What is the Dog Teenage Phase?

Just like humans, dogs go through a period of adolescence. It starts at around 6 months and can last until your dog is 2 years old.

This is a critical point of your dog’s development, but it is also the time most dogs are rehomed.

It’s crucial we manage this period properly so that problem behaviours don’t become habits and carry on into adulthood.

Physical Changes

A collie tugging on a soft toy during a class in the park

The Brain

Your dog’s brain is very busy organising itself during adolescence. Your dog may have reduced emotional regulation and a more active stress response system.

The Body

Your dog will be physically growing.

Structural issues (such as hip dysplasia) may become apparent.

The increased stress response in the brain can inhibit the immune response meaning your dog is more susceptible to infections.

Hormones

The growth hormone can affect availability of sugars to the brain which can affect your dog’s learning ability.

Males will be producing testosterone.

Females will start their hormone cycles.

Behaviour Changes

A black spaniel and a springer spaniel sitting on the grass at Lauriston Castle

Social Behaviour Changes

Your dog’s brain is telling them to break away from their family group and start looking for a mate. Your dog may be more independent, be less engaged with you and roam further from you.

Territorial Behaviour

Your dog may start barking more at home and in their local neighbourhood

Heightened Stress Responses

Your dog may be spooked out by out of place objects and more sensitive to touch and sound.

Increased Risk Taking

Your teenage dog’s brain is busy developing and during this period your dog is more likely to engage in risky behaviours such as rushing over to unfamiliar dogs.

Reduced Self Control

Your dog will have a lower tolerance for frustration and may be less likely to control themselves if they don’t get what they want immediately.

How to Manage Adolescence

There are so many changes going on in your dog’s body during their teenage phase so it’s crucial we manage this phase with care so they grow into well balanced adult dogs.

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References

Blue Cross: Adolescence in Dogs | Blue Cross

Owczarczak-Garstecka, S.C., Da Costa, R.E., Harvey, N.D., Giragosian, K., Kinsman, R.H., Casey, R.A., Tasker, S. and Murray, J.K., 2023. “It’s Like Living with a Sassy Teenager!”: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Owners’ Comments about Dogs between the Ages of 12 Weeks and 2 Years. Animals, 13(11), p.1863.

PDSA: Adolescent (Teenage) dogs - PDSA

RSPCA: Managing Your Adolescent Puppy | RSPCA - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk

Tucker, N., 2018. Smells Like Teen Spirit: What to expect during your dog’s adolescence. Whole Dog Journal, 21(3), pp.18-20.