Adolescents

our dogs change so fast!

They enter adolescence around 5-6 months of age, and remain in that developmental stage until 1.5-2 years of age.  During this time, their hormones are raging, their brain is changing, their focus shifts outward, and they may start showing new behaviors.  Your pup may have increased energy, and suddenly seem to stop listening.  In short, they can drive us crazy! Things we commonly see during this period include:

• Jumping up

• Low frustration tolerance

• Poor impulse control

• Inability to relax

• Reactivity on leash (barking and lunging)

• Increased prey drive/ chasing

• Climbing

• Barking

• Mouthing people or objects

• Leash biting or pulling on leash

• Fearfulness

• Not listening, often seen as stubbornness

• Poor recall/ not coming when called

• Regression of trained behaviors

We’ll work through these adolescent behaviors, keeping curious about why the behavior is happening.  We’ll seek to meet your dog’s needs and your needs alike for a more harmonious household.  Adolescence in dogs can be tough, but we can problem solve for a happy, enriched, and well-behaved dog.  Adolescent sessions are generally full-length and happen at your home or out in the world, as needed.  You’ll have support between sessions, too!