14/05/2026
Great advice. Thanks Lorraine Tester Imdtb
One of the most common things I hear from owners of adolescent dogs is, “It’s like they’ve forgotten everything they knew.”
Around 6–18 months old, many dogs go through adolescence — a completely normal developmental stage where behaviour can suddenly seem very different. Dogs that previously had good recall may suddenly become distracted by everything around them. Puppies that walked nicely on the lead may start pulling heavily. Some dogs become more vocal in the house, bark more at noises or people passing by, or seem much more reactive to the environment.
Owners often feel frustrated or worried because it can seem as though the behaviour has appeared overnight, but in many cases these changes are part of normal adolescent development.
During this stage, a dog’s brain is still maturing, particularly the areas involved in impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making. Their social awareness is changing, hormones are influencing behaviour, and many dogs become more sensitive to the environment around them. This can lead to increased excitement, reduced focus, inconsistent responses to cues, or difficulty coping in distracting environments.
Adolescent dogs are also learning more about the world and gaining independence, which is why they may appear to test boundaries or become less responsive than they were a few months earlier.
Although adolescence can feel challenging, it is important to continue building and maintaining a strong bond with your dog during this stage. Staying patient, consistent, and supportive helps your dog feel safe and understood while they navigate this period of development. It is not always easy, but investing in that relationship now can make a huge difference long term and helps build trust, confidence, and better communication between you and your dog.
With patience, guidance, and appropriate support, adolescent dogs can successfully develop into calm and confident adults