Adolescence in Dogs
Adolescence is a developmental stage between puppyhood and adulthood.
There are no hard and fast rules about when adolescence happens, timing varies between breeds and individuals; it can begin from around 5 to 7 months and last until 2 to 3 years of age.
What happens when a dog reaches adolescence?
There is no doubt that adolescence can be a testing time, this blog discusses the changes that you might see during this period and how you can best manage the challenges that crop up.
As your puppy grows up, and everything begins to settle, early unwanted behaviours such as puppy biting and toileting accidents in the house reduce, your puppy is settling better and you are getting a regular night’s sleep.
Your puppy will know their name, will be able to come back when called, and walk on a lead.
You can be forgiven for thinking you have got everything under control.
Not so fast, there’s a new challenge on the horizon - adolescence.
What is adolescence in dogs?
Adolescence is a period of transition from puppyhood into adulthood, much like we see during the teenage years in people.
An entirely different set of struggles can surface in our dogs at this time, the surge in hormones which occurs during adolescence can cause changes in our young dog’s body, brain and behaviour.
An adolescent dog may become more independent and rebellious, and may start testing rules and boundaries.
You may notice they start to challenge you by ignoring commands that they previously responded to perfectly.
My experience with dog adolescence
Adolescence is something I have seen with my own dog, Flash, who is now 8 months old.
In the house, he tries to rush through doors without waiting for his release word, he jumps up on the kitchen counter and likes to pick up shoes and run away with them.
Outside, his recall, which was rock solid as apuppy, has all but disappeared.
Not only that, when we’re out, at any opportunity, he bolts for the hills.
He isn’t being naughty, he is going through adolescence and as a working lines springer spaniel, his desire to hunt and explore has kicked in.
What does dog adolescence look like?
Behaviours you might notice in your dog as they reach adolescence:
Chewing furniture, carpets, skirting boards, anything they can get hold of.
They might jump up on the furniture, even if they know this is out of bounds.
Their behaviour around other dogs and situations may change, even if they have been great up until now, they may become fearful or boisterous, or both.
They may become more aloof and independent, preferring to spend time alone rather than with their owner.
In addition to ignoring the owner, adolescent dogs can sometimes show increased responsiveness and attachment (relationship) to others.
If you have any experience of human teenagers, you may recognise some of the behaviours described here! They may prefer going off visiting other people and dogs when on walks.
While these challenges can be frustrating and demoralizing, it’s important to remember this is a phase and part of normal maturation.
What can you do about dog adolescence?
The best advice is to continue to provide clear expectations and boundaries and focus on your relationship with your dog.
For example, if your young dog has become very boisterous, and has, for example, started jumping up, you will need to be very clear that this is not acceptable; you will need to be consistent and address the behaviour every time it occurs.
If your dog gets away with any unwanted behaviour, they will do more of it.
If recall has become a struggle, use a long line to keep your dog safe whilst you work on rebuilding your dog’s desire to come back.
Think about your house rules and boundaries, all household members will need to agree on what is OK for your dog to do so you are all saying the same thing.
Adolescent dogs need firm, consistent guidance so they are clear on what behaviours are acceptable otherwise they will be confused. In addition, if they get away with ‘bad behaviour’ they will keep doing it!
Dog adolescence needs exercise
Adolescent dogs need more exercise than younger dogs.
Find out what your dog enjoys and incorporate it into your walks.
It’s a good idea to provide both mental stimulation and physical exercise.
This will strengthen your relationship and increase your dog’s desire to stay with you, making them less likely to want to leave you and seek out other dogs on walks.
Regular exercise will help your adolescent dog burn off excess energy, this combined with developing self control, will help them stay calm indoors.
Dog adolescence and socialisation
Continue to offer opportunities for your dog to socialise just as you did when they were a puppy; expose them to a variety of sights and sounds and environments, and if there is something they seem concerned about, look for opportunities to gradually familiarise them with it.
Give them opportunities to interact safely with other dogs and people.
If they seem to be getting too boisterous or worried, take them out of the situation.
Encourage them to play with you so their preference will be to choose you over other dogs or people when you’re out and about.
Adolescence is a phase of great change for your young dog and for you
During this period, it pays to be patient and understanding and remember that your adolescent dog is still learning and growing, and making mistakes is part of the process.
With patience, love, and consistency, your adolescent dog will pass through this period and will emerge a well-adjusted family member.
If you are concerned with your adolescent dog’s behaviour or you are unsure how to handle it, reach out for some help and support contact us.