The Teenage Dog: Surviving Adolescence From 6 to 18 Months

Many owners are caught off guard by adolescence. The puppy who followed them everywhere and sat beautifully suddenly ignores recall, pulls on the lead, jumps up and seems to have forgotten everything. It is frustrating, but it is normal — and it passes, especially if you keep training going through it.

When It Happens

Adolescence usually starts somewhere around six months and can last until 18 months or longer, especially in large breeds. It overlaps with sexual maturity and big changes in the brain.

What You Might See

• Recall that suddenly becomes unreliable
• More interest in the environment, smells and other dogs than in you
• Lead pulling returning
• Jumping up, mouthing and over-excitement
• New fears or wariness of things they previously ignored
• Testing boundaries at home

Why It Is Not Defiance

Teenage dogs are not trying to dominate you. Their brains are changing, their bodies are growing and the world has become more interesting. Skills learned in the kitchen have not yet been practised in the much harder conditions of a field full of smells and dogs.

Keep Training — But Make It Easier

• Go back a step: practise skills in easier places with fewer distractions
• Raise the value of your rewards
• Keep sessions short — two to five minutes, a few times a day
• Reward the good choices your dog does make

Manage the Environment

• Recall: use a long line in open spaces so your dog cannot practise ignoring you. See how to teach a reliable recall.
• Jumping up: keep greetings calm and on lead while you train.
• Chewing: keep appropriate chews available and valuables out of reach.

Balance Exercise and Rest

Teenage dogs need exercise and mental stimulation, but more running is not always the answer. Many adolescent dogs are short of sleep and become more wound up with more activity. Include sniffing walks, enrichment at home and plenty of rest.

New Fears

Adolescent dogs may become wary of things they were fine with before. Avoid forcing them; give them space and build confidence gradually.

Neutering

Discuss the timing of neutering with your vet, who can advise based on breed, size and health.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the teenage phase end?

For many dogs, behaviour settles between 18 months and two years, though it varies by breed and individual.

My dog has forgotten all his training. Should I start again?

Go back a step and practise in easier situations. The training is not lost — it just needs more practice under harder conditions.

Is it normal for an adolescent dog to become fearful?

New fears can appear during adolescence. Give your dog space and build confidence gently. Seek help if fears are severe.