Teenage Tearaways – Helping your dog through the adolescent phase.

We had a lovely new gang of Teenage Tearaways start their classes yesterday, so it seemed like the perfect time for a little chat about the adolescent phase in dogs.

I find that one of the biggest shocks to an owner’s system who have made it through the puppy trenches, thinking “We’ve cracked it!” and then suddenly…

BOOM.

You’ve got a teenager, except rather than having years before it kicks in like we do with humans, the teenage phase in dogs starts in months (usually 5-13 ish) 😂

Your puppy who used to listen to every word you said suddenly appears to have discovered that there are far more interesting things going on in the world than you.

The recall that was brilliant? Gone.

The dog who used to walk nicely beside you? Suddenly desperate to get over to that dog.

And the really tricky bit?

They’re bigger. They’re stronger.

If they decide they want to go and say hello, there’s now a very real possibility that they’re taking you with them!

Adolescence is a time of HUGE change. Hormones are kicking in, they’re becoming more confident and independent, their brains are developing and they’re starting to see the world in a very different way.

And just like human teenagers, they can sometimes behave as though they know absolutely everything.

Remember being a teenager? You thought you knew it all too. 😉

So please, don’t give up on your dog and don’t blame them.

They’re not trying to give you a hard time.

They’re actually having a hard time.

Keep training. Keep reinforcing the behaviours you like. A few minutes a day is enough — we’re not talking about endless training sessions.

If something they used to do suddenly seems to have disappeared, make it easier for them. Reduce the distractions, go back a step and build it back up.

Choose their doggy friends carefully, but make sure they still get appropriate opportunities to interact with other dogs. We don’t want a frustrated teenager who never gets to socialise.

And have a look at what you are doing too.

Are you reinforcing frequently enough? Are you making it worth their while? Are you being clear about what you actually want from them?

Because this is a phase.

It can be a really hard phase sometimes, but you will get through it.

And if no one has told you recently:

“No, your dog hasn’t broken. No, you haven’t ruined them. They’re just a teenager!” 😂

Keep going.

Keep supporting them.

And remember — one day you’ll look back and wonder what all the fuss was about.

Probably. 😜