changer.
By understanding some of the main signs, you can prevent meltdowns and make your life with your puppy and your puppy training journey much smoother.
Here are three signs that tell you that your puppy needs a break.
1. Increased Biting, Barking or Hyperactivity
We’ve all experienced the ‘witching hour’ when your puppy turns into a piranha, nipping at everything that moves, barking incessantly or doing frenetic ‘zoomies’ around the house. While zoomies can sometimes mean your puppy is just utterly happy, when combined with increased nipping or persistent barking they are often a very strong indicator of a puppy in desperate need of a sleep or one who is severely overstimulated.
Puppies, much like toddlers, don’t always know how to self-regulate when they’re past their prime. Instead of calmly settling down, they might amp up their energy, making it seem like they need more play when in reality, they desperately need a nap. This kind of intense, unfocused energy is a common puppy sign for you to give your puppy a break!
2. The "Pinball" Effect (Loss of Physical Co-ordination)
Have you ever noticed your puppy suddenly stumbling, tripping over their own paws or crashing into furniture when playing or walking them?
When a puppy is past their sleep window, their motor skills begin to fail; just like a grumpy toddler.
This overstimulated puppy behaviour often looks like they have the zoomies, but it’s less about joy and far more about a lack of physical control thanks to overtiredness. You might also notice them suddenly appearing ‘drunk’ too.
If your puppy starts looking clumsy or ‘floppy and there is nothing medically wrong with them, it’s usually a sign that their nervous system is fried. Take them to a quiet space, maybe with a calming activity like a stuffed Kong or a safe long-lasting chew to help them transition into sleep. Make sure that the sleeping place you have chosen has access to water in it, cosy bedding, is away from bright lights and draughts and remains undisturbed as much as possible.
3. Excessive/Fake Sniffing or Humping (Displacement Behaviours)
When a puppy’s brain is full, they often revert to displacement behaviours. You might be in the middle of a puppy training session when suddenly your puppy ignores you and starts frantically sniffing the ground or maybe even humping your leg or a stuffed toy. This isn't usually sexual; it's a physiological response to a brain that can no longer process instructions.
Now, don’t get me wrong here, there are actually lots and lots of reasons why dogs might display displacement behaviours at different times, in different places and the context that they appear in needs to be considered carefully. For example, some fearful dogs will pretend to sniff a certain spot when something they are worrying about is approaching. However, in the case of most puppies, a lot of this type of behaviour will occur as the result of your puppy being overtired.
Don't get frustrated or think your puppy is being stubborn. They are simply ‘out of office.
End the session on a tiny, easy win (like a simple ‘sit’) and pop them into their sleeping area for a nap after they have been toileted.
Remember, a 12 week old puppy needs roughly 18–20 hours of sleep a day.
People often believe that their puppy with excess and excessive energy needs another walk but in most cases, the opposite is true. Knowing some of the main signs that your puppy needs a break can really save your sanity when raising your puppy!
Happy training xx
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