05/16/2026
Are you having a hard time with your adolescent dog? 🙆🏼♀️ I’m here to remind you that this too will pass … 💓 After having this conversation with several clients this last week I thought it would be a good time to revisit this topic.
It’s HARD having an adolescent dog. One moment you’re super proud of yourself for surviving puppyhood and the next moment you’re wondering if they actually received any training at all in that first year. 🙈
There is a lot going on in an adolescent dog. They often have raging hormones (much like a teenager human), they have increasing energy levels, they are developing adult muscles and can finally run for as “long as they want” without dropping dead of exhaustion. Adolescent dogs are generally fairly comfortable and confident with their living arrangements.
But let’s be honest - they (much like a teenager human) don’t have the full skill sets to go out into the world and exist perfectly. And all of the above factors can make for a pretty frustrating dog to live with in the moment. They look like adults but still need a lot of the same support and structure they needed as puppies. (Maybe more!)
Here are some reminders to keep in mind if you’re struggling with your adolescent dog.
🐶 This too shall pass. I promise.
🐶 Added layers of accountability to ensure good decisions are crucial. Maybe your dog is back to hiking on a long line. Maybe you are limiting the access to how much of the house your dog has while you’re gone. Perhaps you’re increasing nap times 😴. It might look like you’re focusing more on loose leash walking again. You might find your dog is sleeping in a crate at night again. Taking steps to help your adolescent dog make good choices during this time will help keep you all sane.
🐶 Instead of just increasing exercise - increase mental stimulation. Puzzles, food games, training sessions, access to learning and canine fitness are all powerful tools during these times.
🐶 Go back to the basics. Don’t be afraid to go back to working for all their meals. Don’t shy away from long lines to manage their newly deaf ears. Don’t be afraid to spend some time reminding them that we can sit and wait at doorways, cross walks etc. Put some “dollar bills” into those foundational bank accounts.
🐶 Teach a settle/relax cue / state of mind and take it on the road 💓 You’ll thank me later.
🐶 What you practice is what you’ll do best - so don’t let them spend this crucial time blowing off recalls, dragging you over to people & dogs and treating your house like a play zoo. Help them learn to manage their feelings, hormones, energy levels and new found confidence in the right ways. Don’t “just wait for them to grow out of it” but also give them and yourself grace to navigate this time of life.
And finally - don’t be your own worst critic. Do the best you can and take it one day at a time 💓 You’ve got this!
📸 of one of Seeya’s puppies - Matty at one of our sessions showing off his “middle” trick 🖤
