Teenage Dogs: What to Expect and How to Survive Adolescence
When you brought your puppy home, you probably imagined that once you got through the sleepless nights, toilet training and chewing stage, things would settle down. Then suddenly - around six months in—you find yourself living with a completely different dog!
Welcome to adolescence.
Just like human teenagers, dogs go through a developmental phase where their brains, bodies, and hormones are changing rapidly. It can feel chaotic at times, but the good news is: this stage is normal, it will pass, and with the right support, you and your dog can come through it with your bond stronger than ever.
What Happens During Adolescence?
Adolescence usually begins around six months of age and can last until 18–24 months, depending on the breed and individual dog.
Research shows that during this time, the part of the brain responsible for self-control is still developing. A 2021 study by Bray and colleagues found that adolescent dogs often showed more conflict behaviours and reduced trainability, even if they had previously responded well to training. This is very similar to human teenagers, whose brains are still fine-tuning impulse control.
Hormones also play a role. Studies have found that age, sex, and reproductive status can all affect boldness and risk-taking in dogs (Starling et al., 2013). So it’s no surprise if your young dog suddenly seems more confident—or more cautious—than before.
Common Changes You Might Notice
Even if you’ve worked hard on training, you may find your teenage dog suddenly:
Ignoring recall or cues they seemed to know well
Pulling more on the lead
Showing less patience with other dogs or people
Finding new ways to chew, dig or test boundaries
Seeming more anxious or reactive in certain situations
One study found that dogs in adolescence can appear less cooperative with their owners than at other ages (Bray et al., 2021). This doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong—it’s part of development. Think of it as their skills going “on pause” while their brain catches up.
Why It Feels So Challenging
Adolescent dogs are often inconsistent: one day they seem perfect, the next day they act like they’ve forgotten everything. This unpredictability can be frustrating and sometimes upsetting for owners.
It’s important to remember: your training hasn’t failed, and your dog isn’t being stubborn. Their brain and body are just busy growing. Behaviourists such as Sherman & Mills (2008) describe adolescence as one of the most sensitive stages in canine behavioural development, when consistency and patience from humans make the biggest difference.
How to Survive the Teenage Stage
Lower expectations, raise patience – skills will return as their brain matures.
Keep training fun and short – a few minutes at a time, lots of play and rewards.
Practice recall in safe spaces – long lines or secure paddocks can help keep things positive.
Provide plenty of enrichment – sniff walks, puzzle feeders, and chew toys reduce frustration.
Stick to routines – predictability builds security and reduces stress.
Choose quality socialising over quantity – positive interactions matter more than numbers.
Reach out for help – professional support can make this stage much easier for you both.
Reassurance
Every dog goes through adolescence in their own way, but it is just a phase. With patience and guidance, you’ll come out the other side with a calmer, more mature dog who has benefited from all the effort you put in during this time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your teenage whirlwind, please know you’re not alone—and you don’t need to struggle through it. I work with many families in this exact stage, helping them find calm, confidence, and a clear path forward.
👉 If you’d like support tailored to your dog, get in touch to book a consultation. Together, we can make life with your adolescent dog much smoother (and even enjoyable!)
Research and Further Reading
Bray, E. E., MacLean, E. L., & Hare, B. A. (2021). Cognitive development in dogs: Adolescence is associated with increased conflict behaviour and reduced trainability. Biology Letters, 17(2).
Casey, R. A., Loftus, B., Bolster, C., Richards, G. J., & Blackwell, E. J. (2014). Human directed aggression in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris): Occurrence in different contexts and risk factors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 152, 52–63.
Range, F., & Virányi, Z. (2015). Social learning from humans and conspecifics in dogs. Animal Behaviour, 99, 229–237.
Starling, M. J., Branson, N., Thomson, P. C., & McGreevy, P. D. (2013). Age, sex and reproductive status affect boldness in dogs. The Veterinary Journal, 197(3), 868–872.
Sherman, B. L., & Mills, D. S. (2008). Canine behavioural development. In BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine (pp. 8–20).
