09/09/2025
🌟 Adolescence in Border Collies: What Every Guardian Should Know 🌟
Adolescence in Border Collies typically happens between 6 to 18 months of age—and for many guardians, this can be the most challenging time in their dog’s life. 🐾
In fact, research has shown that 47.7% of dogs surrendered to shelters are between 5 months and 3 years old (Salman et al., 2010). That tells us something important: adolescence can be overwhelming—for dogs and for their humans.
Here’s why:
During this stage, s*x hormones surge, altering stress responses.
The frontal cortex (decision-making) and amygdala (emotions) lose some connectivity, which means less behavioral control, more risk-taking, and greater fear sensitivity.
Things that once seemed easy or familiar to your pup can suddenly feel stressful or even scary.
💡 What you can do to help your adolescent Border Collie:
Give them space and time to observe the world from a safe distance.
Take them on long, sniffy walks in nature—this helps decompress their busy brains.
Provide a quiet, cozy space for rest so they can process the day and consolidate memories.
Keep training sessions short, fun, and rewarding, breaking skills into smaller steps.
Most importantly: Be patient. Adolescence is temporary, but the lessons and trust you build now last a lifetime. With compassion and consistency, your energetic, confused adolescent pup can grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. ❤️🐾
✨ Let’s support our Border Collie teens through this “stormy” stage—they need us now more than ever!
- Donna Williams,
Emerald Park Border Collies.
