Many guardians breathe a sigh of relief when they make it through puppyhood. House training is progressing, basic manners are developing, and life seems to be settling into a comfortable routine. Then, seemingly overnight, their sweet, attentive puppy transforms into a distracted, impulsive teenager.
Welcome to canine adolescence.
Most dogs enter adolescence between six and twelve months of age, depending on their breed and size. This stage can last up to eighteen months of age, or even longer in giant breeds. During this period, significant physical, hormonal, and neurological changes are taking place. While your dog may look nearly grown up on the outside, their brain is still very much under construction.
One of the most common complaints from guardians is that their dog appears to have forgotten everything they previously learned. When I get the call, many guardians are convinced something has gone wrong with their training.
Reliable recalls become selective, loose-leash walking deteriorates, and cues that were once performed eagerly are suddenly ignored. This can be frustrating, but it is important to remember you’re simply seeing the normal effects of adolescence.
Adolescent dogs are experiencing a period of increased independence and curiosity. Their world suddenly becomes much more interesting. Sights, sounds, smells, people, and other dogs often compete with your ability to hold their attention.
At the same time, many young dogs become more sensitive to their environment and may show fear or uncertainty around things they previously ignored.
Guardians may also notice increased energy levels, excitability, jumping, barking, chewing, digging, and other behaviours that seem to appear out of nowhere. These behaviours are often a normal part of development rather than signs that something has gone wrong.
The key to successfully navigating adolescence is patience and consistency. Continue reinforcing the behaviours you want to see rather than focusing on punishing the bad behaviour. Training should remain fun, rewarding, and realistic for your dog’s age and stage of development.
Management is equally important. Prevent opportunities for unwanted behaviours by using leashes, long lines, baby gates, and supervised freedom. Remember that every time a dog practices an unwanted behaviour, they become better at it.
Providing appropriate physical exercise is helpful, but don’t overlook the importance of mental enrichment. Food puzzles, scent games, training sessions, and opportunities to explore new environments can help satisfy your adolescent dog’s growing need for stimulation.
Perhaps most importantly, adjust your expectations. Adolescence is not a sign that training has failed; it is simply a developmental phase that all dogs must navigate. With guidance, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement, most dogs emerge from adolescence into well-adjusted adults.
The dog standing in front of you today may seem very different from the puppy you brought home, but with patience and support, this challenging stage will eventually pass. Your job is not to control every behaviour—it’s to help your young dog learn how to make better choices as they mature.