Adolescent/Teen Dogs

 
LEARNING HOW TO TRAIN YOUR ADOLESCENT PUPPY

DOES YOUR PUPPY NOW LOOK LIKE A BIG PUPPY WHO IS CHALLENGING YOU?

TEENAGE DOGS - BE PATIENT

There are multiple developmental stages in dogs and for most dog guardians, the adolescent phase can be the most trying. Never fear! You can get through this phase with a smile on your face.  
Dogs move through puppyhood, into adolescence and on into adulthood. Each stage brings about typical species behaviors  The adolescent developmental period begins around 6 months of age and lasts till around 18-24 months. This varies by breed and these ages are approximate (just as children reach puberty at different ages). Because of the brain changes, hormonal changes and growth of a dog’s body, a dog’s behaviour will also change.  
Adolescence is when puppies become more independent, and more interested in the outside world. They can lose their understanding of the training they’ve had. Teenage dogs have a harder time paying attention to you because everything else is so stimulating.  
Instead of becoming frustrated, it’s important to focus on what you can do.


Lots of changes are happening during this period which can start at approximately 6 - 12 months of age.
It can finish anywhere between 24 - 36 months, it is all depending on the breed. Tend to be described as trouble makers, there sometimes seems to be increased conflict between dog and carer.

Hormonal changes are happening even if neutered!!!!

Brain is under construction. Neural connections are happening and peaking for learning. Use it or Lose it sort of takes place. Critical period for training and bonding. Easy startle responses - keep it positive punishment will not be your friend.

Some things you MIGHT see: training seems forgotten, owner becomes irrelevant, house training lapses, secondary sensitive phase (fear), selective hearing, over the top reactions ( the brain is not processing information properly. Common to see behaviours develop like jumping counter surfing starting.

Boundary training will save you here.

Teach so that you can address emotions and functions of behaviour.

Nose work to satisfy the seeking system to find resources that will satisfy and give pleasure. The whole brain and body is engaged during sniffing just like a hobby does for us.

Socialization changes - Do continue with new habitats weekly and create positive experiences with conversation starters.

Build Calmness - Find a balance between mental and physical activities. SIT AND SAY HELLO AT THEIR LEVEL TO PREVENT JUMPING. Do not create an adrenaline junkie. Find appropriate outlets but do not build an athlete where is no end and you keep adrenaline high.

Trick Training - what can you do with your hand target now????

Doggy Zen - self control exercises more than ever now.

Chewing, sniffing, other known short doggy play.

Give your dog an appropriate job for what they were bred for - combine carrying, retrieve, sniffing, herding a ball like a tricky treat ball.

THIS IS NOT DOMINANCE CONTROL

 Keep Training Focus on choice training and low pressure.    

Use those skills already trained. Use skills as conversation starters when in new location.