Tips for Getting Through Dog Adolescence

Puppies are a lot like babies. They require structure and socialization to thrive properly. With the influx of hormones that come with adolescence, though, they can become more difficult to train. Basic manners have a tendency to go out the window when your puppy reaches the adolescent stage of their life. Training will need to be reinforced in this period or bad habits could set in.

Socialize your dog

In this stage, it’s important that your dog is properly socialized with people and other dogs. If not, it could lead to more aggressive or unwanted behavior that persists into later life. So get your dog to interact with other dogs and people – this will help establish friendliness and play-fighting behavior.

Take training classes

Participation in dog training classes should not stop after puppyhood. It’s often recommend to continue training classes for up to 18 months. This helps to reinforce positive behaviors and gives your pup an opportunity to play with other dogs regularly.

Play with your dog

The real secret to getting your dog through adolescence? Play time. A tired dog is a happy dog! By taking your dog on at least one walk a day, you give him or her the exercise needed to help tire them out and burn off their excess energies. Play dates and taking your dog to the dog park is also be helpful, not only for exercise, but for socializing too.

Shake it up

Variety will also keep your dog’s hormones in check, keeping them mentally stimulated and constantly moving. Different smells, dogs and people will keep your dog excited and mentally alert, but this strategy needs to be established early on. If this routine is not established as a puppy, it could lead to low confidence and aggressive behavior or an almost flighty attitude, where they seek out new experiences overzealously. Smaller dogs are the most prone to acting like this. It doesn’t mean that they’re bad dogs; it just means they’re nervous. Don’t stop trying to socialize your dog in his adolescent period. If anything, socialization needs to be reinforced and built upon to ensure you have a healthy, happy and friendly dog – to both people and other canines – once your pup reaches their adult years.

At Pauley’s Pups, we make sure that our dogs begin socialization at an early age. We believe in setting up our pups for success in their fur-ever homes. We specialize in toy breed puppies, and offer a full range of healthy, happy and loyal dogs that are sure to become well-loved and cherished companions in your home. Take a look at our currently available puppies for sale online now or call us today at 804-798-7886 to learn more!