Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence!

I had a lovely conversation with a dog owner in one of my classes.  She has an adolescent German Shepherd Dog who, as she put it, "really knows how to push my buttons." The dog has been through several training classes (and the owner has attended several of my seminars as well) and yet there are still challenges to be faced daily.  Pulling on leash, barking on and off at other dogs, not listening, counter surfing, jumping up on visitors, and stealing her owner's stuff were just a few of the highlights.  This dog owner is not alone.  These are all very common issues to be faced when you live with an adolescent dog.

Dogs go through adolescence from roughly 8 or 9 months of age until about 18 months to 2 years old, depending on breed. As with teenage humans, adolescent dogs are experiencing a great deal of physical and psychological changes that effect their behavior.  They aren't those puppies that want to follow you everywhere and hang on your every word anymore. They are more independent, free-thinking, and often defiant.  But it isn't all horrible.  Adolescent dogs are quick learners, ready to work on a moment's notice. And a little patience on your part will go a long way to surviving and thriving during your dog's adolescent phase.

First of all, it's time to change things up.  Some of the puppy toys and chewing options your dog had as a young puppy are no longer challenging or satisfying.  You will need to step up your game and expand the offerings to bones, chews, and interactive toys suitable to this age.  Durability of the toys and chews is a must as adolescent dogs have adult teeth and can be hard-core chewers.  Interactive toys and chews combat boredom as well as provide mental exercise and jaw stimulation for your developing dog.  Rotate those toys and chews daily to maintain their novelty and interest for your dog.  Pick up your stuff if you don't want your dog to get it.  Continue to work on leave it and drop it.  Don't leave your dog alone unsupervised in the kitchen where he can counter surf without consequences from you.

With adolescence comes physical growth.  These dogs are getting bigger, bolder, and rowdier.  Make sure your dog is getting enough physical exercise daily, taking into account that their bones and joints are still developing.  They will want to explore on their walks (hence all the pulling on leash!), sniffing constantly.  That's completely normal. Let them sniff! Sniffing is a great anxiety reliever for dogs and actually serves to "wear them out" on their walks. And while naps in their crates are still important, you will likely notice that your adolescent dog has a different sleep pattern than he did as a puppy.

Opportunities for socialization are still important.  Taking your adolescent dogs to training classes geared toward them is warranted.  Classes with a focus on leash walking, public manners, and even tricks training will be what you want to look for.  Take your dog with you as much as possible so that they can continue to meet new people and experience new places and activities thus helping to move through some of the fear and blustery behavior exhibited by adolescent dogs in social situations.  Don't reinforce their fear, but be supportive.  Let them stop and assess the situation. It's okay to bark too.  Be patient and consistent in your responses as well.

Practice recall with your adolescent dogs every day.  Make coming to you fun and rewarding. If your dog is slow to come (or won't come at all!), put a long leash on him before you start working.  Get your dog's attention FIRST.  Then, call your dog with an upbeat voice and if necessary, slowly start putting pressure on that long leash to get the dog to move toward you. Once he arrives, get excited and offer love and treats for a job well done.

I know that it may seem like all of the training you did with your puppy went right in one ear and out the other judging by your adolescent dog's behavior, but don't despair. They did hear you and they did learn those behaviors, they just are behaving like typical teenagers.  They will come back around as long as you remain calm, supportive, patient and persevere in getting what you want from them.  And if you need more help, or want to commiserate with other folks dealing with adolescent dogs, I am offering a short course on dealing with your dog's adolescence.  There will be an option to take the class with your adolescent dog, or for people with puppies who want to get a head start, they can sign up to take the class without their pups.  Here's the link:

 https://adobedogs.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Index.aspx?schedule=817

As always, if you have questions about your pet's behavior, you know where to find me.

Adolescent dog defiance, collie style. Westley had been told twice not to dig up and eat grass, but he ignored my daughter's request.  When she removed him to redirect him, the tell-tale evidence of his shenanigans was right there on his nose!