Adolescence in Dogs: How to Survive the Terrible Teens

All dog owners will be familiar with the phrase “the terrible teens”.

The words are enough to send a shiver down the spine of any dog owner around the world. Only those that have experienced it can truly recall the disbelief, anxiety, and sometimes anger that this phase of the puppy growth cycle brings forward.

If you’ve just got a new puppy and are doing your due diligence, first of all, well done you for being prepared. However, if you’re reading this while going through the terrible teens: we’re here for you.

In this post, we’ll explain why a puppy’s behaviour changes so radically, and what you can do to preserve your sanity throughout.

What’s Happened to My Puppy!?

This is most likely your first question throughout this entire process. What was once a loving, cute, meek, and mild puppy has all of a sudden transformed into a demon with the sole objective of terrorising your house, your possessions, and, sometimes, you.

Sound familiar? Try not to panic, this is perfectly normal. Your dog hasn’t become possessed with an evil spirit. This is all in accordance with their development.

Read more: A Puppy’s Main Growth Stages

What Age is Adolescence in Dogs?

The so-called terrible teens can begin anywhere from six to 12 months. If you’re wondering “how long does dog adolescence last?” the answer is (unfortunately) as long as two entire years. So, strap yourself in, it’s going to be a long ride.

Generally, your puppy will start to regain its confidence within a few weeks of living at its new home. However, this confidence is nowhere near the level of boisterous behaviour that is sure to come with adolescence.

Adolescence in Dogs: Behavioural Changes

This phase brings about many changes to your puppy. From their physical appearance to their behaviour. Here are some common changes you’re likely to see:

Boundary Testing

It’s good to have boundaries in life. They prevent disrespect and uphold your integrity.

Unfortunately, your puppy is going to start testing those boundaries with you in the terrible teens. The common theme in this change is refusal. Taught your puppy to sit? Not anymore. All it wants is that delicious puppy treat. By this point, your puppy is convinced that this world is theirs and you’re just living in it.

Basically, if your puppy is trying to set the expectations around what they do and how they’re rewarded for it, they’re testing your boundaries. This is all about seeing what you’ll allow them to do without punishment.

Disrespect

Nipping, growling, jumping up, being territorial, these are all things that come in the disrespect phase of adolescence. Some may confuse this stage with anger and aggression.

However, we truly believe that no dog is ever evil. We prefer to think of it as more of a lack of respect continuing from the boundary testing phase.

Anxiety

While your puppy is keen to show off their tough side in the terrible teens, deep down, they’re still a nervous puppy.

Anxiety is rife in the adolescence phase, separation anxiety in particular. By this age, your pup will be both curious and scared of the world around them, and in need of reassurance from their owner.

Crying, whining, and anxiety-induced bad behaviour are some common indicators of this phase being in place. Have patience, and don’t panic – we have some tips to help this phase become a lot easier.

Vocalisation

For the most part, puppies are fairly quiet. Especially once you’ve brought them into a new, unfamiliar environment. Your first few days and weeks will have you thinking if your dog is mute!

Once they hit the vocal phase, you’ll feel silly for ever questioning this. Barking, crying, pining, growling, your adolescent dog is going to get very loud. Best warn the neighbours.

Dominance and respect

In a similar vein to pushing boundaries, your pup will be keen to establish who ‘top dog’ is in their new household.

This can result in some dominant behaviour, such as overt aggression, possessiveness, and even humping.

Calm, firm reinforcement is enough for you to fight back against this behaviour. After all, you are top dog.

How to Survive the Terrible Teens

We know how bad the terrible teens can be. So, what can you do? Let’s discuss.

Take Time Out

The first piece of advice that we’d give is to remember to take a break for yourself every now and then. While your puppy is new and dependent on you, try to not forget about your own needs and sanity.

Give yourself at least one hour each day to do something you enjoy that doesn’t involve your adolescent dog. This could be a quick walk, a catch-up on your favourite TV series, or meeting with friends. Being a pet owner is hard work, but it doesn’t have to consume your entire life (just a large, rewarding part of it).

Persevere

If you’re on the brink of giving up with the terrible teens, we’d urge you to carry on. We’ve all been there. Sometimes it’s just one nasty bite too much to nearly send you over the edge and start thinking about rehoming.

But deep down in that aggressive puppy is the dream dog you’ve always wanted. By the time they’re three or four years old, most dogs will be out of the adolescent phase and  have made it through a quarter of their lives.

So, as much as this behaviour may drive you up the wall, try to remember that A): It doesn’t last forever and B) You’ll probably miss it one day.

Check Their Diet

While every puppy goes through this hyper-energetic phase of growing up, some dogs can have it worse than others.

This isn’t always through their development, either. What you feed your dog can have a significant impact on their mood and energy levels.

If you’ve tried all the steps above but your dog isn’t responding, your next area to check would be their food intake. Ideally, your puppy food of choice will be balanced in nutrients, free from chemicals, and full of development-supporting ingredients, just like ours!

Train, Train, Train

Despite your puppy’s defiance, training is still regarded as an effective method of pushing through the terrible teens.

With the use of appropriate treats that are rewarding without passing on too much energy, such as our training treats, you can start to manage your puppy/adolescent dog’s bad behaviour before it becomes normal.

If they relax, give them a treat. No biting while playing? That’s worthy of a treat. Any behaviour that you regard as acceptable, give them a treat.

Supporting Healthy Dog Development

We hope these tips help you in your war against the terrible teens. We’re dog lovers ourselves, and have certainly been there.

For more tips and tricks on raising a dog, check out our blog.