The Adolescent Dog

The Adolescent Dog

Adolescence is a developmental stage that all dogs go through, and actually consists of different stages, including juvenile, flight period, second fear impact stage and adolescence. Generally, an adolescent dog will start to push boundaries and may turn a deaf ear. Some dogs will be suddenly fearful or reactive towards things they weren't before. It is important to understand that these are all natural stages in a dog's development and they are nothing to be worried about. Male dogs may also start to exhibit mounting behaviours both on other dogs and potentially people as well. If this does happen, it is important not to punish your dog for something he cannot help. Just redirect his attention with a toy or game. 

The most important thing about living with an adolescent dog is to be consistent. Continue with training and socialisation to ensure your dog matures into a well balanced and well mannered companion. Never punish your dog for what you may perceive as misbehaviour. Dogs don’t do anything maliciously. They are simply responding to triggers and particularly during this time in their life, responding to hormones in their body. It is very important to ensure your dog is receiving appropriate physical exercise and mental stimulation, and that you are continuing in your relationship building by playing games and positive reinforcement training. 

As much as possible, don’t set your dog up to fail. Don’t leave items you don’t want chewed up within your dog’s reach. Don’t leave food on the bench where he might steal it, unless you are doing specific training exercises for ‘leave it.’ Ensure your dog has plenty to do and that you are catering to all of his needs. For example, if you have a terrier, you might consider getting a sandpit and teaching him to dig in the sandpit only. If you have a herding dog, make sure you give them a chasing outlet, like playing fetch or playing with a flirt pole. If you have a scent hound, make sure you are playing scent work games with your dog. Giving your dog appropriate outlets for their natural behaviour will help to prevent them doing these behaviours at times you might deem inappropriate.

Don’t let your dog off lead where he has the opportunity to ignore you when you call him. 

Socialisation is key during adolescence, not just with other dogs but with every day things such as people, skateboards, trucks etc. Ensure that they are all positive experiences through the use of treats and toys, and this will help to prevent fearful behaviours around these things in the future. 

Make sure your walks with your dog are interactive, using treats, and toys, as well as the environment. By interacting with your dog in a fun way on his walks, he is learning that you are the most interesting thing in the world, and will help prevent unwanted behaviours such as barking and lunging on leash and pulling on the lead. It will also help to tire your dog out much better.

Remember that adolescence is a stage in your dog’s life and with continued positive reinforcement training, socialisation and relation building, your dog will mature into a well balanced dog. 

Happy Training