Last year, Mary and Greg brought home an adorable puppy they named Bobby. They devoted hours to loving, playing with, and socializing with him and spent hours training basic cues. It was funny when he stole their socks, and they laughed at his attempts at howling and barking.
Fast forward several months to the adolescent phase: Bobby wasn’t quite as cute, and it seemed like he never listened to them anymore. To Mary and Greg, we say, “Congratulations! You have a teenager.” And like human teenagers, your dog is testing these new feelings of independence and becoming interested in things that are not you.
Human teenage years are a challenge for parents. While a dog’s adolescence is also challenging, there are things you can do to help your dog and soldier through the behavior problems that lie ahead.
The Onslaught of Dog Adolescence
That Cute Puppy Stage
You were captivated by your eight-week-old puppy’s cuteness—their roundness, wobbly toddler-like gaits, and little tantrums. Even their bad behavior was cute. Until they got bigger.
Your dog will always be cute, from puppy to senior. But eventually, that endearing little personality will become spiked with attitude. It’s important to remember that this is your dog following their instincts. Still, some of these new behaviors need redirecting and training.
The Age of Adolescence
A dog’s adolescence can begin as early as six months of age to about a year. It ends between 18 and 24 months. The range is so wide because timing depends on the breed and size of the dog. A small dog matures faster than a large dog, with the former maturing as early as six to nine months and the latter in 16 to 18 months. After all, large dogs have much more body mass to develop.
If you’re not sure what timing to expect for your dog’s teenage phase, talk to your dog’s veterinarian or breeder.
Physical Changes
Adolescence brings with it a wave of hormones. Those hormones will heavily influence your teenage dog’s body and behavior, akin to human teenagers. They have frequent growth spurts and get that awkward leggy look. The roundness of intense cuteness is fading, and they are heading toward sexual maturity. Fortunately for you, these are teenage months, not teenage years, as with humans!
Behavioral Problems in Adolescent Dogs
You can expect various behavior changes during your dog’s teenage phase. They may be less obedient as the world of adolescent dogs broadens as your young dog is spreading their wings and discovering independence.
Defense Drive
Adolescent dogs may develop issues with reactivity, barking, and aggression. For example, at the dog park, your adolescent dog may not play as well with other dogs, showing some aggression and barking their warnings.
In addition, in the adolescent stage, you can see some of the control you had diminished. For example, the bite inhibition you worked on isn’t sticking with them anymore.
What Was Once Cute
When doggy adolescence kicks in, behavior that was cute when your dog was a puppy is not so cute anymore. Dogs learn quickly what behavior gets your attention. For example, that cute little puppy bark was praised, so they will continue with louder, demanding adolescent dog barking.
Exploration
Adolescent dogs begin discovering that the world is much larger than the space they occupied as puppies. They want to use their seemingly endless energy to explore that world and interact and play with people and other dogs. Without this opportunity, they may become frustrated and resort to excessive barking, jumping, or biting. With all this distraction, they will be less obedient.
Sexual Maturation
Hormones significantly affect your teenage dog’s behavior as they are influenced by the instinct to reproduce. A male dog may fight or try to dominate other dogs. If not on a leash or confined in the backyard, they may wander great distances searching for female dogs. And you may be embarrassed to find that your dog will try to mount just about anything and everyone. Females teenage dogs will act more dependent on you as their heat cycles begin. They may follow you around as if seeking your reassurance as their bodies change.
Surviving Canine Adolescence: Training and Understanding
The Question of Spaying or Neutering
This is the right time to start talking to your veterinarian about whether your teenage dog should be spayed/neutered. If so, it will have to be timed appropriately for your dog’s breed and size. The procedure will ease the effects of your dog’s strong instincts.
Training, Training, Training!
With so much on their minds, teenage dogs don’t always listen to their parents. But this is probably the most important time for training between a pet parent and their dog. Training must be consistent because the teenage dog will test things—and you.
It would be best if you taught your dog basic cues as a puppy, and you can reinforce the training in the adolescent stage when behavior slips. Be sure to reward good behaviors when the dog finally listens to you.
Obedience training can help tremendously. No matter how cute they are, don’t let your puppy do things you don’t want them to do when older!
If you choose not to spay/neuter, your dog will need a lot of extra training, or your male dog will wander off and possibly get hurt. In addition, your female dog will have males camped out uninvited in your backyard.
Socialization
Numerous adolescent problems can be avoided through frequent socialization with people and other dogs. If they become too aggressive, distract them and redirect their attention to something else. Remind them of their basic cues.
Activities and Mental Stimulation
Dogs in the teenage phase have a lot of energy, sometimes creating adolescent problems. They need frequent exercise, play, and mental stimulation. Give them toys, games like fetch, long walks, hidden things to find, new tricks to learn, or a soup bone to chew on. Most importantly, give them plenty of time with you.
Don’t Worry, You Will Survive Your Teenage Dog!
Hormones—four times the levels in adult dogs—rule your teenage dog’s behavior. It’s almost impossible for them to ignore the instincts that follow without a lot of training.
While this is probably the most difficult of your dog’s life stages, it will not help to get angry at them. Instead, it’s best to provide reassurance, distraction, redirection, and activities to keep their bodies and minds engaged in good behavior.
If you’re having trouble managing yourself, call in a behavior consultant, such as your veterinarian or a professional trainer. Here at K9 Basics, dog owners learn the training to keep their adolescent dogs safe, happy, and healthy. Contact us for an appointment.
You can survive your dog’s adolescence!