Tenacious teens: Understanding adolescent dogs

Ah, adolescence. That magical time when your once well-mannered pup suddenly forgets what “sit” means, seems to have selective hearing, and starts pushing every boundary you thought you had nailed.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Welcome to the world of adolescent dogs, often misunderstood, frequently labelled as “stubborn,” and one of the most challenging phases in a dog’s life (and yours!).

At Moo Dog Blog, we’re here to reassure you: that your dog hasn’t forgotten everything. They’re just going through a major developmental shift, and with a bit of understanding, patience, and the right support, you’ll both come out stronger on the other side.

Adolescence usually starts around 6 months of age and can last until 18–24 months, depending on the breed. For smaller breeds, this phase may be shorter and less intense, while larger and giant breeds tend to mature more slowly, sometimes dragging out those “teenager” vibes well into their second year.

It’s a bit like puberty in humans. Hormones kick in, independence increases, and suddenly your sweet, cuddly puppy turns into a curious, boundary-pushing explorer who sometimes acts like they’ve never heard a cue in their life. This is one of the most common frustrations I hear from clients: “He used to be so good, what happened?!”

The answer lies in brain development. Just like teenagers, adolescent dogs are undergoing major changes in the parts of the brain responsible for impulse control, risk assessment, and memory. It’s not that your dog is being wilfully disobedient, it’s that their brain is under construction.

I remember Ignatius, my miniature Dachshund, going through a stage where his recall disappeared almost overnight. We’d worked so hard on it, but one day he just… didn’t come back. It wasn’t stubbornness, it was development. We went back to basics, added more value to coming back, and rode out the wave.

A teenage German Shepherd dog

Common challenges with teenagers:

• Inconsistent recall – Even the most solid recall can unravel as your dog tests independence.

• Increased barking or reactivity – Hormones and environmental awareness play a role here.

• Pulling on the lead – The world suddenly becomes a much more exciting place.

• Resistance to known cues – Sitting? Waiting? Coming when called? Nah, not today.

• Testing boundaries – Chewing furniture, jumping up, or ignoring you in favour of other dogs.

If this is happening to you, take a breath. It’s temporary, and it’s fixable.

Tips for overcoming the challenges:

1. Go back to basics - Reinforce your foundation behaviours: sit, stay, recall, just like you did in puppyhood. Use high-value rewards and keep sessions short and fun.

   
   

2. Use long lines for freedom - Give your dog space to explore while keeping control, especially if recall is wobbly. Don’t set them up to fail.

   
   

3. Pick your moments - Choose quieter environments to practice training—minimise distractions so they can succeed.

   
   

4. Stay consistent - Now is not the time to give up! Keep your cues clear, your boundaries firm, and your expectations realistic.

   
   

5. Mental stimulation matters - Puzzle toys, scent games, and enrichment activities can help burn off energy and keep their clever brains engaged.

   
   

6. Celebrate the good - Notice when your dog does respond well and reward it enthusiastically. This builds confidence and motivation.

   
   

Let’s clear something up: adolescent dogs are not being “stubborn.” They’re confused, overwhelmed, and trying to figure things out in a world that’s suddenly much bigger, smellier, and more exciting. Labelling them as stubborn often leads to frustration and punishment, which only makes things worse.

Instead, try to see adolescence as an opportunity to strengthen your bond. Your dog is learning to navigate the world with you as their guide. What a privilege!

If you’re struggling, you’re not failing. Getting help is smart, not a sign you’re doing something wrong. Sometimes just having another set of eyes on the situation can help you see a clear way forward. I work with lots of adolescent dogs and their humans to rebuild training foundations, troubleshoot sticky behaviours, and bring the fun back into training.

Adolescence is messy, but it’s also a vital period for shaping the adult dog you’ll share your life with. There’s no shame in finding it tough, it is tough! But with patience, positive reinforcement, and a sense of humour, you will get through it. So if your tenacious teen is driving you a little bit bonkers right now, hang in there. Take a step back, breathe, and remember, you’re not alone.

If your teenage terror is turning your training upside-down, I’m here to help. Whether you're looking for 1-2-1 support or just need to know you’re not going mad, get in touch! Let’s make adolescence a little less hairy together and let's tame those Tenacious teens and learn to understand adolescent dogs