Dog Training Tips In 'Teenage Phase'

Summary

The teenage phase in dogs is often a challenging time for owners due to increased bravery, developing instincts, and hormonal fluctuations. This phase can lead to behavior issues such as poor recall, overconfidence, and unpredictable energy levels. To navigate this, owners should maintain consistent obedience training, use their dog's natural drives to their advantage, and have realistic expectations. Understanding that mistakes are part of the process and staying calm and firm can help owners successfully guide their dogs through this difficult stage, ultimately leading to improved behavior and a stronger bond.

Takeaways

• 😀 Increased bravery in dogs during the teenage phase can lead to issues with recall, as dogs become more independent and explore further away from their owners.
• 😀 Recall problems often arise during the teenage phase because dogs may feel safer venturing off on their own, causing them to get into potentially risky situations.
• 😀 It's important to recognize that obedience training is an ongoing process, and dogs in their teenage phase may require additional work to reinforce their skills.
• 😀 Dogs' natural working drives (retrieving, guarding, etc.) become more pronounced during the teenage phase, and understanding these instincts can help guide training.
• 😀 Instead of fighting your dog’s natural instincts, use them to your advantage by incorporating activities like fetch or scent work that engage their drive.
• 😀 Hormonal fluctuations during the teenage phase can lead to erratic behavior in dogs, including increased energy or unpredictable moods.
• 😀 Maintaining realistic expectations is key during the teenage phase, as there will be both good and bad days in terms of behavior and obedience.
• 😀 Even with hormonal changes, it's essential not to excuse poor behavior but to remain firm in enforcing rules and boundaries.
• 😀 Consistency is crucial in training; reinforcing good behavior and correcting undesirable actions should remain constant despite the challenges of hormonal fluctuations.
• 😀 Patience and understanding are important during the teenage phase. With the right approach, dogs will eventually mature into well-behaved adult companions.

Q & A

Why do people often get nervous about their dog entering the teenage phase?

People get nervous about the teenage phase because it's when many behavioral problems start to emerge, and if not properly managed, these issues can persist throughout the dog's life.

What is the first problem that typically arises during a dog's teenage phase?

The first problem is that dogs become braver and start to explore the world more independently. This can lead to issues like poor recall, as they may begin to think they don't need their owner to stay safe.

How can dog owners manage their dog's increased bravery during the teenage phase?

Owners can manage increased bravery by controlling variables in training, using tools like a long line, and practicing obedience in controlled environments such as fenced fields or paddocks.

What role do natural instincts and drives play in a dog's teenage behavior?

During the teenage phase, a dog's natural instincts and drives, such as retrieving, chasing, or guarding, become more pronounced. These drives can create challenges but can also be harnessed for successful training by channeling them in positive ways.

How can owners use a dog's drives, like retrieving or guarding, to their advantage?

Owners can use a dog's drives to their advantage by incorporating these activities into training. For example, by using a retrieving toy, such as a tennis ball or dummy launcher, to keep the dog focused and reinforce desirable behaviors.

How does a dog's hormonal fluctuations affect their behavior during the teenage phase?

Hormonal fluctuations can lead to unpredictable behavior in dogs, such as days of high energy or low energy, and changes in obedience. These fluctuations are a natural part of the development process and can make training more challenging.

What is the best way for owners to handle their dog's behavior when hormones are causing difficulties?

The best approach is to remain calm and realistic, understanding that fluctuations in behavior are temporary. It's important to maintain firm rules and expectations while being patient and not excusing poor behavior due to hormonal changes.

Why is it important for owners to have realistic expectations during the teenage phase?

Realistic expectations are crucial because the teenage phase can involve both progress and setbacks. Owners should expect some bad days where the dog tests boundaries, but with consistency, the behavior will improve over time.

What should owners do if their dog exhibits aggressive or unpredictable behavior due to hormonal changes?

While it's important not to excuse aggressive behavior, owners should address it by reinforcing rules and boundaries consistently. Understanding that hormonal fluctuations may contribute to the behavior can help the owner stay calm and focused on resolving the issue.

How can owners ensure their dog's teenage phase ultimately leads to better behavior and training?

By maintaining consistency in training, setting firm boundaries, and understanding that the teenage phase is a temporary developmental stage, owners can guide their dogs through this period successfully, leading to improved behavior as they mature.