Teenage dogs: understanding the adolescent phase

This guide is general information, not a substitute for a qualified trainer or vet. If you're worried about your dog's behaviour or health, speak to your vet first.

Has your sweet puppy suddenly stopped listening? You're not alone. Adolescence is a normal stage, and trusted UK sources agree on the good news: it passes.

What is canine adolescence?

Adolescence is the change from puppy to adult. The RSPCA says it brings dramatic hormonal changes and a reorganisation of the brain (RSPCA). PDSA says the behaviour changes come as your dog reaches sexual and social maturity, and that what they like and dislike can change dramatically (PDSA).

Every dog is different. Blue Cross says some temporarily "go off the rails", some become a little more anxious than usual, and some stay steady and easy-going throughout (Blue Cross).

Typical ages

Trusted sources give slightly different ages, so treat these as rough guides:

• Blue Cross: puppies usually become "teenagers" at around five to six months. Depending on the individual and the breed, adolescence usually finishes around 18 months to two years (Blue Cross).
• RSPCA: it can start any time between six and 12 months, and end between 18 and 24 months (RSPCA).
• PDSA: dogs reach adolescence at around 8 to 12 months, and larger breeds tend to mature more slowly than smaller ones. Most dogs don't reach full social maturity until they're around three years old (PDSA).
• Dogs Trust Ireland: its teenage dog courses cover dogs aged 6 to 24 months (Dogs Trust Ireland).

Why recall and listening can slip

Blue Cross says the most common problems reported at this age are exuberant, boisterous behaviour, not coming back when called, and not responding to training the dog has already learned (Blue Cross). Here's what sources say is going on:

• It's mainly with you. A study led by Newcastle University, with Nottingham and Edinburgh universities, found dogs were more likely to ignore their caregiver's commands and were harder to train at eight months old, during puberty. They took longer to respond to "sit" from their caregiver, but not from a stranger (Newcastle University). The study looked at Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and crosses of them (Newcastle University). PDSA describes the same pattern: loss of obedience seems to apply only to dogs' owners, not to other people (PDSA).
• More drive to explore. The RSPCA says the hormonal changes can make adolescent dogs seem less obedient, but what's really happening is that they're more motivated to explore, interact and run (RSPCA). Blue Cross says they have a lot going on in their brains, and this overrides previous training (Blue Cross).
• Impulse control is still developing. The RSPCA says owners often read this as stubbornness or "dominance", when really the dog is finding it hard to control their impulses (RSPCA).
• Other dogs become more interesting. Blue Cross says many dogs show more interest in playing with other dogs on walks at this age (Blue Cross).
• New worries. Blue Cross says young dogs often go through another "fear period" around adolescence (Blue Cross). Battersea says fear periods can come again from about 6 months (Battersea). The RSPCA says some adolescent dogs become more fearful and anxious, which can be why they don't follow requests (RSPCA). PDSA notes some dogs become more protective, or start barking at things that didn't use to bother them (PDSA).

Adolescence matters. The Newcastle University researchers note that many dogs are taken to shelters for rehoming at this age (Newcastle University). Dogs Trust Ireland said that in 2025, adolescent dogs made up 42% of the requests it had received so far that year from people wanting to give up their dog, more than any other group (Dogs Trust Ireland).

How to cope

Don't punish, and don't pull away

Every source we checked advises against punishment. The RSPCA says telling dogs off, shouting or physical methods can make dogs more scared and worried, and their behaviour can get worse (RSPCA). Newcastle University's Dr Lucy Asher says it's very important that owners don't punish their dogs for disobedience or pull away from them emotionally at this time (Newcastle University). PDSA says that if you're patient and persevere with reward-based training, your dog will come out of this phase well-behaved (PDSA).

Go back a step with recall

Blue Cross suggests going back to teaching recall where there are fewer distractions. If your dog persistently isn't coming back, attach a long line to their harness on walks. That gives them freedom to explore but stops them running off (Blue Cross). Our adult manners guide has step-by-step recall advice.

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Keep sessions short and consistent

Dogs Trust Ireland suggests keeping training sessions to 1 to 3 minutes, and says routine, good habits and stepping in when your dog feels overwhelmed are key (Dogs Trust Ireland). Blue Cross says to be persistent and consistent with training, and that it will pay off (Blue Cross). The RSPCA notes teenage dogs actually learn better than adult dogs or puppies (RSPCA).

Meet their needs

The RSPCA suggests channelling energy into structured play and exercise, such as searching games, scent puzzles and long walks in quiet areas (RSPCA). Blue Cross advises not overdoing physical exercise, and adding plenty of enrichment to keep them mentally busy (Blue Cross). It also says adult teeth may still be settling into the jaw, so expect a need to chew harder and give plenty of chances to chew (Blue Cross).

Tip: find quieter spots for sniffy walks on our dog walks and parks page.

Head off frustration

The RSPCA suggests:

• Feeding your dog before you eat, then giving them a chew or puzzle while you eat (RSPCA).
• Giving clear cues for when play starts and finishes, such as "playtime" and "finish", then giving your dog something else to do (RSPCA).
• If play with other dogs gets too boisterous, calling your dog away in a happy voice rather than telling them off (RSPCA).

Blue Cross suggests making yourself the most interesting thing in the park by playing with your dog and their toys (Blue Cross).

Be gentle with new fears

If your dog becomes worried about things, Blue Cross suggests exposing them gradually, at a pace they're comfortable with. It also suggests avoiding stressful events where you can, such as a stay in kennels, a busy show, or non-emergency neutering, during this time (Blue Cross). PDSA says not to force a nervous dog to play or interact (PDSA).

On neutering, PDSA says it may help with some hormone-driven behaviours, but many factors are involved, so it isn't the answer to every problem (PDSA). Talk it through with your vet.

When to get help

If nothing seems to help, the RSPCA advises getting your dog checked by a vet first, because an underlying medical issue can cause behaviour changes. Your vet can then refer you to a behaviour expert if needed (RSPCA). PDSA says many behaviour problems get worse over time, so getting help early is key (PDSA).

A good reward-based class can help too. Our guide to choosing a trainer explains what qualifications to look for, and you can browse classes on our Liverpool dog trainers page.

In Liverpool: Wag n' Waves (L24) runs reward-based puppy and adolescent classes and one-to-one sessions (Wag n' Waves, checked 18 Oct 2026).

If your teenager has energy to burn while you're at work, a midday walk or licensed day care may help. See our Liverpool dog walkers too.

The good news

The RSPCA says this period of problem behaviour does pass (RSPCA). As Newcastle University's researchers put it, owners need to be aware their dog is going through a phase, and it will pass (Newcastle University). If you're earlier on the journey, start with our puppy training basics.

More in our training series:

• Puppy training basics: first months
• Adult dog training: recall and manners
• Choosing a dog trainer in Liverpool

This page contains affiliate links, marked "View on Amazon" or 🛒. Affiliate disclosure. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Always speak to your vet.