Adolescence

[SkySoaringMagpie]

A lot of dogs end up discarded when they hit adolescence because they become not so cute, and harder to handle - so:

What general advice would you give to a new puppy owner about what to expect in dog adolescence?

What general advice would you give about how to handle dog adolescence?

Are there any breed specific things that come out in the temperament in your breed during adolescence that you think prospective owners should be aware of before committing?

[shmoo]

Training, training, training. Start from the minute the dog comes home and keep consistent. If the dog is sure of its boundaries and rules from day one, why would there become a problem in later years unless the owners were not consistent?

So many people get a puppy and let it do naughty things "because its so cute" and then when its an adult and monster its a lot harder to undo it all.

[Tassie]

+1

And be prepared for the fact that (pretty much like humans) all the training and great foundation could go out the window for a while . Just hang in there, keep up the training - even if it feels like you're starting again from the beginning - and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I don't know that there are particular breed differences so much as individual dog personality differences.

[SkySoaringMagpie]

I don't know that there are particular breed differences so much as individual dog personality differences.

I think personality has a lot to do with it, but I think breed also factors in. In my breed they often become much more aloof and independent around this age which presents specific training challenges. In other breeds traditionally bred for fighting, this is often when you will often start to see DA emerge.

[dandybrush]

yes i agree training!! stay calm and just enforce the rules if you feel like you want to throttle the dog...just walk away

[tez]

I agree about personality being a real factor in how dogs go through their teenage phase.

I could imagine my Jane being surrendered if she happened to live with less doggie type people than us due to her stubborness and head strong ability to go and get whatever it is she is interested in. She is constantly testing my patience and keeps me forever on my toes in an effort to be one step ahead of her! Where jane goes, chaos reigns! Mind you I love her to bits and she is safe and sound with us!

Gus on the other hand, well hes so placid and low maintenance, I can't imagine anyone would find him a difficult dog. About the only thing he does is bark abit!!!

[sas]

Start how you mean to go on.

[persephone]

Training, training, training. Start from the minute the dog comes home and keep consistent. If the dog is sure of its boundaries and rules from day one, why would there become a problem in later years unless the owners were not consistent?

So many people get a puppy and let it do naughty things "because its so cute" and then when its an adult and monster its a lot harder to undo it all.

Start how you mean to go on.

If your dog has had a good grounding from day one- adolescence really should not be very noticeable ......it just means that now the dog may outsmart you more

[Monah]

I think this is such a vital subject. I've filled many newpapers with letters to editors on this and desexing and oodles farms etc. ;)

I've also 'nursed' several owners through the 9month to 2 year period.

The 'general' advice I give apart from training (and it's awful how many people do not really know what training is, ie. tell a dog something once, or yell at it and if it does not 'behave', it's faulty :D ;) ), I usually lend literature on puppies and talk them through what is normal behaviour and try and see that they understand that the dog is not adult even if it looks like it is, that the dog is not being naughty to get at the owner , that the dog needs very clear and consitant instructions etc. and most importantly that the dog is not 'stupid' and they are not alone, most dogs will chew, dig, bark, jump up, have some sort of fear of something (the car, other dogs, paper bag! :D etc.).

I've found some people take it personally if a dog isn't perfect as though it's like that on purpose. very odd.

There's a few out there, but if I were clever enough, I'd love to publish a picture/photo book that appeals to both adults and kids, showing the destruction and things that dogs do in the first 2 years, all different breeds etc., with a 'how to avoid this' section or something. My neice(OHs side) has a bc pup and the family can't believe that it is so desctructive because they take it out at least!!! 3 times a week for a walk :D It's less than a year old. I've been trying to help/advise over the phone, the more 'naughty' it is, the more they do not do anything with her I'm interstate but if there were a resource to show them that would be wonderful

I have a viz, bc and spinone,

esp with the viz, I'd advise people that they ARE extremely boisterous and excitable, soft, and take about 10 years to grow up From the very start, calming exercises, wait, teaching self control, etc. are most important.