06/30/2026
When Too Much Freedom Happens!
Within the first few months after puppies go to their new homes, every breeder gets calls from owners. Those calls can range from simple questions to concerns about training or behavior. Whether it's a first-time puppy owner or someone with years of experience, it's normal for there to be an adjustment period as everyone settles into a new routine.
My most recent call came from an experienced owner. She was concerned that her puppy had become absolutely unruly—biting, acting hyper, and even showing what she felt were signs of aggression.
Having raised this litter and knowing the temperament of both parents, I found that description very uncharacteristic. It would have been easy to dismiss her concerns, but as breeders, we shouldn't do that. Behavior concerns usually have an underlying cause, so instead of becoming defensive, I did what all breeders should do: we had a conversation.
As we talked, she explained that the puppy was constantly hyper, destroying things around the house, and biting the family. The behaviors were especially bad in the evenings. Mornings were generally fine, but as the day went on, everything seemed to spiral.
I asked about the puppy's daily routine.
The puppy was home with the owners all day. She attended training classes, had multiple training sessions throughout the day, frequent walks, regular play sessions, and chews whenever needed. Honestly, when the owner described the schedule, it sounded like nonstop activity.
Then I asked one simple question:
"How often is she in a pen or crate during the day?"
The owner replied, "Never."
While some people might think, "Wow, that's wonderful," I had a pretty good idea what was causing the problem.
Young puppies are very much like toddlers. Constant stimulation without enough downtime can leave them overtired and overstimulated. An overtired puppy often looks hyper—not sleepy—and that can lead to biting, destructive behavior, poor impulse control, and what some owners mistake for aggression.
The fact that her behavior became worse as the day progressed fit that pattern perfectly.
We talked about the importance of downtime. Puppies need opportunities to rest, decompress, and learn to entertain themselves. Constant interaction isn't always beneficial; sometimes the kindest thing we can do is give them a quiet place to settle.
The owner agreed to try giving the puppy 1–2 hours of quiet time in the kitchen each day, with minimal stimulation.
She was skeptical, but willing to give it a chance.
Two days later, she contacted me again.
Her message simply said, "Oh my goodness—she's a totally different dog!"
The "aggressive" behavior had disappeared. The puppy was calmer, more relaxed, and handled her quiet time beautifully. She was finally getting the mental and physical rest she needed, and everyone in the household was much happier.
I find that many puppy behavior problems aren't really behavior problems at all. More often, they're the result of a schedule that isn't working or a puppy receiving too much stimulation and too many mixed signals.
I'm always happy when owners reach out for help because most issues can be solved with a little troubleshooting and a few thoughtful adjustments.
As breeders, it's important that we listen to concerns without becoming defensive. Our job doesn't end when the puppy leaves our home. Supporting owners and helping them understand their puppy's needs is one of the most valuable parts of responsible breeding.
Author
Karen Balinski
Killara Field Spaniels
