I LOVE Adolescent dogs.. most people think I’m a bit crazy when I say that. Adolescent dogs are between the ages of 9 – 24 months. Sometimes we call it the velociraptor stage. They are all teeth, bad attitude, growing independence, and we wonder why, why did I want a puppy?
One of the many reasons I love this age group is that they are truly becoming WHO we designed them to be and it’s a great time to help shape the direction of their learning!
A quick look at the L.E.G.S of the adolescent dog:
Learning (L) – Adolescent dogs are LEARNING machines. This age group is gaining new neuropathways and developing patterns they will keep for the rest of their lives. Now is a great time to help them build those patterns. It’s the time to teach them how to gain access to things they want in life!
Environment (E) – Adolescent dogs are starting to really explore their environment, venturing further and faster from owners as their S and G (genetics) start evolve. Environments are important for enrichment, development of social networks and meeting their needs as growing dogs!
Genetics (G) – Genetics are the base code your pup comes with. All dogs have a base code hard wired in their breed group and breed design. For Example: A Great Pyrenees is considered Guardian dog, specifically a livestock guardian. Bred for thousands of years to protect sheep/goats in mountainous country from Apex predators. They use ritualized displays of aggression (barking, resource guarding, growling) to keep threats away from their flock. Between 9 – 24 months the genetic tendencies of a particular breed group start to manifest, often at odds with the super soft and cuddly puppy we started with.
Self (S) – One of the biggest changes in the adolescent dogs is their S. Social and Sexual maturity start about 9 months of age. Changes in hormones affecting growth in muscles, bones, and tendons. Growth changes can cause pain leading to various medical conditions often masquerading as behavior problems. Males and Females start to develop different drives and explore nurturing instincts. Many pups are spayed and neutered during this period, affecting their S.
Adolescent dogs may be challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. This stage of rapid learning, environmental exploration, genetic expression, and self-discovery provides an amazing opportunity to shape a well-rounded, confident, and happy dog. While it can feel overwhelming at times, embracing the unique needs of adolescent dogs allows us to guide them through this critical phase with patience, understanding, and support. I love working with adolescent dogs because it’s a chance to help them become the best versions of themselves, setting them up for success for the rest of their lives.