This can be a really challenging time for you and your dog as you both experience lots of changes whilst their brains and bodies continue to develop. Supporting their experiences during this time period will help them to develop good communication and social skills.
As your dog enters the adolescent stage you might notice the following:
They like to investigate and explore but now they may be able to reach new areas and take interest in different things.
You can help them with this by managing your environment; for example keeping things they like to pinch out of the way especially if dangerous.
It is important they get physical exercise, but consider metal stimulation too! Keep their brains busy with games, training and enrichment.
Some dogs may struggle to regulate their emotions and become more impulsive or independant. There may also be an increase in frustration levels and over-arousal.
Things your dog didn’t seem to notice or care about before may suddenly seem very scary to them and they may struggle with new or novel experiences.
Sometimes adolescent dogs may appear not to listen as much or be as responsive to you as they were (A bit like teenagers). This is because all of the physical, mental and emotional changes they are going through
It is important you remain calm and remember they aren’t intentially being difficult, ignoring you or trying to create conflict with you. Remain consistent when interacting with them and treating them with patience, support and understanding will help to support them through this time.
It may be helpful for some dogs to go back to basics during this time and focus on building your relationship together.
