Surviving Dog Adolescence: What’s Going On and How to Handle It
- Paws Academy
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Just when you think you’ve finally got a handle on your young dog—sleeps through the night, walks on a loose lead, doesn’t eat your shoes—they hit adolescence. And suddenly it’s like living with a completely different dog. Recall goes out the window, focus is non-existent, and that once cuddly companion now seems more interested in chasing birds than listening to you.
Sound familiar?
Adolescence is a phase many dog owners aren’t fully prepared for, and it can feel like a frustrating step backwards. But the truth is, this stage is completely normal, and with the right approach, it doesn’t have to derail the progress you’ve made.
In this blog, we’re breaking down what dog adolescence actually is, what to expect, and most importantly, how to support your dog (and yourself) through it.
What is Dog Adolescence, Really?
Dog adolescence typically starts anywhere from 6 to 12 months of age and can last until around 18 to 24 months, depending on the breed. Larger breeds tend to mature later, while smaller breeds may grow out of it a bit sooner. Either way, adolescence is a transitional phase between puppyhood and adulthood, and like human teenagers, adolescent dogs are going through a whirlwind of hormonal, emotional, and behavioural changes.
You might notice:
A sudden increase in independence
Selective hearing (especially with recall)
Testing boundaries
Re-emergence of puppy behaviours like chewing or mouthing
Seeming hyper one moment and completely disengaged the next
This isn’t your dog “being bold” or “stubborn”—they’re simply navigating a complicated developmental phase where their brain is rewiring and their hormones are all over the place.
Why Does Training Seem to Fall Apart?
During adolescence, your dog’s brain is still under construction. The parts involved in decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation are developing. This means that behaviours you thought were “trained” may suddenly unravel.
You might find your dog:
Ignores cues they used to know
Jumps up more frequently
Pulls on the lead again
Becomes reactive to people or dogs
Starts barking more
This regression isn’t a failure on your part. It’s not a sign your dog is “naughty.” It’s just biology doing its thing. But that doesn’t mean you have to just wait it out—there are smart, practical things you can do to help.
Strategies to Manage Dog Adolescence
Revisit the Basics—Often
Just because your dog knew how to sit or come when called at 5 months doesn’t mean they’ll automatically retain that through adolescence. Keep reinforcing the basics. Short, regular training sessions are far more effective than occasional long ones.
Use rewards they actually care about. Food is great, but for some adolescent dogs, movement-based rewards like tug or a chance to chase a ball might work better, especially when distractions are high.
Manage Their Environment
One of the biggest mistakes people make is giving adolescent dogs too much freedom too soon. Yes, your dog needs to explore, but they also need structure. Use long lines on walks to help with recall, baby gates to control indoor access, and chew-proofing if destructive habits have returned.
Preventing unwanted behaviour is always easier than trying to fix it later.
Exercise: Not Just More, But Smarter
Many owners assume their bouncy adolescent needs loads more exercise, but this can backfire. Over-exercised dogs don’t always get calmer—they can become fitter, which means they need even more stimulation to tire out.
Focus on a balance: physical exercise, yes, but also mental enrichment. Scatter feeding, puzzle toys, scent games, and basic obedience can mentally tire a dog far more effectively than an hour-long sprint.
Train for Calm, Not Just Obedience
It’s tempting to focus on obedience behaviours like “sit”, “stay”, and “heel,” but during adolescence, calmness itself is a skill worth teaching.
Reward your dog for relaxing on a mat, settling near you in a café, or ignoring exciting triggers. These are the real-life behaviours that make day-to-day living easier. Calm doesn’t just happen—it’s built through repetition and reinforcement.
Be Selective About Socialising
Socialisation doesn’t end at 16 weeks. Adolescents still need exposure to new people, dogs, places, and situations—but with a bit more care. Many dogs become more cautious or even reactive during this time.
Don’t force interactions. Watch their body language. Let them observe from a distance if they’re unsure. Avoid chaotic dog parks and instead opt for controlled environments where interactions are more predictable.
Pick Your Battles
If your dog is going through a wobbly recall phase, don’t test it in a wide-open field full of distractions. You’ll only frustrate yourself and teach them that ignoring you is an option. Instead, practise in lower-stakes environments where they’re more likely to succeed.
Same goes for jumping, barking, or pulling. You can’t fix everything at once. Prioritise the behaviours that matter most to your lifestyle and work consistently on those.
Remember: This Is a Phase
It can feel never-ending, but your dog will mature. The key is to support them through it rather than getting into constant battles. Be consistent, be patient, and try to keep a sense of humour—it really helps.
When to Seek Help
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed during this stage. You might question whether you’re doing it right or feel like you’re the only one struggling. You’re not. Adolescence is one of the most common reasons people reach out for training support.
Some signs it might be time to get help:
You’re avoiding walks because of behaviour issues
You feel frustrated or unsure how to move forward
Your dog is showing signs of reactivity or fear that weren’t there before
Training has become a source of stress rather than enjoyment
Working with a professional can take the pressure off and give you a clear plan that actually works for your dog—and for you.
How Paws Academy Can Help
At Paws Academy, we specialise in real-world dog training that fits your life. We know adolescence can feel like a rough patch, but with the right guidance, it can also be a time of huge growth and learning—for both of you.
We offer:
In-person training sessions for hands-on guidance
Virtual consultations so you can get help no matter where you are
Custom plans tailored to your dog’s age, breed, and temperament
Ongoing support to keep you progressing, even when things feel wobbly
Whether you’re dealing with a dog who’s suddenly ignoring recall, struggling with lead pulling, or just feeling a bit lost, we’re here to help you get back on track—with practical training that makes sense.
Final Thoughts
Dog adolescence is challenging, no doubt about it. But it’s also a crucial part of your dog’s development. This is when lifelong habits are formed, and when your relationship can either become stronger—or start to fray.
The key is to stay consistent, stay kind, and don’t go it alone if you don’t have to.
Struggling with the ups and downs of your dog’s teenage phase?
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👉 Grab your copy here and feel a little more grounded in the chaos.
