Adore your Adolescent!!
Understanding Canine Adolescence: Why Your Dog Isn’t Being “Naughty”
If you’ve ever looked at your once-eager-to-please puppy and wondered what on earth happened?, welcome to dog adolescence. It’s a completely normal—albeit sometimes frustrating—stage of development that all dogs go through. Just like with teenage humans, adolescence in dogs comes with hormones, risk-taking behaviour, and seemingly selective hearing. But with some understanding, patience, and the right support, you can help your dog through this tricky phase and come out the other side with a stronger bond. As you can see from the picture, I’ve been there and I got through it!! Ted was very proud of his bed destruction skills-that was the 3rd!!
What Is Canine Adolescence?
Adolescence is the period between puppyhood and adulthood. It’s marked by huge changes in your dog’s brain and body. Hormones are ramping up, the brain is restructuring, and everything feels new and overwhelming for your dog—often in ways they don’t understand themselves.
During this time, dogs are often seemingly testing boundaries. Behaviours that seemed “trained” can suddenly fall apart. One day they come sprinting back when you call; the next they chase a pigeon halfway across the park like they’ve never heard their name in their life.
This is not your dog being defiant or “naughty.” It’s just the adolescent brain at work—high on hormones and low on impulse control.
When Does It Start, and How Long Does It Last?
The age and duration of adolescence vary depending on the breed and the individual dog. It generally begins around 6 to 9 months and can last until 18 to 24 months, or even longer in some large or giant breeds. Smaller breeds often mature faster, while bigger dogs take their time.
Some dogs breeze through with just the odd hiccup, while others seem to live in a constant state of chaos for months on end. It’s all normal.
Why Do They Do Things That Make No Sense?
If your dog has suddenly decided their bed is the enemy, started barking at shadows, or forgotten how to walk on a lead without doing a kangaroo impression, you’re not alone. These random, frustrating, or destructive behaviours are often linked to:
Brain chemistry: The emotional centre of the brain (amygdala) develops faster than the part responsible for logic and self-control (prefrontal cortex).
Hormonal surges: Like in human teens, hormones like testosterone and oestrogen affect behaviour, confidence, and reactivity.
Risk-taking: Adolescents are more likely to take risks without thinking them through. This can mean bolting off, ignoring cues, or chewing things they’ve ignored for months.
Why Training Feels Like It’s Falling Apart
One of the most common complaints from caregivers during adolescence is that training just stops working. Behaviours like recall, loose-lead walking, and calm greetings go out the window, like your dog has forgotten everything you’ve worked so hard to train.
It’s not that your dog didn’t learn it—it’s that in moments of arousal or distraction, their adolescent brain struggles to access that learning. This is where management comes in to support the training:
Long lines are great for safe recall practice without the risk of your dog disappearing.
Secure fields can give your dog the freedom to run without the chaos of a busy park.
Quiet lead walks with a trusted dog friend can offer social contact without overstimulation.
Reinforcing the relationship—more than just training “commands”—by playing together, engaging in scent games, or simply spending calm time together.
These strategies help set your dog up for success while giving them outlets for their energy and social needs.
They’re Not Being Naughty
It’s easy to feel like your dog is being “bad” or pushing your buttons on purpose, especially when they start ignoring you or destroying things. But their behaviour isn’t personal, and it’s not about dominance or defiance—it’s about development.
They’re still learning how to be in the world. The best thing you can do is offer patience, guidance, and safe boundaries to help them grow into the wonderful adult dog they’re becoming.
It Does Get Better
The good news? Adolescence isn’t forever. Yes, it can be intense. But with consistency, support, and realistic expectations, it passes. Many of the behaviours you’re struggling with now are temporary.
This stage is also an opportunity—a chance to build trust, reinforce communication, and deepen your relationship. Ride it out, keep supporting your dog, and try to see the world through their eyes. Underneath the chaos is a good dog trying to figure it all out—and they’re lucky to have you by their side.
If you are struggling with an adolescent dog please reach out. I’m here to help.
