Surviving your dog’s teenage phase

You finally feel like you’ve cracked your puppy’s routine. Training is going well, walks are enjoyable – and then, seemingly overnight, everything unravels. Commands are ignored, energy levels spike, and your once-reliable pup starts pushing boundaries. Welcome to canine adolescence.

The teenage phase is a normal (though often challenging) stage of your dog’s development. Expert dog behaviourist Philppa Short explains when it starts, how long it lasts and what behaviours are typical. This will hopefully help you manage this period with patience and confidence.

• Understanding the canine adolescent phase
  > When do dogs enter adolescence?
  > How long does the teenage phase last?
• Typical behaviours during dog adolescence
  > High energy and unruly behaviour
  > New sensitivities to handling
  > Humping and mounting behaviour
  > Scent marking and urine-related behaviours
  > Growing independence and guarding tendencies
• Training tips for adolescent dogs
  > Setting your teenage dog up for success
  > What to do when training feels overwhelming
• Supporting your dog through their teenage months
  > Additional ways to help calm an adolescent dog

Understanding the canine adolescent stage

Dogs go through several developmental stages: puppyhood, juvenile development, adolescence and finally adulthood.

The adolescent phase is broadly comparable to the human teenage years. It marks the transition from puppy to adult dog, and is driven by significant hormonal changes. Female dogs experience rises in oestrogen and progesterone, while male dogs see a sharp increase in testosterone.

These hormonal shifts affect both the body and the brain. While they help your dog mature physically and mentally, they can also lead to unpredictable behaviour, emotional responses and lapses in training that was previously solid.

When do dogs enter adolescence?

The timing of adolescence varies by breed size. Smaller breeds often begin this phase at around five to six months of age, while larger breeds may not enter adolescence until a little later.

In male dogs, testosterone levels start rising from around four to five months and typically peak at about ten months. At this stage, hormone levels can be several times higher than those seen in fully mature adult dogs.

How long does the teenage phase last?

Adolescence doesn’t end overnight. Most dogs reach emotional and physical maturity somewhere between 18 months and three years of age. Larger breeds generally take longer to fully mature than smaller ones.

Typical behaviours during dog adolescence

During this stage, it can feel as though your dog is constantly changing. One moment they appear calm and responsive, the next they’re impulsive, distracted or overly excitable.

Common adolescent behaviours include the following.

High energy and unruly behaviour

Teenage dogs often test boundaries and struggle with impulse control. You may notice:

• Increased excitability around people and dogs, often expressed through barking
• Jumping up, even if this was previously under control
• Rougher play or arguments with other dogs, particularly those of the same sex
• A shift from teething to mouthing, which is often driven by emotion and over-arousal rather than discomfort

New sensitivities to handling

As your dog’s body changes, they may become more sensitive to touch. Activities they once tolerated – such as grooming, wearing a harness, being stroked or having their paws wiped – may suddenly trigger resistance.

If sensitivity appears sudden, intense or unusual, it’s worth checking with your vet to rule out underlying pain or discomfort.

Humping and mounting behaviour

Humping is common during adolescence and isn’t always sexual. Dogs may hump to:

• Release hormonal tension
• Relieve stress or excitement
• Self-soothe during emotionally charged situations

This behaviour can persist into adulthood if it becomes a learned coping mechanism. Dogs can be surprisingly undiscriminating about their chosen ‘target’, whether that’s another dog, a cushion or a piece of furniture.

Scent marking and urine-related behaviours

Teenage dogs may begin to use urine to communicate. This can include:

• Wee marking, where dogs leave small amounts of urine to mark territory
• Increased interest in sniffing and licking urine left by other dogs

Dogs have a specialised organ that allows them to analyse scent information in urine, helping them learn about another dog’s sex, maturity and emotional state. Before taking adolescent dogs into indoor spaces, ensure they’ve fully emptied their bladder and watch for signs they may be about to mark.

Growing independence and guarding tendencies

As confidence increases, many adolescent dogs develop what owners often call ‘selective hearing’. Recall may deteriorate, especially when something more interesting – such as a scent – takes priority.

You may also notice guarding behaviours around food, toys, space or even people. This can emerge even if your dog showed no such tendencies as a puppy, and is often linked to a desire for control and independence.

Training tips for adolescent dogs

Living with a teenage dog can be exhausting. It’s one of the most common stages where owners feel overwhelmed or discouraged.

It’s important to remember that adolescence is temporary. Your dog isn’t being deliberately difficult – they’re navigating intense emotional and physical changes.

Rather than focusing on what your dog is doing wrong, concentrate on teaching them what to do. Positive reinforcement, consistency and patience are far more effective than punishment or frustration.

Harsh handling or angry responses can cause behaviours to escalate, especially when a dog is already emotionally overloaded.

Setting your teenage dog up for success

Dogs repeat behaviours that work for them. Behaviours that are rewarded are far more likely to happen again.

Helpful training principles include:

• Actively rewarding good behaviour when you see it
• Building habits through repetition and consistency
• Interrupting unwanted behaviours early before they become routine
• Using clear, consistent cues – one word per behaviour
• Avoiding mixed signals that can confuse your dog

Because adolescent dogs are easily distracted, using high-value rewards can be especially helpful. These should be small, tasty and quick to eat. What counts as ‘high value’ varies from dog to dog, so experiment to find what motivates yours most. Always keeping dietary needs in mind though.

Key reminders for training teenage dogs:

• Teach, don’t blame
• Be proactive rather than reactive
• Repetition builds habits
• Reward what you want repeated
• Use rewards your dog truly values

What to do when training feels overwhelming

Supporting a teenage dog can be emotionally draining, and it’s normal to feel frustrated at times.

If things feel unmanageable, it’s okay to pause. Training can wait. Spend some quiet, positive time with your dog and focus on rebuilding connection rather than correcting behaviour.

If behavioural challenges feel beyond what you can manage alone, additional support can make a real difference. Some dog insurance policies, including Petgevity cover, include access to complementary therapies that support emotional and behavioural wellbeing. Note that this usually needs to be on your vet’s advice.

Supporting your dog through their teenage months

Training is only one part of the picture. A stable routine, appropriate exercise and plenty of mental enrichment are equally important.

Many adolescent dogs don’t get enough rest. Make sure your dog has regular downtime and uninterrupted sleep throughout the day.

Avoid excessive exercise, particularly long walks, as growing dogs may experience joint or muscle discomfort. Several shorter walks are often better than one long outing.

Try to limit repetitive ball throwing, which can overstimulate dogs, increase adrenaline levels and put strain on developing joints.

Teenage dogs are often hungrier due to ongoing growth. Smaller, more frequent meals can help. If feeding twice daily, include healthy snacks or enrichment feeders such as stuffed Kongs.

Chewing is another excellent outlet. Providing safe, appropriate chews can help reduce stress and frustration.

Slow, sniff-focused walks – ‘sniffaris’ – are particularly calming. Allow your dog to explore at their own pace, using their nose rather than rushing forward. This type of activity is mentally tiring and naturally soothing.

If you suspect your dog may be experiencing discomfort due to rapid growth, speak to your vet. Behavioural changes are often the only way dogs can communicate pain.

Additional ways to help calm an adolescent dog

Other supportive options may include:

• Dog-specific calming sprays or diffusers
• Natural calming supplements (check with your vet first)
• Soft, calming music
• Predictable daily routines

Petgevity dog insurance supports your dog through every life stage – from puppyhood, through adolescence, and into adulthood.