What to Expect During Your Dog’s Teenage Years

Remember the early days when your puppy followed you everywhere, melted your heart with floppy ears, and responded eagerly to every treat and praise? Those first few months were filled with milestones, cuddles, and a fair share of chewing incidents—but all of it was part of the journey. Then, just when things started to feel manageable, it happened—your dog hit the teenage years.

The dog's teenage years can surprise even the most seasoned pet parents. This is the phase where your growing pup starts to test boundaries, ignore commands they once mastered, and act like they’ve never heard the word “sit” in their life. Sound familiar? Don’t worry—you’re not alone.

From around 6 months to 18 months, most dogs go through a unique developmental stage that mirrors adolescence in humans. Their bodies grow rapidly, hormones shift, and their behavior becomes unpredictable. But with the right mindset, tools, and consistency, you can navigate the rollercoaster of your dog’s teenage years with confidence.

Let’s dive into what you can expect, how to handle common challenges, and why this stage, while frustrating at times, is a crucial part of your dog’s growth.

1. Strengthen Your Relationship During the Dog Teenage Years

One of the best things you can do during your dog’s teenage years is to double down on your bond. If you’ve had your pup since they were little, you’ve already built a solid relationship based on trust and positive reinforcement. That connection is your lifeline now.

As adolescent dogs become more independent, they’ll test you, not out of defiance, but because they’re figuring out their place in the world. Stay calm, stay patient, and don’t take it personally. Reinforce the training you've already done using simple cues and plenty of praise. Make your interactions positive and rewarding.

The dog's teenage years are a time when that early foundation pays off. Dogs who feel connected to their humans are more likely to stay engaged, even when they're distracted by the thrill of new smells or other dogs.

2. Teething May Be Ending—But Chewing Isn’t

By the time your dog reaches 7 to 9 months old, the worst of the teething phase is usually over. Those razor-sharp baby teeth fall out, and adult teeth settle in. But that doesn’t mean your dog will stop chewing. In fact, some adolescent dogs chew even more aggressively.

Why? Because their jaws are now stronger and they may still find chewing soothing or entertaining. During the dog teenage years, it’s important to reassess your dog’s toys. That plush bone they loved at 5 months might now be shredded in seconds and pose a choking hazard.

Switch to tougher, more durable chew toys. Offer a variety of textures and rotate them to keep your pup interested. And remember, if your dog is chewing things they shouldn't, it's often a sign of boredom or under-stimulation.

3. Endless Energy (and a New Sleep Schedule)

If your dog is suddenly bouncing off the walls or zooming around the house at 10 PM, welcome to adolescence. The dog teenage years often bring a noticeable increase in energy. Your formerly sleepy pup may now be hyper, restless, and eager to play at all hours.

That doesn’t mean you need to double their walks. What you do need is a mix of physical exercise and mental enrichment. Short training sessions, puzzle toys, and scent work games go a long way in tiring out a teenage dog.

Also, don’t be surprised if your dog’s sleep schedule shifts. They may stay up later or wake up earlier. It’s not uncommon for adolescent dogs to have a few sleepless nights. Stick to a consistent bedtime routine and avoid heavy play right before bed.

4. Training Regression Is Real—and Totally Normal

If your dog suddenly stops responding to commands they once followed perfectly, don’t panic. Training regression is one of the most common symptoms of the dog teenage years.

Think of it like this: their brain is undergoing major changes. Hormones are flooding their system, their attention span is short, and distractions are more tempting than ever. That doesn’t mean your dog forgot everything—they’re just overwhelmed.

Go back to basics. Keep sessions short, fun, and consistent. Use high-value treats and focus on one or two commands at a time. Be patient, stay positive, and avoid punishment. This is not the time for scolding—it’s the time to reinforce your training foundation with kindness and clarity.

5. Don’t Stop Socializing

Many pet parents make the mistake of ending socialization after the puppy phase. But during your dog’s teenage years, socialization is still critical.

Adolescent dogs can suddenly become wary of things they previously ignored. A trash can, a man in a hat, or even the vacuum cleaner might now trigger fear or barking. These are called “fear periods,” and they’re normal. They usually pass within a few days or weeks.

Help your dog through this by continuing to expose them to new environments, people, and other animals—but go slowly. Use treats and praise to create positive associations and avoid forcing them into situations they’re clearly uncomfortable with.

If you adopted your dog during their teenage phase, it’s even more important to invest time in safe, positive social experiences.

