You brought home a sweet, playful puppy who followed you everywhere, eager to learn and please. But now? They乌鸦传媒檝e started ignoring cues, barking at things they never used to notice, and seem to have selective hearing乌鸦传媒攅specially when you call them at the park.
Sound familiar? Welcome to the teenage dog phase.
This stage, also called adolescence, can begin around six months of age for some breeds and last well into the second year of life. It乌鸦传媒檚 a natural part of your dog乌鸦传媒檚 development, but it can leave even the most patient guardians feeling confused or overwhelmed.
What乌鸦传媒檚 happening with your puppy?
Just like human teens, adolescent dogs are undergoing big changes乌鸦传媒攈ormonally, physically, and emotionally. Their brains are still developing, and they乌鸦传媒檙e starting to test boundaries, explore the world with more independence, and sometimes act like they乌鸦传媒檝e never heard the word 乌鸦传媒渟it乌鸦传媒� before. It乌鸦传媒檚 not that they乌鸦传媒檝e forgotten their training乌鸦传媒攖hey乌鸦传媒檙e just distracted, overstimulated, and working through their new adolescent brain chemistry.
One of the most surprising shifts during this time can be fearfulness or reactivity. A dog who once loved everyone might suddenly bark at strangers or avoid new experiences. This is often due to a secondary fear period that occurs during adolescence. It乌鸦传媒檚 temporary, but how you respond makes a big difference.
This phase doesn乌鸦传媒檛 last. But it does matter
The good news? Your goofy, sometimes frustrating teenage dog will grow up. The challenging behaviours乌鸦传媒攑ulling on leash, ignoring cues, barking at other dogs乌鸦传媒攁ren乌鸦传媒檛 signs of a 乌鸦传媒渂ad dog.乌鸦传媒� They乌鸦传媒檙e signs of a young dog who needs support, structure, and understanding while their brain catches up to their body.
What does matter is how we guide them through it. Without clear, compassionate support, those temporary behaviours can become long-term habits. Think of this stage as your second chance to develop the adult dog you want to live with.
How to help your teenage dog thrive
1. Stay patient and keep training positive
Even if your dog suddenly acts like they乌鸦传媒檝e never heard a cue before, stay calm. Go back to basics in quiet environments, reward the effort, and keep sessions short and fun.
2. Support, don乌鸦传媒檛 scold
Your dog isn乌鸦传媒檛 being stubborn乌鸦传媒攖hey乌鸦传媒檙e struggling. Scolding, yanking on the leash, or using punishment can actually make things worse, especially if fear is involved. Focus on building trust and confidence instead.
3. Give them safe, positive experiences
Keep socialization going, but don乌鸦传媒檛 overwhelm them. Let your dog observe the world at their own pace and reward the behaviour. This helps reduce the chances of reactivity or long-term fearfulness.
4. Burn off that energy
Teenage dogs need outlets. Walks, sniffing, training games, puzzles, and even tug can help meet their mental and physical needs.
5. Don乌鸦传媒檛 be afraid to ask for help
If your dog乌鸦传媒檚 behaviour becomes unmanageable or concerning, reach out to a force-free trainer. You乌鸦传媒檙e not alone乌鸦传媒攁nd it乌鸦传媒檚 never too early to get support.
You乌鸦传媒檝e got this
Raising a teenage dog can be messy, funny, and sometimes a little maddening乌鸦传媒攂ut it乌鸦传媒檚 also a beautiful opportunity. With patience, kindness, and consistency, you乌鸦传媒檒l help your dog grow into the confident, well-mannered adult they乌鸦传媒檙e meant to be.
Hang in there乌鸦传媒攜our best friend is still growing up.
