09/15/2025
Just like humans, all dogs will go through a phase of life known as adolescence.
In dogs, adolescence will usually last from around 6 months of age up to 18-24 months of age.
While this is the typical age range, this can vary dog to dog. Some variables can be determined by being spayed or neutered, gender, breed, and many more outside factors.
Dogs may start to forget or ignore behaviors they once knew, start pushing boundaries, start displaying new or worrysome behaviors, and just not seem like the pup you had only a few weeks ago.
This is often a part of development that most owners are not aware of or prepared for. A recent study has shown that the majority of surrendered dogs (47.7%) were between 5 months to 3 years old.
So, what causes this switch?
Adolescence is the pr***en and teenage stage of your dogs life. They are starting to go through lots of physical and mental changes that can alter their way of thinking and acting.
The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating and will explain some key developments that will alter not only their physical appearance but their brain function as well.
Changing s*x hormones will impact their stress response due to a decreased ability to process information from the environment. This could be other people, dogs, cars, sounds, or anything else around them.
The connection between the amygdala (the emotional processor) and the frontal cortex (the decision-making part of the brain) decreases. This will cause the dog to present more risk-taking behaviors and be more sensitive to scary situations.
This will make things that were not once scary frightening; easy things may be more stressful; and simple events may be confusing for the dog.
So how can owners better handle this stage of their pups life?
While it may be overwhelming and annoying to have these new behaviors from our dogs, the best thing we can do for them is to be patient.
Continue to slowly and positively expose them to the world and give them proper outlets for their anxiety and energy.
While it may be tempting to keep your dog locked indoors away from all stress and triggers, this will only cause a snowball effect overtime. Less exposure and less energy outlet will only amplify their behavior.
To better help you prepare for or get through this stage, contact a trainer who you connect well with. This will give you the best chances at understanding and getting through this stage the easiest.
Find a trainer who will not overly punish you dog for natural behaviors, who will keep things positive, and who will confidently and successfully push your dog through stressful situations.
🔹
Ready to start training? Reach out for more information!
📞 910-988-5346 (text or call)
💻www.BattleBridgeCanine.com
📨[email protected]
▪
▪
▪
