Understanding Your Teenage Dog
I remember the exact moment my sweet, responsive puppy seemed to “forget” everything she knew. Skills she once had (like recall) were suddenly ignored. If you’ve ever had a teenage dog, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Just like human teenagers, dogs go through an adolescent phase that can be challenging—for them and for us.
Why Do Adolescent Dogs Seem to Forget Their Training?
Adolescence in dogs typically occurs between six months and two years of age, depending on the breed. During this time, their brains and bodies are undergoing rapid development, which can impact their behavior in surprising ways. It’s not that they’re deliberately disobeying; it’s that their brains are struggling to balance newfound independence with the emotional and hormonal surges they’re experiencing.
Here’s why your dog might seem to forget everything:
Developmental Changes: Their brains are in overdrive, rewiring and maturing. This makes it harder for them to focus on tasks they once performed with ease.
Increased Independence: Just like human teenagers, adolescent dogs are changing and exploring their independence. They may be more curious about their environment and less responsive to what you’re asking them to do.
Hormonal Influences: As hormones surge, they can experience mood swings, reactivity, and behaviors you haven’t seen before, like marking territory or suddenly ignoring recall. Female dogs may go through their first heat cycle, while males might become more territorial.
But this phase doesn’t last forever—your dog will come out the other side!
What You Can Do
The key to getting through adolescence is patience and understanding. Your dog isn’t being rebellious; they’re simply overwhelmed by their own growth. Here are some strategies to help them through this stage:
Revisit the Basics: This is the time to revisit basics: games, tricks, exercises you played at the beginning. Even if they knew them as a puppy, your dog will benefit to have these reinforced in their newly distracted state. Keep it short and positive, and remember—this is not about control but about helping them process.
Use Positive Reinforcement: The best way to navigate this phase is by focusing on what your dog is doing right, rather than correcting what they’re doing wrong. Use high-value rewards like treats or toys to reinforce the behaviors you want to see more of. It’s more effective than trying to manage unwanted behaviors.
Provide Mental Stimulation: Adolescent dogs are full of energy and easily bored. Providing extra mental stimulation through movement puzzle toys, scent games, or new training challenges will help keep their minds engaged and reduce frustration.
Redirect Unwanted Behaviors: Instead of getting frustrated when your dog exhibits unwanted behaviors (like jumping or barking), try redirecting them to something positive. Grab their favorite toy or initiate a game they love. This helps shift their energy into more appropriate outlets.
Stay Consistent and Be Patient: Remember, consistency is everything. Dogs thrive on routine, especially during confusing stages of their development. Stick with it, even if it feels like you’re not making progress.
It’s Normal—Don’t Panic!
It’s easy to feel like you’re failing as a guardian when your once-cooperative pup suddenly seems to “forget” everything, but don’t panic. This is a normal part of their development. It’s frustrating, but with patience, consistency, and understanding, you’ll get through this phase together.
Adolescence is temporary, and the effort you invest during this period will pay off in the long run. Soon enough, your dog will emerge as a calmer, more balanced adult, and you’ll have gained a deeper understanding of their emotional patterns along the way.