Adolescence is often an incredibly challenging time for many dog owners.

That awkward time between the cute puppy stage and the reliable adult dog, adolescence begins at approximately 18 weeks and lasts until 9-18 months, ending sooner for small breeds and lasting longer for large breeds. It's a challenging time for most dog owners, and, not coincidentally, the time when most owners reach out to a trainer. Adolescence is also most common age for a dog to be surrendered to the shelter. This is the time where aggressive and reactive behaviors may start to emerge, hormones are raging, and energy is at an all-time high. 

What to Expect With Your Adolescent Dog

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Young puppies naturally want to be near their human family, while adolescent dogs become more confident leaving your side, and may choose to go dashing down the street if let off leash.  No matter how good your puppy was, you may need to keep your adolescent on leash for a bit!  Their natural desire to stay close to you is fading.   

Reactivity and Barking

Your friendly puppy may suddenly growl at strangers or bark and lunge at other dogs. This can rapidly change from day to day or may be constant and ongoing. You may notice hackling (fur on the back standing up) and loud alarm barking. 

Young puppies see the world as a safe, happy place. Everything is fun and wonderful. That changes in adolescence when everything is suddenly a potential danger. Your teenager will start barking at people, dogs, and sometimes at nothing. You might suspect your young dog has vision problems as he growls or barks at inanimate objects.

I remember a time I was hiking with my adolescent dog. He suddenly froze, hackles up, a deep growl rumbling from his throat. I panicked, thinking there was either an ax-wielding maniac stalking us through the wilderness or some kind of dangerous animal preparing to attack. I froze with him, staring intently into the brush, trying to make out what was about to kill us. I finally spotted the mortal danger - a tree stump. Yes, a tree stump. I dropped his leash, walked over to it and sat down. A look of confusion washed over his face, he cocked his head, stared a moment, then cautiously approached to investigate. Once he deemed it safe, we were on our merry way, my heart finally starting to slow back down. Adolescent dogs are weird.

Destructive Chewing

Just when you thought you were done with the puppy teething stage - surprise! Adolescent dogs often have a chewing stage too! As your dog breaks in his new adult molars, you may see a resurgence of destructive chewing. Molars start to erupt around 7 months and should be fully emerged by 8 months.  During this time they may feel uncomfortable and want to chew.  

Hyperactivity

So much energy! As puppies reach adolescence, they're starting to leave that puppy laziness behind and energy levels may increase dramatically. Young puppies sleep 18-20 hours a day, while adult dogs sleep around 12-14 hours a day.  That's a lot more waking time to cause trouble!  Their muscles and coordination are developing and growing, and they'll become much more active. They'll seem to have an endless supply of energy, which they'll likely use to get into mischief. 

Your dog may also have a hard time calming themselves down and be regularly overstimulated and wild. 

Disobedience and Difficulty Training

Your perfectly obedient puppy may suddenly stare at you blankly when you tell him to sit. Maybe he’ll make eye contact before turning his back and sauntering off, completely ignoring what you just told him. It may seem like he’s forgotten everything you’ve worked so hard to teach him. With all the biological and hormonal changes occurring, your adolescent dog may struggle to pay attention. That teenager brain is a whirlwind, and he will have days where he just can't stay focused and will seem scatterbrained. 

A 2020 UK study has confirmed this, finding "reduced trainability and responsiveness to commands" in adolescent dogs.

HORMONAL CHANGES

In males, testosterone levels begin to climb, and they're highest in adolescence.  Testosterone is often wrongly believed to cause aggression, so many are eager to neuter to curb bad behavior.  Actually, testosterone is the hormone of confidence, which tends to make dogs feel pretty happy.  When testosterone is high, anxiety is low.   When testosterone levels drop, anxiety rises.  It's theorized that this is why more women than men suffer from anxiety.  A 2018 study found that "castrated dogs are more fearful, but also more aggressive toward strangers and bark more."  Because many behavior problems, such as reactivity and aggression are fear-based, it makes sense.  We want those testosterone levels high so we can have a confident dog.  

As female dogs start going into heat, they'll experience a spike in progesterone, the hormone of pregnancy.  Even if she does not get pregnant, her body will react as though she did.  Her progesterone levels will remain elevated for about 63 days, the gestation period for dogs.  Increased progesterone tends to make dogs pessimistic, so she may be more easily startled and more alert.  She will place increased value in resources, such as food, and will be more willing to compete for them, which can cause conflict if there are other dogs in the house.  Dogs in heat can feel nauseated and may be less interested in eating.  Your adolescent female may need extra support during this time.  Be mindful of putting her into situations she doesn't want to deal with or can’t handle, and be cautious with resources around other dogs.  

MAKING THE MOST OF ADOLESCENCE

Adolescence is undoubtedly hard for many - that’s normal.  The good news is that it's a passing phase and will end eventually.  Try to enjoy being with your dog and ride it out. Remember, there will come a time when your dog is old and gray and you'll actually miss this!  

Kongs and other chews will help keep him busy, ease his teething discomfort, and give him a healthy outlet for his desire to chew.  Chewing also promotes calmness and releases endorphins, making your pup feel good.  

Lots and lots of exercise! Daily exercise, at least 30 minutes of high-energy (running off leash, fetch, swimming, etc) or 60 minutes of low-energy (walking). An under-exercised adolescent dog will find their own ways to burn off energy if they're not given enough exercise throughout the day.   

Mental stimulation is equally as important as exercise.  Take him new places, teach a new trick, play games, buy puzzle toys, try nose work, etc.  Letting them use their brain is hard work!   

Continue training and keep it short and positive. If you’re getting frustrated it’s time to stop.  Training games are great during this time.  

For reactivity and problems with other dogs or aggression towards people, do not punish! This is the time when aggression problems emerge if socialization hasn't been adequate, and this will not resolve without intervention. Schedule a private training with a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) for assistance. 

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