• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

How to cope when your puppy becomes a difficult teenager

Posted August 5, 2021

Uncoordinated Great Dane struggles to catch a ball. Do you know what to expect and how to cope when your puppy becomes a difficult teenager? Dogs may assert independence and stop obeying.
Do you know what to expect and how to cope when your puppy becomes a difficult teenager? Dogs may assert independence and stop obeying.

Like it or not, the metamorphosis from a cute tiny puppy into a gorgeous adult dog doesn’t happen in a blink of an eye. There is a huge period between those stages called puberty. During these rather tumultuous times, dogs can stop obeying, forget everything they previously knew, and begin showing character. Do you know what to expect and how to cope when your puppy becomes a difficult teenager?

Breaking stereotypes

If you blindly believe that only people experience difficult teenager syndrome, I am going to burst your bubble because puppies can easily outdo us. The puberty period for young tail-waggers begins at about six months.

This stage is easy to identify: your sweet, obedient puppy suddenly becomes headstrong and stubborn. Rather than obey, your dog may object when you give him commands. He also may talk back or try to exert his independence.  

If you haven’t neutered your dog, this is the time to do so. 

How to build relations with a teenage puppy?

Many pet parents mistakenly become overly strict with their teenage dogs thinking it’s necessary to maintain control. Instead, your puppy needs positive contact with the owner more than ever. Instead, monitor your dog’s mood and temperament. 

You don’t want to give your dog a free pass, but you should avoid being unnecessarily strict. Continue playing with your dog and continue socialization. Reward your dog’s good behavior.

Be ready for unpredictable actions. For instance, the puppy who used to go for you on his heels previously now may not even respond to your call. 

A dire threat 

During your puppy’s puberty period or time as a difficult teenager, your puppy may experience an irresistible desire to gnaw on furniture, shoes, or other objects. This is different from chewing during teething. At this stage, your dog should have lost all of his baby teeth. 

To help your puppy cope and protect your property, give him toys he can safely chew on like Nylabone, Kong,  or rope toys.

Secondly, if possible, try to limit the time you leave your puppy unsupervised. If you can’t watch your dog, consider using a crate or playpen to keep him confined so he can’t get into trouble. 

Emotions

During this period, your dog’s psyche is still developing. When possible, keep your dog calm.

Try to reduce your dog’s stress and anxiety by understanding what triggers those emotions.

Keep introducing your dog to new situations and people to help him develop courage.

Fights during the puberty

During the difficult teenager period, relationships with other dogs can become tense. Male puppies often confront each other or adult dogs.

Sterilization will help reduce excess testosterone. You also can encourage good behavior by praising and rewarding your dog for positive interactions with other dogs.

Growth and development during puberty

Different dog breeds grow and mature at different rates. In general, the larger the breed, the more time it takes to mature and reach its full size. 

It’s crucial to make sure your dog gets the nutrients he needs for proper bone development. Some giant breeds can take up to 18 months to reach their full size while small breeds can reach their adult size in six to eight months. 

Maturity

Early maturity typically lasts from eight to 18 months. This is a great time for all dogs: they are still young and full of strength and energy but no longer exhibit difficult puppy behaviors.  

The main thing to remember during the difficult teenager period is your puppy needs love and understanding, then any hurdle will be a piece of cake!

Carmella Andersson works as a copywriter for Write My Resume. It gives her an opportunity to improve her critical and creative thinking skills. 

Is it better to have two dogs?

 

Related Posts

  • Life-stage nutrition: A vital consideration for dogs
    Life-stage nutrition: A vital consideration for dogs

    Life-stage nutrition is a vital consideration, so it's crucial to…

  • Man and woman meet at park with Australian shepherd and Shetland sheepdog. Survey shows pet parents say their dog has a "better social life" than they do. More than half say their dog has more friends. 
    Does your dog enjoy a better social life than you?

    Survey shows pet parents say their dog has a better…

  • Happy Havanese dog running. Weight gain, second-hand smoke, too little exercise, and ignoring dental care are among the 10 dog health mistakes that can hurt your pup.
    10 mistakes that can cut your dog's life short

    Weight gain, second-hand smoke, too little exercise, and ignoring dental…

  • Browning and Finley
    Understand the four chapters of your dog's life

    Four chapters of your dog's life: puppy, young adult, adult…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Puppies Tagged With: Dog training tips

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

VeterinarianWorking dogsSeparation anxietyPetfinder.comPandemicPawOutdoor activitiesPit bullPuppy kindergartenPotty trainingSmall dogsOld dogsPuppy-proofTicksService dogsRottweilerThanksgivingWaterYorkshire terrierSocializationPomeranianSheddingPet sitterRescue dogValentine's DayVacation dog careTwo dogsPet parentsPoodletraining tips

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Use 5 factors to choose the best veterinarian for your dog
    Research thoroughly and consider location, services, experience, cost, and staff before choosing the right vet for your dog. […]
  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]
  • Dog fears: 10 ways to fight separation anxiety
    Separation anxiety is one of the most common dog fears. Use our 10 steps to help your dog become more confident and overcome her fear of being left alone. […]
  • Is amoxicillin safe? What antibiotic is most effective for dogs?
    Consult your vet before giving your dog antibiotics. Know when your dog needs medication and watch for allergic reactions. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.