Adolescence occurs between 6m and 18m of age. This is often a time when owners struggle most with their dogs. This period of time can be so overwhelming that some people are forced to rehome their dog – this is the most common time that dogs get rehomed, so if you are struggling then know you are not alone. You may feel frustrated, angry, impatient – or all of these and more – during this time.
However, by understanding what is going on for your dog it can help to get you through this often challenging time and be patient. During adolescence key events alter the structure and function of your dog’s brain. Changing sex hormones affect their stress responses; they have a decreased ability to process information about the environment – presence of dogs, people, cars, rabbits, bins – almost anything! The connection between the part of the brain which is responsible for emotional processing and decision making decreases, resulting in less behavioural control, more risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.
In real terms, this means that your dog can be fearful of things they have experienced before, what was easy for them before is now difficult or overwhelming, and what made sense to them is now confusing and chaotic. This can make the world overwhelming and difficult for your dog to navigate. Add to that, you are probably finding them challenging in certain locations (like on a walk, or when people/dogs are around).
So how can you help?
- Give them time and space to observe what is going on around them at a distance – allow them the time to watch calmly.
- Give them time to go for sniffing walks and explore.
- Keep teaching in small steps to build towards your end goals.
- Use ‘neutral walks’ following other people/dogs at a distance by walking behind or in parallel
- Use enrichment games to give the dog some autonomy and to meet their needs. Research shows that suitable enrichment improves physical health and their ability to learn!
Have a read of https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/adolescentpuppies and https://www.adolescentdogs.com/post/teenage-troubles-surviving-adolescence
