Understanding canine adolescence

If your usually attentive puppy has suddenly become more distracted and excitable, isn’t listening to you and has seemingly forgotten everything they have ever learned, don’t panic, they may have entered the amazing world of adolescence!

Adolescence can feel like a really difficult time for both you and your dog.  A dog who was settling really well may start finding it harder; a puppy who previously greeted dogs nicely may become more cautious or over-excited; recall may become a thing of the past, pulling may increase, and familiar cues can seem to disappear the moment something more interesting happens. It is frustrating, but it is also a very normal developmental stage for dogs.

When does canine adolescence happen?

There is no actual age that pinpoints when a dog becomes an adolescent, but it often begins somewhere around six to twelve months.  It can start earlier or continue well into their second year, and smaller dogs often mature sooner, while larger and giant breeds may take longer. Breed, genetics, health, previous experiences and an individual dog’s temperament all affect how they will experience adolescence.

This matters because comparing your dog to someone else’s can be unhelpful. One adolescent might look bouncy and sociable, another might become more cautious or sensitive, and a third might suddenly seem to have a powerful interest in squirrels, dogs, smells or simply doing things their own way.

What is changing?

Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, social and emotional development and your dog’s body and brain are going through a lot of change.  They are still growing, learning and developing the ability to regulate their emotions and impulses.  

That can make the world feel more exciting, distracting or scary than it did a few months earlier. Your dog may notice things they barely registered before. They may want more independence, but still need your help to make good choices while their brain tries to navigate their world.   

Common changes you might notice

• Recall becoming less reliable, particularly around other dogs, wildlife or interesting smells.

• A sudden increase in pulling, jumping up, mouthing, stealing items or general over-excitement.

• More sensitivity to people, dogs, noises or unfamiliar places.

• Testing their confidence in new situations, or seeming more worried about things they previously accepted.

• Finding it harder to settle, especially when tired or over-stimulated.

• Fluctuating focus - they may be great one day and really struggle to focus the next

These are all signs that we need to ensure that your dog gets extra support from you in order to help them navigate this tricky phase.  Unfortunately not everyone sees adolescence for what it is to slow down, look at the situation in front of you and make sure your dog has the support they need.

Why do they forget everything?

It is worth remembering that dogs learn in context.   For example, a dog whose recall is great in the garden may need more practice before it is good in the park with multiple different distractions.  During adolescence, the things competing for your dog’s attention can become much more rewarding, and they may find focusing on you more difficult.

If this happens, we need to make things easier for your dog, so we might increase distance from distractions, use a long line where appropriate, reward generously, and give your dog a chance to succeed.

How to support your adolescent dog

Sometimes going back a couple of steps in your training is necessary to help your adolescent dog get back on track.  Adjust your expectations for a little while, and use management and guidance to help them navigate this turbulent period of their life.

Keep rehearsing the basics in easy places: recall, loose lead walking, settling, engagement and handling.

• Use a long line to protect recall while continuing to give your dog safe opportunities to sniff, explore and move.

• Choose quieter walks or calmer routes when your dog is struggling, rather than expecting them to cope with every busy environment.

• Build in rest to help prevent them getting over tired.  

• Offer appropriate enrichment, including sniffing, food searches, chewing, play and opportunities to problem-solve.

• Keep social experiences positive. Your dog does not need to greet every dog or person they see.

• Reward the behaviours you want more of, especially checking in with you and choosing to disengage from distractions.

Thinking about your dog’s breed can also help you guide them through this time.  If you have a spaniel, they may need plenty of opportunities to use their nose and retrieve appropriately, while sighthounds may find fast movement hard to ignore. A young herding dog may become more alert to movement in the environment. Breed tendencies can help us choose activities and management that tap into our dog’s natural instincts.

Avoid the pressure to “socialise” through everything

Owners are often told that a young dog must meet every dog, visit every place and cope with every situation. In reality, quality matters far more than quantity. For an adolescent dog, repeated overwhelming experiences can make the world feel less safe, not more.

Aim for positive, manageable experiences. Give your dog space. Let them watch from a distance. Allow them to choose whether to approach where it is safe to do so. Calm, short and successful outings are often more valuable than long, high-pressure ones.

When is it more than adolescence?

Adolescence is not a catch-all explanation for every change in behaviour. If your dog becomes suddenly fearful, reactive, withdrawn, aggressive, reluctant to exercise, sensitive to handling, or different in their eating, sleep or toileting, speak to your vet. Pain and other health issues can affect behaviour, and they need to be ruled out.

If behaviour is becoming difficult to manage or you are worried about safety, getting support early from a qualified, force-free trainer or behaviour professional can make a huge difference.

The bottom line

Canine adolescence is temporary, but the support you give during it can have a lasting impact. Keep things simple, practise skills where your dog can succeed, manage the situations that are too difficult right now, and notice the small wins. Your dog has not forgotten everything. They are growing up, and they need you to help make the world feel safe for them.

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