Surviving your teenage dog!
Adolescence is a time of great change for dogs, both physically and mentally, just like people! During this time, they may start to test boundaries, become more independent, and even regress in their training. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, you can help your adolescent dog develop into a well-behaved adult.
One of the most important things to remember when training an adolescent dog is to be consistent. Set clear rules and expectations, and be sure to enforce them every time. If you're not consistent, your dog will quickly learn that they can get away with bad behavior.
Positive reinforcement is a great way to train dogs of all ages, but it's especially effective with adolescent dogs. When your dog does something you want, be sure to give them a treat, praise them, or give them a toy. This will help them associate good behavior with positive consequences.
It's also important to be patient when training an adolescent dog. They may not always get it right away, and they may even regress in their training from time to time. Just be patient and keep working with them, and they will eventually learn what you want them to do.
Here are a few tips for training adolescent dogs with positive reinforcement:
Start with the basics. Make sure your dog knows basic commands like sit, stay, and come before you start working on more advanced behaviors.
Be consistent. Use the same commands and hand signals every time you train your dog.
Be patient. Adolescent dogs may not always get it right away, so be patient and keep working with them.
Use positive reinforcement. Reward your dog with treats, praise, or toys when they do something you want.
Make training fun. Keep training sessions short and fun for your dog.
Socialize your dog. Introduce your dog to different people, places, and animals in a positive way.
With patience and positive reinforcement, you can help your adolescent dog develop into a well-behaved adult.
Here are some common adolescent dog behaviors and how to deal with them:
Chewing. Adolescent dogs often chew on things to relieve boredom or anxiety. To discourage chewing, provide your dog with plenty of chew toys and make sure they have plenty of exercise. If your dog is friendly try daycare or a dog walker!
Nipping. Adolescent dogs may nip at people or other animals as a way to play or assert dominance. To discourage nipping, redirect your dog's attention to a toy and give them a firm "no."
Roaming. Adolescent dogs may try to run away from home as they explore their surroundings. To prevent roaming, make sure your dog is always on a leash when outside and keep them in a fenced-in yard.
House-training accidents. Adolescent dogs may have accidents in the house as they regress in their house-training. To prevent accidents, make sure your dog is taken outside frequently and praised for going to the bathroom outside.
If you are having trouble training your adolescent dog, it is always a good idea to consult with a professional dog trainer. They can help you develop a training plan that is tailored to your dog's individual needs.
