Just like humans, the teenage dogs brain is still very much under construction during their *teenage* years (6 months to 2 years)
Their brain is being rewired and the body maturing – this often causes challenging behaviours
Common Teenage Behaviours (human parents may recognise some of these )
- Forget everything they’ve learned
- Don’t listen
- Don’t come when called
- Easily distracted and lose focus
- Lack impulse control
- Get frustrated
- Get overstimulated and excited
- Too much energy
- Too little sleep
- Sudden urge to chew or steal things
- Suddenly become fearful of things that didn’t bother them before
Ways to manage
- Be consistent, patient and understanding
- Keep going with the training to build the connection and relationship
- Keep rewarding the good behaviour
- Provide calm spaces for physical needs – sniffy walks, quiet spaces
- Increase mental stimulation
- Keep training sessions short and fun
- Continue socializing
Most dogs come into rescue between 6 months and 24 months due to unmanageable behaviours. The teenage struggle is real
