I've trained 1,000s of dogs in my 30 years, from police K9s to family pets, and I can tell you one thing for sure: the teenage phase, right around 12 to 15 months, is often the most challenging time for owners. One day you have a puppy who listens, and the next, it feels like you have a furry, four-legged rebel who’s forgotten everything you’ve taught them.
First, understand that this is normal. Your dog isn’t being defiant for the sake of it; they’re navigating a second fear-impact period and testing boundaries to understand the rules. This is where one of my core beliefs is crucial: Structure first. Freedom later. Many people make the mistake of giving their adolescent dog too much freedom too soon, which can lead to trouble. Remember, clarity is kindness. Your dog needs to understand what’s expected of them.
So, what do you do? Go back to basics. Revisit your crate training protocols and leash walking stages. Are you still setting your dog up for success? Or are you putting them in situations where they’re likely to fail? For example, if your dog is pulling on the leash again, shorten the walk and go back to the stage where they were successful. Faster is usually not better when it comes to dog training.
It's also vital that your dog has a purpose. This doesn't mean they need to be a detection dog, but they do need mental and physical stimulation. Play with your dog. Engage them in activities that make them think. A tired, fulfilled dog is a well-behaved dog.
Above all, be fair. My tenth commandment is that corrections must be fair, and my ninth is to never correct a dog before they understand what’s expected. If your dog is struggling, it’s a sign that you need to provide more clarity, not more punishment.
This phase will pass. It’s a temporary storm, and with patience and consistency, you’ll come out the other side with a well-adjusted adult dog. It's never too late to get back on track.
