Living with an adolescent dog can be so wonderful, but also incredibly challenging.
If you're anything like me, you'll be split between being totally smitten with your pooch, then the next moment tearing your hair out.
Despite working with adolescent dogs; nothing fully prepared me for living with Kai, who was 10 months old when he moved in with us.
I have spent many hours diffusing the chaos that comes with a teenage dog; and endured the physical blood, sweat and tears that can be a part of raising them. I am pleased to say, that we are now largely out the other side of it; alive, well and very much smitten with what a wonderful dog he is. That said; for the first few months of sharing my life with him, I think I'd have gladly given him away if anyone had offered to take him!
Adolescence is the developmental stage where most dogs will be re-homed and placed in rescue centres; the reason being that it really can be such hard work living with and raising them. Add even a 'little' behaviour issue into the mix and it can feel impossible and overwhelming.
The great news is; adolescence is just a phase. It can be a long phase; but it is a phase nonetheless.
When our dogs are growing, they switch from being Puppies to Juveniles at around 4-6 months; then the dreaded teenage phase hits at around 6 months. The exact age brackets will vary slightly from breed to breed and individual to individual.
Adolescence can last anywhere to between 18 months - 4 years. Smaller dogs tend to mature faster than larger breeds. And some dogs within breed groups such as gundogs may take far longer to 'grow up' and reach full maturity.
An important thing to remember during this phase is that any problematic behaviour, is most likely evidence that your dog is struggling with something themselves, be it fear, anxiety, or just simply uncertainty because they lack life experience. Rather than them intentionally trying to frustrate you. Another important thing to remember, is that the phase WILL pass.
What many adolescent dogs get is more and more control and training thrown at them; when really, they need more empathy, understanding and gentle guidance. Training your dog skills is absolutely necessary, but it isn't the be all and end all.
If you're teenager is really struggling; then the focus should go predominantly into making sure you are MEETING YOUR DOGS NEEDS. Most common issues such as destructive behaviours, excessive barking, or mouthing behaviours are often a sign of a dog struggling with something, and trying to meet a lacking need in their own way.
Explore which needs are met; and how. Maybe there are some changes that you can make that fit in with your life, and help your dog feel more content. Once the needs are met, then you can add in any training. But at this point, when their brains are under development, keeping sessions short, and fun is key.
As well as ensuring needs are met, and their training is continued, It's a good idea to continue practicing social skills with your dog as they mature. This may change as they develop. The puppy who wants to meet everyone will likely become more selective. As puberty hits, you'll likely notice they are more wary or suspicious of new dogs or people too. The best tip I can give for helping your dog remain social; is to ensure they have a few really good and regular friendships (human and dog), but that the general day to day focus is on them being able to calmly observe, and 'people watch' rather than trying to get them to meet and interact with every other person or dog they see.
A few other things that can help you get through adolescence can include (but is in no way limited to!)...
1. Utilising CONSISTENT Reinforcement of behaviours that are 'appropriate' or that you'd like to see more of. Practice basic cues that you feel are useful for you and your dog regularly, and be ready to capture moments of calm or any 'nice choices'. Consistency really is key to ensuring your dog understands what is needed / expected and helping reduce frustration all round.
2. Physical Exercise: Adolescent dogs have high energy levels. While taking into account breed specific energy levels and individual needs, ensure that you provide plenty of opportunities for exercise, such as lead walks, playtime at secure fields, and training sessions, to help keep them physically stimulated.
3. Mental Stimulation: Physical Exercise is important, but arguably mental exercise is as if not more so important. Engage your dog's mind with puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games. Scent work is a fantastic activity to get your dog 'working' in a way that is accessible for all dogs and owners alike. Mental stimulation helps prevent boredom and destructive behaviour so it is a vital tool to help you survive those troublesome teenage years!
4. Patience and Understanding: Adolescence can be a challenging time for dogs as they test boundaries. Just like human teenagers, their brains are under development. Theyre going through physical and psychological changes and are still in the process of learning about life. Be patient and understanding, offering gentle boundaries, redirection and guidance. Raising a teenager is hard, but being a teenager is hard too.
