Teenage Puppy Phase: Surviving Dog Adolescence

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Just when your puppy has learned to sit, come and walk nicely, it hits adolescence and seems to forget everything. Welcome to the teenage phase, a normal stage of development that tests patience but passes. Understanding what is happening makes it easier to navigate.

When adolescence begins

Most puppies begin to show teenage behavior at around six months, though some start earlier and some later. Small breeds often mature faster. Large and giant breeds can remain adolescent in behavior for up to two years. The phase is gradual, and you may see good days and bad days mixed together.

What is going on

• Hormones. Sex hormones begin to rise, affecting mood, energy and interest in other dogs.
• Brain changes. The brain is reorganizing, with impulse control still developing.
• Independence. Puppies become more confident and more interested in exploring away from you.
• Physical growth. Bodies grow quickly, and clumsiness is common.
• Second fear period. Some puppies go through another phase of increased fearfulness. See our guide to puppy fear periods.

Common teenage behaviors

• Selective hearing, ignoring cues that were perfect before.
• Testing boundaries, such as counter-surfing and stealing.
• Increased chewing, as adult teeth settle.
• Pulling on the leash and more interest in the environment.
• Poor recall, because the world is more interesting than you.
• Reactivity, such as barking at dogs or noises.
• Mounting and marking.
• House-training slip-ups.
• Boundless energy and sometimes restlessness.

Do not take it personally

Your puppy is not being stubborn or spiteful. It is a developing brain in a growing body. Punishing the behavior usually makes it worse. Instead, adjust your approach.

A plan to cope

1. Go back to basics. Reduce distractions and reward the behaviors you want.
2. Keep training short and fun. Several brief sessions a day work better than long ones.
3. Use higher-value rewards in distracting places.
4. Be consistent. Everyone should apply the same rules.
5. Manage the environment. Keep tempting items out of reach, and use a long leash for safe freedom.
6. Increase exercise and mental stimulation within safe limits. See our guide to exercise limits by age.
7. Keep socializing, with calm, positive exposures. See our socialization resources.
8. Do not give up on training. Consider enrolling in an adolescent class.

Recall and the long line

Poor recall is one of the biggest teenage problems. Do not let your adolescent off leash in unfenced areas. Use a long line to give freedom while keeping control, and reward every successful return. See our recall training guide.

Chewing and destruction

Provide plenty of appropriate chews and puzzles, and manage access to valuable items. Chewing is often worst at the start of adolescence.

Spay and neuter

Talk with your vet about timing. Read our guide to spay and neuter pros and cons.

Rehoming risk

Many dogs are surrendered during adolescence. If you are struggling, get help early from a qualified trainer or behaviorist, and talk to your vet about any health issues that might contribute.

Keeping your own sanity

Adolescence is tiring, so plan your own support. Keep a short list of the behaviors you want to improve rather than trying to fix everything at once, and celebrate small wins. Ask friends or a trainer for a sanity check when you feel stuck. Remember that every dog who has grown into a well-mannered adult once went through this phase too.

The takeaway

Adolescence is a phase. Stay consistent, keep it positive and remember that the investment you make now shapes the adult dog you will have for years.