Adolescence. Don't Give Up Hope

The developmental period of adolescence can be a very challenging time for both human and dog.

It begins at 6 months of age and continues until the dog reaches physical maturity at approximately 2 – 3 years of age (depending on breed). Six to twelve months are often the most challenging. Every dog is different.

Challenging phases will come and go. Some will be more challenging than others.

They are more interested in their environment then in you. They are dipping their paws into independence.

There are many changes occurring within your dog’s body during this time – biological, physical, and psychological.  All of these can and likely will affect your dog’s behaviour to some degree during this time.

What can you expect?

·      An increase in mouthing (harder than puppy mouthing) and a very strong need to chew.

·      An increase in destructive chewing where your dog will seek out things to chew on such as chair legs and baseboards.

·      An increase in fearful episodes of things that were not previously a concern. Fearful phases will come and go.

·      A change in sleep patterns or schedule can occur

·      The 6 month mark is often a time where they show reluctance to confinement (crate)

·      An increase in reactivity to the environment in general where you may notice more barking, lunging, growling or pulling.

·      There will be a decrease in learned behaviour. You may find your recall falls apart or your dog is not responding as well as he used to, to his name and other skills.

·      You might notice he doesn’t get along with other dogs as well as he used to.

·      He may not be all that keen on people either.

It’s a time for a reset. It’s a time for reminding. It’s a time for patience. Your dog is not feeling 100% him or herself. They look grown up but are far from it.

Their body is going through lots of changes and if you think back, you probably felt the same insecurities and confusion as you went through this period of change.

Help guide your adolescent through this time. You and your dog will experience lots of frustration during this time. It’s normal.

Lose your expectations of what you think your dog knows. Behaviour will fall apart. Reducing your expectations will help you when you ask for something you know he’s done many times before but now won’t.

·      Reward the heck out of him for behaviour you like. Just like you did when he/she was a puppy.

·      Provide daily, multiple opportunities to chew on legitimate items such as Bully Sticks, stuffed/frozen Toppl’s or Kongs and other stuffable items.

·      Provide lots of sniffing opportunities as sniffing helps to relax your dog. Feeding via a scatter is an easy way to satisfy very normal foraging behaviour.

·      Provide lots of brain games to keep your dog engaged and thinking. If he’s bored he will find something to do – which you probably won’t like.

·      Understand he may have some difficulty with other dogs. Instead of forcing him to interact consider increasing distance by crossing the street and feeding while other dogs pass by instead of continuing to get closer and risking an outburst.

·      Arrange a playdate with dog friends he does get along with. It’s important that your dog continue to have positive interactions with dogs.

·      Arrange to go for a walk together.

·      Providing mental stimulation during this time is important. Continue training. Take a fun tricks class or enroll in agility or some other fun class.

Above all, be patient. Help your dog through this phase. It will pass.