You brought home a sweet, playful puppy who followed you everywhere, eager to learn and please. But now? They香蕉视频直播檝e started ignoring cues, barking at things they never used to notice, and seem to have selective hearing香蕉视频直播攅specially when you call them at the park.
Sound familiar? Welcome to the teenage dog phase.
This stage, also called adolescence, can begin around six months of age for some breeds and last well into the second year of life. It香蕉视频直播檚 a natural part of your dog香蕉视频直播檚 development, but it can leave even the most patient guardians feeling confused or overwhelmed.
What香蕉视频直播檚 happening with your puppy?
Just like human teens, adolescent dogs are undergoing big changes香蕉视频直播攈ormonally, physically, and emotionally. Their brains are still developing, and they香蕉视频直播檙e starting to test boundaries, explore the world with more independence, and sometimes act like they香蕉视频直播檝e never heard the word 香蕉视频直播渟it香蕉视频直播� before. It香蕉视频直播檚 not that they香蕉视频直播檝e forgotten their training香蕉视频直播攖hey香蕉视频直播檙e just distracted, overstimulated, and working through their new adolescent brain chemistry.
One of the most surprising shifts during this time can be fearfulness or reactivity. A dog who once loved everyone might suddenly bark at strangers or avoid new experiences. This is often due to a secondary fear period that occurs during adolescence. It香蕉视频直播檚 temporary, but how you respond makes a big difference.
This phase doesn香蕉视频直播檛 last. But it does matter
The good news? Your goofy, sometimes frustrating teenage dog will grow up. The challenging behaviours香蕉视频直播攑ulling on leash, ignoring cues, barking at other dogs香蕉视频直播攁ren香蕉视频直播檛 signs of a 香蕉视频直播渂ad dog.香蕉视频直播� They香蕉视频直播檙e signs of a young dog who needs support, structure, and understanding while their brain catches up to their body.
What does matter is how we guide them through it. Without clear, compassionate support, those temporary behaviours can become long-term habits. Think of this stage as your second chance to develop the adult dog you want to live with.
How to help your teenage dog thrive
1. Stay patient and keep training positive
Even if your dog suddenly acts like they香蕉视频直播檝e never heard a cue before, stay calm. Go back to basics in quiet environments, reward the effort, and keep sessions short and fun.
2. Support, don香蕉视频直播檛 scold
Your dog isn香蕉视频直播檛 being stubborn香蕉视频直播攖hey香蕉视频直播檙e struggling. Scolding, yanking on the leash, or using punishment can actually make things worse, especially if fear is involved. Focus on building trust and confidence instead.
3. Give them safe, positive experiences
Keep socialization going, but don香蕉视频直播檛 overwhelm them. Let your dog observe the world at their own pace and reward the behaviour. This helps reduce the chances of reactivity or long-term fearfulness.
4. Burn off that energy
Teenage dogs need outlets. Walks, sniffing, training games, puzzles, and even tug can help meet their mental and physical needs.
5. Don香蕉视频直播檛 be afraid to ask for help
If your dog香蕉视频直播檚 behaviour becomes unmanageable or concerning, reach out to a force-free trainer. You香蕉视频直播檙e not alone香蕉视频直播攁nd it香蕉视频直播檚 never too early to get support.
You香蕉视频直播檝e got this
Raising a teenage dog can be messy, funny, and sometimes a little maddening香蕉视频直播攂ut it香蕉视频直播檚 also a beautiful opportunity. With patience, kindness, and consistency, you香蕉视频直播檒l help your dog grow into the confident, well-mannered adult they香蕉视频直播檙e meant to be.
Hang in there香蕉视频直播攜our best friend is still growing up.