5. Establish consistent Boundaries: Clearly define what is and isn’t accepted within your home. Consistent rules help your dog understand expectations and limits. Look at positive ways to interrupt unwanted behaviours, then once you know what the issue is, you can address it by encouraging alternative behaviours that are not compatible with those that are less desired.
6. Routine and Structure: A predictable routine provides a sense of security and stability for your dog. This doesn't necessarily have to be a case of feeding your dog at bang in 5pm every day, but having a routine that your dog can rely on can help significantly with helping your teenager feel settled and secure. Leading to a reduction in problem behaviours.
7. Safe Chew Toys: Dogs may teeth past a year of age, and naturally enjoy chewing throughout life. Providing appropriate chew toys enables them to satisfy their natural urge to chew and to prevent damage to household items.
8. Let then be 'Naughty': Teenagers push boundaries, it is what it is. You can let them do so in their own way, or you can facilitate it in a way that is safe and non damaging. If your dog likes to do the cheeky 'look what I got!' Dance, then place items around the home that are safe for your dog to 'steal' (e.g. toys, chews, treats, cardboard etc). When they find it and 'steal' it you can be mortified 'Whatcha got there? Let me see!?' - this can feed their desired to push boundaries in a Safe way that helps build your relationship not destroy it.
9. Supervised Independence: Gradually teach your dog to be comfortable alone/doing their own thing for short periods, and enable them to begin making their own good choices. Secure field hire, or activities such as ACE Freework are lovely for this.
10. Sleep: Nowhere near enough adolescent dogs are getting enough sleep. Over tiredness can make dogs frantic, overly reactive, unfocused, and make it difficult for them to learn, relax or even feel safe. If your dog struggles with self regulating and settling to sleep then structured nap times throughout the day may be a huge help. Creating a calm space for your dog to retreat to can aid this well.
11. Monitor Behavior Changes: Be aware of any significant changes in behavior, as these could indicate underlying health issues or stress. Around 85% of behavioural issues involving aggression are thought to be related to pain of some sort, so if in doubt, pop to the vet and rule it out!
12. Avoid Punishment where possible: Focus on what you do want rather than what you dint want and set your dog up to get it right. Remember they're a dog. They have no idea of human values or morals. Nor are they particularly well prepared to live in a human world. Adolescent dogs need support and connection from us, rather than corrections.
13. Talk it out: Dogs aren't stupid, they can make associations fast. They're not sure about your neighbour? No worries. Talk it out. 'That's just our neighbour John. Look, he's washing the car.' - a few repetitions and your dog will learn who 'John' is. You may sound a bit silly narrating life out loud to your dog, but putting words to things can help them out so much.
14. Be a Role Model: If we want a level headed dog, behaving in a level headed way to set the precedent only seems logical. Demonstrate calm, controlled and confident behaviour. Dogs often mirror their humans’s emotions and reactions. You don't need to be superhuman and cope with everything all of the time, but at least being mindful of how our own behaviour influences our dogs behaviour should significantly help with your dog's development.
Hopefully some of these tips and tricks will be of use, and maybe help you help your adolescent dog navigate this developmental stage more smoothly, coming out the other side with a more positive relationship!
It really can be unbelievably hard. I have many times had owners tell me it was significantly easier raising their children that it has been raising their dog. This should make sense really, because after all, we're taking on an entirely different species and trying to make them fit into our human world. Of course there are going to be hiccups are both we, and they learn how to co-exist!
All that said; there can also be so much joy in raising an adolescent, the bond you can eventually create between you and your dog is truly wonderful, and the process can be deeply rewarding.
Check out our blog posts on loose lead walking, and recall for some training tips!
And see our blog on SLEEP to see why it is so important for your adolescent dog.
If you'd like in person help with your teenage dog then you can contact me through my website, or call/WhatsApp me on 07505000709.
Jen x
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