Doggy Teenagehood

When your perfect puppy suddenly starts acting out.

Why do you feel like everything you taught your puppy has suddenly gone out the window?

Your sweet puppy is turning into a teenager.

A dog’s adolescence stage begins at around 6 months old. It can last up to the age of about 12-24 months, depending on the breed and temperament of your dog. During this time, just like human teenagers, your dog is going through some hormonal changes, which can also cause a change in behavior. Understanding what’s happening during this stage can help you navigate the challenges and stay on track with your dog’s training.

  • Defiance / selective hearing with known commands / rules and boundaries
  • Increased or starting again of biting, nipping or mouthing
  • Increased or starting again of jumping and mouthing
  • Humping (objects, people and /or dogs)

What's Happening To Your Dog When They Become Teenagers?

By six months old, most dogs are leaving behind the innocent, eager-to-please puppy stage and entering adolescence.

This period is typically marked by significant hormonal and developmental changes.

Key changes include:

  1. Hormonal Shifts: Dogs’ hormones begin to surge as they approach sexual maturity. This can lead to unpredictable behaviors, such as mounting, marking territory, or a heightened interest in other dogs.
  2. Increased Independence: Your dog may start testing boundaries and showing selective hearing. Commands they used to follow without hesitation might now be met with a blank stare or outright defiance.
  3. Heightened Energy Levels: Adolescent dogs often have a surge in energy, which can manifest as hyperactivity, destructive chewing, or excessive barking if not properly managed.
  4. Fear Periods: Some dogs experience fear phases during adolescence, where they may become more reactive to new or even familiar stimuli.
Kristina, owner of award winning dog training company in Toronto Hairy Tales, in the forest with her two rescue dogs Batuk and Foxy.

Many puppy parents will have already completed one level of puppy training at this point. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these classes do not set you up for success in dealing with the new defiant or naughty behaviors that arise during adolescence. This is where I come in, to give support and tips on how to manage bad behaviours.

Kristina Rapson
The Hairy Dogmother

The adolescent phase is a natural part of your dog’s development. While it can feel like two steps forward and one step back, it’s also an opportunity to strengthen your communication and trust. By staying consistent and compassionate, you’ll help your dog navigate this tricky time and set the stage for a lifetime of good behavior.

So, if your six-month-old “teenager” is making you question your sanity, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and with the right approach, this phase will pass — leaving you with a loyal, well-trained companion for years to come.

Managing the Teenage Phase

While this stage can be challenging, it’s also an important opportunity to solidify your dog’s training and deepen your bond. Here are some strategies to help:

01

Stay Consistent

Continue sticking to rules and boundaries and training you started during puppyhood. Don’t give up or let bad habits slide, as this can lead to long-term behavior problems.

02

Practice Patience

 Remember that this phase is temporary. With patience and persistence, your dog will come out the other side as a well-adjusted adult.

03

Provide Plenty of Exercise

A tired dog is a happy dog. Regular physical and mental stimulation can help burn off excess energy and reduce undesirable behaviors.

04

Socialize Wisely

Continue exposing your dog to new experiences, but do so in a controlled manner to avoid bad habits from forming.

  • SEEK PROFFESSIONAL HELP IF NEEDED - If your dog’s behavior becomes particularly challenging, working with a professional trainer or behaviorist can provide valuable guidance before behaviour gets out of hand.
Book A session Now
Back To Main Services Page

See More of Kristina's Specialized Training Services

Two shih tzu mix puppies benefitting from the most important part of puppy training - socialization!

Puppy Training

31 August 2026

Puppy Training Not all “Puppy Classes” are built to help you raise a well mannered and confident adult dog. When

Read More »

See what people are saying...

  • Kristina was amazing in helping us with our dogs' sudden fights for attention. Our lives are now back to normal and we can happily cuddle with both of our girls once again. Consistency is key. Thank you!!

    Anel M. Avatar Anel M.

  • Kristina answered all my questions before I even had a chance to ask. She is thorough and approachable. Highly recommend!

    Karen Benzakein Avatar Karen Benzakein

  • I have been working with Kristina 5 sessions so far, and I have nothing bad to say about her. I can say that Kristina is a friendly, caring person not only towards her clients but also to their animals. She is an active listener, and she assesses your problem and your dogs behavior/demener to come up with the best and ultimate plan that works for your dog. I highly recommend her and have recommended other clients to her.

    Tania Golding Avatar Tania Golding

  • Kristina is a kind and compassionate trainer with a soft spot for international rescue. What is most impressive to me is her drive to continue to stay on top of her education. She has invested a lot of time and money into constantly learning more to help her students achieve the best possible outcomes with their dogs.

    Amber Remedios Avatar Amber Remedios

  • I was so grateful when I received a referral to Kristina after we adopted our sweet pup from Redemption Paws. It has been so wonderful to work with Kristina throughout our pups training journey. Kristina is clear in her communication and instructions. Everything was always explained clearly which helped me to understand my dogs behaviors. After each session Kristina would send a summary and homework for us to practice. It really helped me to be able to reference back to these emails throughout the training process. I've contacted Kristina anytime a new concern or behavior comes up, and each time she has supported me to quickly address it. I feel empowered and prepared to deal with any challenge that may arise in the future with my pup. Thank you Kristina, you have helped me to become a confident dog owner! If you have found Kristina don't hesitate to book- I know you will also feel grateful you found her!

    Courtney Nunn Avatar Courtney Nunn

  • Kristina knows her profession inside out. She's has that special talent for understanding dog behaviours and a matter-of-fact way of presenting clear steps for correcting undesirable behaviour. Exactly what I needed for my dog's loud insistent demanding barking. THANK YOU!

    Arwyn Carpenter Avatar Arwyn Carpenter

  • We got a rescue dog a little while back and we were having some minor behavioural issues with him and he seemed to have no training as well. Kristina was very professional and patient with not only our dog Willi but also with us, she helped us notice behaviours and explained why he had them and set up an easy to follow training routine for him. Willi has come a long way in the short time we had him. I will continue to use Kristina’s services and I and Willi think she’s great.

    Sabrina Romero Avatar Sabrina Romero

  • I have a super reactive dog that has so greatly improved through working with Kristina! Now we are able to pass other dogs where she does not react (except for the very few times, but we’re still working on those lol). So happy to have found Kristina to help me and the family have a much more happy and fulfilling life with our love Muffy 💜

    Said Saffarini Avatar Said Saffarini

  • Kristina is super knowledgeable and has helped our Benny immensely! He's amazing and so sweet but was initially very reactive to dogs and humans alike. Kristina takes the time to work with you to establish a better relationship with your dog, and gives you homework so that you have things to work on independently between sessions! Benny no longer pulls on walks and is so calm around other pups. Thanks Kristina!!

    VANRIP Avatar VANRIP

  • Kristina is a wealth of very valuable information! We spent 90 minutes with her and came away with a laundry list of tools and tips to help our reactive dog. She also explained the psychology of dogs who react and this alone was worth every cent. We now feel equipped and empowered to being our training. Highly recommend!

    Shawna Page Avatar Shawna Page
Jack Russel Dog beside a kids telephone toy to signify free phone consultation

FREE 15 Minute Discovery Call

Want to speak directly with the trainer before committing to book? We offer free 15 minute discovery calls to make sure we are a right fit for your dogs needs.

Book a discovery call now