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Teenager Dogs?! (Adolescence)
Adolescence is a developmental stage within mammals. Dogs experience this phase from approximately 6 to 18 months of age. Although this can obviously vary. Smaller dogs seem to reach maturity sooner than larger breed dogs.
So why are adolescent dogs so crazy?!
An important factor is that your "teenager" dog's brain is going through massive developmental growth!
The areas of the brain responsible for basic functions such as breathing and heart rate develop first. Soon after the area of the brain that elicits emotions is developed. It's not until after these other areas of the brain that the front part of the brain (the prefrontal cortex) is developed. This area of the brain is what helps with decision-making, logical thinking, and reasoning.
What I find fascinating is that the neurons that excite and increase arousal develop BEFORE the neurons that inhibit arousal. That means that your dog may not be PHYSICALLY ABLE to control their emotions and behavior. Knowing this gives you a big change in perspective.
Your dog is not being an "idiot" or being "stubborn", your dog is going through a developmental phase which they have little control over. This is also the time that they are working out who they are, what their boundaries are, and how they can engage with their environment.
This is a time to work WITH our dogs, not against them.
What to avoid:- Avoid flooding your dog. Flooding is placing them in situations that are way too stimulating for what they can handle.
- Avoid punishing your dog. Remember they are trying their best with the information which you are providing them.
- Avoid restricting their stimulation and exposure because it's hard. If you find it too challenging, create a simpler environment (I can help!).
What to do:- Keep their circle smaller, where they can emotionally handle it.
- Focus on enrichment, such as nose work, in environments with lower levels of stressors.
- Consider taking your dog for walks during lower traffic times. Or in less populated areas.
- Lower your criteria. Suddenly your dog doesn't want to sit which was fluent before? Understand what they are going through. Start reinforcing them more frequently. Set them up for success!
Pay attention to your dog's body language. What do they display when they are comfortable? What do they display when they are stressed? Be observant of your dog giving you signs that they need more space!
Keep management and prevention in mind!
This stage is the most challenging stage for most Pawrents. It can last many months. It can seem like you've lost all your progress. But be understanding with your best friend. Once you come out the other side, you'll regain all your prior skills and more!
"Be a friend. Not an owner."
Adolescence is a developmental stage within mammals. Dogs experience this phase from approximately 6 to 18 months of age. Although this can obviously vary. Smaller dogs seem to reach maturity sooner than larger breed dogs.
So why are adolescent dogs so crazy?!
An important factor is that your "teenager" dog's brain is going through massive developmental growth!
The areas of the brain responsible for basic functions such as breathing and heart rate develop first. Soon after the area of the brain that elicits emotions is developed. It's not until after these other areas of the brain that the front part of the brain (the prefrontal cortex) is developed. This area of the brain is what helps with decision-making, logical thinking, and reasoning.
What I find fascinating is that the neurons that excite and increase arousal develop BEFORE the neurons that inhibit arousal. That means that your dog may not be PHYSICALLY ABLE to control their emotions and behavior. Knowing this gives you a big change in perspective.
Your dog is not being an "idiot" or being "stubborn", your dog is going through a developmental phase which they have little control over. This is also the time that they are working out who they are, what their boundaries are, and how they can engage with their environment.
This is a time to work WITH our dogs, not against them.
What to avoid:
Avoid flooding your dog. Flooding is placing them in situations that are way too stimulating for what they can handle.
Avoid punishing your dog. Remember they are trying their best with the information which you are providing them.
Avoid restricting their stimulation and exposure because it's hard. If you find it too challenging, create a simpler environment (I can help!).
What to do:
Keep their circle smaller, where they can emotionally handle it.
Focus on enrichment, such as nose work, in environments with lower levels of stressors.
Consider taking your dog for walks during lower traffic times. Or in less populated areas.
Lower your criteria. Suddenly your dog doesn't want to sit which was fluent before? Understand what they are going through. Start reinforcing them more frequently. Set them up for success!
Pay attention to your dog's body language. What do they display when they are comfortable? What do they display when they are stressed? Be observant of your dog giving you signs that they need more space!
Keep management and prevention in mind!
This stage is the most challenging stage for most Pawrents. It can last many months. It can seem like you've lost all your progress. But be understanding with your best friend. Once you come out the other side, you'll regain all your prior skills and more!
"Be a friend. Not an owner."
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