The Teenage Dog Years - Surviving and thriving through adolescence.

Remember being a teenager?
Ah, the teenage years, a period of emotional turmoil, poor decision-making, social awkwardness, and always thinking we knew best (even when we really didn’t).
I doubt many of us would want to relive that phase in our lives, and if we’re honest, we probably weren’t the easiest to live with at that time either!
But did you know that dogs go through their own teenage phase too!
 
​If that adorable puppy who used to hang on your every word is now looking at you like you’ve got two heads when you ask them to sit, you might just be entering the tumultuous time of canine adolescence!
 
But don’t worry - you’ve got this! With a little patience, understanding, and some practical tips, you and your adolescent dog will come out the other side stronger than ever.
 
What Is Canine Adolescence?
Canine adolescence is the period between puppyhood and adulthood. It typically starts around 6 months and can last up to 3 years (it’s generally longer for larger breeds -sorry!). While your dog might appear physically mature, they are still undergoing significant physical, physiological and behavioural changes.
It’s like they have the energy and curiosity of a puppy combined with the mood swings and boundary-pushing tendencies of a teenager. Fun, right?
 
What’s Going On With My Dog?
During adolescence, your dog will undergo physical growth, sexual development and brain development.
 
Here’s some of what your adolescent dog may be experiencing:

• Growth Plates Closing: this can be at around a year old for smaller breeds up to around 2 years for larger breeds. It’s important to consider your dog’s exercise as excessive exercise while the growth plates are not closed can lead to structural problems in the future.

 

• Hormonal Changes: the onset of puberty means an increase in sexual hormones. Male dogs will become more likely to roam, they may begin scent marking and can become reactive particularly to other male dogs. Females will experience their first season and can become more clingy, or alternatively, can become aggressive, they may show nesting behaviour, resource guarding and some will show a change in their eating habits as their tastes change.

 

• Energy Competition: The brain and body compete for energy supplies (e.g. glucose) during growth. Proper rest (around 16 hours per 24 hours) and a high quality diet are essential.
  
  
• Brain Overhaul: The adolescent brain is busy reorganising itself. Unused connections are being pruned away, while behaviours they practice (good or bad!) are becoming consolidated. The Amygdala (the part of the brain that deals with emotions, memory and decision making) is not yet ‘coupled’ with the Prefrontal Cortex which is the part of the brain that helps make decisions, regulate emotions and control impulses.
  
  
• Emotional Rollercoaster: Hormonal surges coupled with the changes happening in the brain can make your dog more environmentally sensitive and they may be more reactive or unpredictable.
  
  
• Curiosity and Risk-Taking: They’re exploring the world, testing boundaries, and sometimes making questionable choices and showing poor impulse control.
  
  
• Ignoring You: They’re not being stubborn, they are at a time where they are easily distracted, struggling with impulse control, and going through neurological changes.

 
How You Can Help Your Dog Through The Adolescent Angst
This stage of your dog’s life can be challenging for sure, but it’s also an opportunity to shape your dog into a confident, well-rounded adult. Here’s how you can help:
 

• Stay Cool, Calm, and Consistent: Your dog is looking to you for guidance; even if they don’t show it! Be patient, stick to your training, use good management to prevent unwanted behaviours (eg, a long line if recall has gone a little wonky!) and be sure to encourage and reward the behaviours you like.

 

• Reinforce the Basics: Your dog might seem to “forget” cues they’ve already learned. This can be frustrating but it is normal! Go back to basics, practise at home first to build good, positive emotions around the training and the reinforcers, then practice in different environments. Keep your dog feeling motivated and confident by rewarding them for trying – even if they don’t always get it right!

 

• Keep Their World Interesting: Adolescents crave novelty, so spice things up with new activities, toys, and training challenges. Try games like hide-and-seek, scent work, or teaching fun tricks. Consider your breed’s natural drive, e.g. if you have a gun dog, you could sign up for some gun dog classes, if you have a herding breed, maybe look at something such as sheep balls or hoopers.

• Prioritise Health and Wellbeing: Ensure they get enough rest.  Sleep helps improve the immune system, reduces stress and anxiety and aids in muscular repair. Feed a high quality diet and balance appropriate physical exercise (remember they are still growing) with mental stimulation.

 
Final Thoughts...
Adolescence is a challenging but rewarding time for you and your dog. Approach it with empathy and a sense of humour, they’re not being deliberately difficult, they’re just figuring out the world while undergoing a lot of changes. The hard work you put in now will pay off for the rest of your dog’s life.