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Why is my dog barking at other dogs?Top tips for dealing with an adolescent dog
Our expert advice
Advice by Lindsay Arliss, Dog behaviour and training specialist
Adolescence can start as early as five months old and continue until two years old. It can feel like you’ve lost your previously loving and well-behaved puppy! Your teenager may start showing unwanted behaviours – like barking, running away, not listening or pulling on the lead. The most important thing you’ll need to get through it is patience!
You may have to revisit your basic training. For example, has your previously rock-solid recall slipped? If so, it’s time to get back on the long line to build it back up. Or you might need crates or gates to stop your dog practising the unwanted behaviour – and help you feel less frustrated too.
Your female is going through her first reproductive ‘season’. She might become more sensitive, less tolerant of other dogs and more clingy towards you. Your male dog, with rising testosterone levels, might become antagonistic with other dogs, or get distracted by potential mates.
If your dog is showing challenging behaviour in social situations, it’s best to avoid these situations in the short term. Walk in quiet places, avoid off-lead dogs and too many people – just until your dog matures a little. Then you can work on keeping your dog calm, their basic training and preventing bad habits.
These changes are not about stubbornness or ‘taking over’. Your dog is becoming an adult and needs your support and guidance as much as ever. Be prepared for challenges, keep your sense of humour and, above all, remember you love them!
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Teenage dogs often need extra exercise and entertainment as they explore the big wide world. This doesn’t always mean more running about (which might give them even more energy!). Training, scent games, obstacle courses and new walks to explore can all help to give them what they need.
Don’t punish your dog for unwanted behaviour. This can ruin the relationship you’ve been building since puppyhood. It could also make their problematic behaviour worse. Much of this behaviour (like barking, humping, snapping or growling) is caused by fear or anxiety. So it needs an understanding, kind approach.
Your dog can continue to socialise with dogs they know well. You may just need to limit their time around unknown dogs to prevent negative or scary experiences.
Next: Train your dog with short video lessons by Woodgreen's experts.
More information
Many people think about neutering during adolescence, to help with unwanted behaviour. Whilst this can help with some challenging, hormone-related behaviour, it could also make things worse. Do some research before you decide. Testosterone levels are much higher during adolescence but come down once the dog matures. Adolescence is often the most challenging time of a dog’s life. It’s also the time when many people rehome their dogs because of their behaviour. It’s a developmental phase and it will pass – but it can be difficult. So don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you’re struggling.
Three things you can do today
Take our training course
Find out how to cope with an unruly adolescent dog – watch Watch our webinar on Surviving Adolescence.
Bring the fun
Set up some fun activities in your garden. Hide some toys for your dog to find, put some obstacles out for them to navigate or scatter some of their dinner.
Get support
Get support from a qualified professional at www.abtc.co.uk.
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Carla
📍 Wales
- Dog breed: Corgi
- Dog age: 3 years
- Owner expertise:
I was struggling with my dog's anxiety, especially when we had to leave the house. Thanks to Woodgreen's advice, I've made some changes that have worked wonders. By sticking to a consistent routine, my dog knows what to expect each day, which has significantly reduced her anxiety.
Sarah
📍 Sussex
- Dog breed: Cavapoo
- Dog age: 1 years
- Owner expertise:
This advice really helped me and my new pup! I tried teaching recall without your guidance and struggled. Woodgreen's step-by-step dog training videos break each action down for you and I'm happy to say we finally made progress!
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