6. Outdoor Adventures Become More Exciting—and Challenging

As your dog gets older, walks might feel a bit more like a tug-of-war than a leisurely stroll. The dog teenage years are when your pup starts to gain confidence and curiosity. They want to sniff everything, chase squirrels, and maybe even ignore your call to come back.

This is the time to reinforce leash manners and practice recall commands. Use long leads in safe, open areas to practice “come” with lots of praise and tasty rewards. Keep walks interesting by changing up your route or letting your dog explore new trails.

While it may feel like your dog is testing you, they’re really just learning how to navigate the world. Your job is to be the calm, consistent guide they need.

7. Set Clear Rules—and Stick to Them

Adolescent dogs are notorious for pushing boundaries. One day they’re sitting politely before meals; the next they’re jumping up on the counter to snatch a sandwich.

Consistency is key. If you let your dog get away with something once, they’ll try it again. Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page about rules—no jumping, no couch, no begging, etc.—and enforce them gently but firmly.

During the dog teenage years, your pup is trying to figure out what’s allowed. Help them by being clear, consistent, and fair. If needed, use tools like baby gates, crates, or tethers to manage their environment and set them up for success.

8. Hormones Bring Big Changes

Hormones are a major driver behind many behaviors in adolescent dogs. Male dogs might start lifting their leg, marking territory, or showing interest in female dogs. Females may go into heat, become more sensitive, or change their social behavior.

Talk to your vet about the right time for spaying or neutering. Some experts recommend waiting until after the first heat or until growth plates close, especially for larger breeds. Others suggest earlier procedures depending on lifestyle and health considerations.

Every dog is different. A trusted veterinarian can help you make an informed decision based on your dog’s age, breed, and overall health.

9. Barking, Whining, and Vocal Drama

The dog's teenage years can bring a surprising increase in vocalizations. Your dog may bark more, whine when left alone, or “talk back” when things don’t go their way.

This vocal behavior often stems from frustration, boredom, or anxiety. It’s important not to reinforce whining or barking by giving in. Instead, reward calm behavior, redirect their focus with training games, and make sure they’re getting enough mental stimulation.

If your dog barks excessively, identify the trigger and work on desensitization. If they whine for attention, wait until they’re quiet before responding.

10. It’s Okay to Feel Overwhelmed

The dog teenage phase can be exhausting. One day, your pup is sweet and cuddly; the next, they’re a whirlwind of defiance and energy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not a bad pet parent—you’re just human.

Reach out for support. Join dog training forums, book a session with a certified trainer, or ask your vet for behaviorist recommendations. Sometimes a second opinion or a new perspective is all you need to get through a rough patch.

Most importantly, don’t give up. Your dog is still growing and learning, and this phase, while intense, is temporary.

Surviving the Dog Teenage Years

The dog teenage years are a wild ride—full of challenges, changes, and the occasional burst of chaos. But they’re also a time of growth, bonding, and laying the groundwork for a lifelong connection with your pup.

Be patient. Be consistent. And most of all, be kind. Your dog isn’t misbehaving just to test you—they’re learning, adapting, and figuring out their place in your world.

Before you know it, this bumpy phase will smooth out, and you’ll have a well-adjusted adult dog who trusts you deeply. You’ll look back and be proud of the progress you made together.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, reach out to The Trusted Companion to see how we can help you succeed with expert puppy training tips. Sometimes a little guidance is all you need to get through the teenage stage with confidence.

FAQs

What behavioral changes can I expect during my dog's teenage years?

During the teenage years, typically between 6 and 18 months, dogs may exhibit increased independence, testing boundaries, and might not listen as well as they used to. They may also have fluctuating energy levels, from hyperactivity to periods of laziness.

How will my dog's social behaviors change during adolescence?

Your dog might become more selective about which dogs and people they want to interact with, showing a preference for familiar faces over new ones. They may also display increased sexual behavior if not spayed or neutered, such as mounting or marking territory.

Will my dog's training be affected during the teenage phase?

Yes, you might notice a regression in previously learned commands and behaviors. This phase requires patience and consistent reinforcement of training to remind them of the rules and expectations. It's a critical period for reinforcing training and establishing boundaries.

How does adolescence affect my dog's physical health?

Adolescent dogs are generally in a phase of rapid growth and development, which can sometimes lead to growing pains or clumsiness. It's important to maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise to support their physical development.

What can I do to support my dog through their teenage years?

Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation through games, training, and exercise to channel their energy positively. Keep training sessions short, fun, and rewarding. Consistency and patience are key in maintaining discipline and strengthening your bond during this challenging phase.