Just when you thought you had it all figured out, your once-responsive puppy suddenly starts ignoring your calls, pulling on the lead, or running off to explore rather than sticking close. Welcome to adolescence! This phase, typically around 6-8 months, can feel like a rollercoaster for both dogs and their owners. But don’t worry - it’s completely normal. With patience, understanding, and consistency, you can guide your teenage dog through this tricky time and set the foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog ready for a lifetime of adventures.
Why Does My Dog Seem to Have Forgotten Everything?
If your young dog was an angelic puppy with a reliable recall and good manners, it can be frustrating when they suddenly start ignoring you. But they haven’t forgotten their training - it’s just that their brain is going through some big developmental changes.
During adolescence, a dog’s brain is still growing, and their hormones are kicking in. Just like human teenagers, they are more interested in exploring, testing boundaries, and seeking out excitement. The thrill-seeking behaviour often comes from changes in brain chemistry that make novelty and independence more appealing than staying close to their humans. That’s why a puppy who never strayed far suddenly becomes a dog who seems to have selective hearing when you call them back.
Here are some references on brain development in dogs, particularly focusing on the adolescent stage:
What NOT to Do: The Myth of the Quick Fix
It’s easy to feel frustrated when your adolescent dog seems to be ignoring you, but this is the worst time to resort to harsh corrections, shouting, or trying to “force” them into compliance. Quick-fix training methods promising instant results often rely on fear and suppression, which can backfire spectacularly. Instead of creating a confident, well-adjusted adult dog, you risk damaging your relationship and making your dog more anxious or even fearful.
There’s no shortcut to building a reliable, well-behaved companion. It takes time, patience, and consistency - exactly what your teenage dog needs from you right now. Be their friend!
What TO Do: Training That Works
The good news? Your dog isn’t broken, and they haven’t permanently changed. They’re just going through a temporary developmental phase. Here’s how you can help them (and yourself!) get through it:
Stick with Positive Reinforcement – Reward good choices and reinforce behaviours you want to see more of. If they come back to you, even after a delay, celebrate it!
Adjust Your Expectations – Your dog isn’t being difficult on purpose. They’re experiencing massive changes in how they perceive the world. Set realistic goals and work with where they are, not where you wish they were.
Keep Training Fun and Engaging – Boring recall drills won’t compete with the exciting sights and smells outside. Use games, varied rewards, and plenty of enthusiasm to keep your dog motivated.
Manage the Environment – If you know your dog is going through a phase where they’re more likely to run off, use a longline in open spaces to prevent them from rehearsing the behaviour of ignoring you.
Continue Socialisation – Just because puppyhood is over doesn’t mean social experiences should stop. Expose them to new environments, people, and dogs in a controlled and positive way.
Be Consistent – Even if it feels like nothing is working, stay the course. Training doesn’t stop at puppy class - it’s an ongoing process. The skills you taught them as a puppy are still in there; they just need reinforcement.
The Reality: A Well-Rounded Adult Dog is Worth the Effort
If you’re struggling with an adolescent dog, take a deep breath and remind yourself that this phase won’t last forever. The effort you put in now - focusing on patience, positive reinforcement, and clear communication - will pay off in the long run. Your teenage dog needs guidance, not punishment. They need consistency, not quick fixes. And above all, they need to know that their human is still their safe place in an overwhelming world.
And if you ever wonder whether all this training is really necessary, just take a look at the number of adolescent dogs in rescue centres. Many of them were once cute puppies whose owners weren’t prepared for the challenges of adolescence. Investing in early training and continuing that education through adolescence ensures your dog doesn’t become a statistic.
So, stay patient, keep training, and remember - this too shall pass. One day, you’ll look back at this awkward phase and realise that all the work was worth it when you’re visiting family, having a coffee with friends in a busy café, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment with your well-adjusted, happy dog settled by your side as you watch the world go by together.
Set Your Dog Up for Success with the Right Training
The key to a well-mannered, happy dog starts with a solid foundation. Our Puppy Foundation Course ensures your young dog (8 - 20wks) gets off to the best possible start, covering essential skills to help them navigate the world with confidence. And if your dog is already in their teenage phase, our Awkward Adolescent Course (6-18mths) is here to guide you through this challenging time, offering expert support and practical training tailored to your growing dog's needs. By investing in training now, you’re building a strong, lasting bond with your dog that will make life together enjoyable for years to come.
Book your spot today and take the next step towards a well-trained, happy dog!
Avril Young, PCT-A, ACT-KSA
References on Brain Development in Dogs
Overall, K.L. (2018). "The Canine Brain: A Guide to Understanding Your Dog's Behaviour." This book provides insights into the neurological changes that occur during different stages of a dog's life, including adolescence.
McGreevy, P.D., & Boakes, R.A. (2007). "Dog Behaviour: The Science and Practical Application of Canine Behaviour." This publication discusses the behavioural changes in dogs during adolescence and the underlying brain development processes.
Gácsi, M., et al. (2009). "The effect of social context on the behaviour of dogs." This research article explores how dogs' behaviours change during adolescence and the influence of social interactions on their brain development.
Wells, D.L. (2004). "The effects of environmental enrichment on the behaviour of dogs." This study highlights the importance of environmental factors in shaping behaviour during the developmental stages of dogs.
Serpell, J.A. (1995). "The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People." This book provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and development of dogs, including their behavioural changes during adolescence.
Hekman, J.P., et al. (2016). "The role of the serotonin system in the development of canine behaviour." This research discusses the biochemical changes in dogs during adolescence and how they affect behaviour.
Comments