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Two dachshunds running along a beach

How To Manage Your Puppy's Teenage Phase

Published Apr 29, 2022

Did you know that just like humans, your puppy will also go through adolescence? During 5 to 12 months, puppies go through a teenage phase. They become more independent, are less likely to look to you for reassurance and are more likely to wonder and become less responsive.

Depending on your dog’s breed, the teenage phase can start and last for different amounts of time. Smaller breeds are likely to experience adolescence earlier than larger breeds. However, larger breeds develop slower so their teenage phase can last well beyond 12 months!

It can seem like overnight, your well behaved, willing to please puppy suddenly turns into a rebellious dog that ignores and tests you at every opportunity!

Tips for Navigating Through the Teenage Phase

  • Consistency is key! Remain consistent with your training and your criteria and reward your puppy generously. Your pup WILL test you during this time and it’s important to go back to basics and show your dog what is expected of them.
  • Don’t allow your puppy to get into a habit of not listening to you. This means that you might have to structure things differently for a while. Use a long lead on your dog for a few weeks so that they have freedom, but you are still able to manage them if they decide to take off or not come back when you call them.
  • Work on strengthening your relationship. Spend more time together training or playing engagement games (like tug, hide and seek, etc. Any games that involve you working together with your dog). Showing your dog that listening and being with you is WAY more fun than other dogs or people.
A teenage dog nipping at a person's leg
Two whippets running on a beach
  • Continue to expose and socialise your dog to different environments, experiences and people and use those opportunities to show your dog how to relax and behave in those situations.
  • The teenage phase can coincide with your pup’s fear period. So if you notice your dog showing any signs of fear or wariness, take it slow and handle the situation with patience. Refer to our blog about fear periods for more tips on how to handle these situations.
  • As their hormones change, you’ll find your pup will have the energy and motivation to do more! However, at this age, they still lack the maturity and experience to manage their actions and impulses. So, It’s important that you step in and manage situations proactively.
  • Give them appropriate outlets for their energy. Instead of taking them down to the dog park and letting run rampant with all the other dogs, take them to a quieter park and engage them in a game of fetch or tug with some training exercises thrown in between. Ensure they are also getting a good balance of mental stimulation activities

Although this is one of the most challenging times while your pup is maturing, being proactive by maintaining your training will set you and your dog up for success for years to come.

The teenage phase is normal but if you start noticing any concerning behaviours from your dog such as guarding resources, biting and nipping or reactivity towards dogs and people, it’s a good idea to speak to a qualified dog trainer as early as possible. When these behaviours are addressed early, they are much easier to overcome.  

Two dogs playing roughly with each other
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  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of Pro Plan Veterinary Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed Pro Plan Veterinary Diet, it is recommended that seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of Pro Plan Veterinary Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use Pro Plan Veterinary Diet.

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: "CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION" By purchasing Hill’s Prescription Diet, you acknowledge and agree that the following is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of Hill’s Prescription Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed Hill’s Prescription Diet, it is recommended that I seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of Prescription Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use Hill’s Prescription Diet