The Teenage Phase in a Dog's Life: What You Need to Know
As a dog owner, you may have heard that dogs can go through a "teenage" phase. This is a period of time when dogs, typically between the ages of 6 and 18 months, may act out or test boundaries. For Willa, this happened at 9 months. She started misbehaving on our regular daily walks, when off leash she wouldn’t listen to her recall, sometimes she would even come close enough so you’d almost grab her harness and then she would dodge and run away - which was extremely out of character. And as you can imagine extremely frustrating.
It can be a challenging time for both dogs and their owners, especially if it's your first time owning a dog. However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, most dogs will overcome this phase and become well-behaved adults.
What to Expect During the Teenage Phase
During the teenage phase, dogs may become more distracted, less focused, and more prone to making mistakes. They may also be more likely to ignore commands they previously knew and to push boundaries. This can be frustrating for owners who are used to having well-behaved dogs, but it's important to remember that this is a normal stage in a dog's development.
Tips for Navigating the Teenage Phase
Reinforce Positive Behaviors: Use treats and praise to reward your dog for following commands. This will help your dog understand what behaviours you expect from her and will make her more likely to repeat them.
Set Clear Boundaries: Make sure your dog knows what is expected of her during walks, such as walking calmly on a leash and responding to commands. Consistency is key, so make sure everyone who handles your dog uses the same commands and reinforces the same behaviours.
Avoid Punishment-Based Training Methods: Punishing your dog is unlikely to be effective and may harm the bond between you and your dog. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour.
Seek Professional Help: If your dog's behaviour becomes more problematic, consider working with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can help you understand why your dog is acting out and what you can do to help her.
Be Patient: The teenage phase is a normal part of a dog's development, and it can take time for dogs to grow out of it. Be patient and persistent in your training, and remember that positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment.
The teenage phase in a dog's life can be challenging, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, most dogs will overcome it and become well-behaved adults. If you're experiencing difficulties with your dog during this stage, don't hesitate to seek the advice of a professional. With a little bit of effort, you can help your dog navigate this stage of life and develop into a happy and well-behaved adult.
FAQ
Q: Is it true that dogs go through the teenage phase where they don't listen even though they know what they should be doing?
A: Yes, it is true that dogs can go through a "teenage" phase where they may act out or test boundaries, including not following commands they previously knew. This can happen when dogs are between 6 and 18 months old, as they are transitioning from puppyhood to adulthood. During this time, dogs may be more distracted, less focused, and more prone to making mistakes.
It is important to remember that this is a normal stage in a dog's development and with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, most dogs will overcome this phase and become well-behaved adults. If you are experiencing difficulties with your dog during this stage, it may be helpful to seek the advice of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist.
Q: When do dogs officially become adults?
A: The age at which a dog becomes an adult varies depending on the breed and size of the dog. In general, small-breed dogs are considered adults at around 9-12 months of age, while larger-breed dogs may not be considered adults until they are 18-24 months old.
It's important to note that while a dog may be considered an adult in terms of their physical development, their behavioural and mental development may continue to mature for several more months or even years.
Ultimately, the age at which a dog becomes an adult will depend on the individual dog and its breed, but it is generally considered to be between 9 months and 2 years of age.