Adolescence begins with the onset of physiologically normal puberty, and ends when an adult identity and behaviour are accepted. This period of development corresponds roughly to the period between the ages of 10 and 19 years, which is consistent with the World Health Organization's definition of adolescence.
The most challenging time of raising a puppy is the adolescent period. Dogs become “teenagers” and seem to forget everything they have ever been taught. This period is individual to each dog, but it may begin when he's about eight months old and continue until he's two years old.
Leading characteristics of adolescence are – increased decision-making, biological growth and development, search for self, increased pressures and an undefined status.
What is adolescence? Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. Children who are entering adolescence are going through many changes (physical, intellectual, personality and social developmental). Adolescence begins at puberty, which now occurs earlier, on average, than in the past.
Adolescence, these years from puberty to adulthood, may be roughly divided into three stages: earlyadolescence, generally ages eleven to fourteen; middleadolescence, ages fifteen to seventeen; and lateadolescence, ages eighteen to twenty-one.
Shy puppies grow into adolescents with more obvious fear displays. Reactivity often erupts in adolescence. While many dogs lack innate emotional self-control, it's not a behavior set to excuse with “he's just a puppy”. Dogs don't outgrow behaviors like humans do.
New research from a team of UK universities has shown that dogs do go through a rebellious adolescent phase, and they can be just as obstinate as human teens as they navigate fluctuating hormones and push for a bit of independence.
From a biological perspective, adolescence should be the best time of life. Most physical and mental functions, such as speed, strength, reaction time, and memory, are more fully developed during the teenage years.
Among the indicators that your dog is entering adolescence: increased energy levels, heightened interest and curiosity about their surroundings, and destructive behaviors like chewing or barking to get what they want.
Understanding adolescence in dogs In dogs, it can start any time between six and 12 months and can end between 18 and 24 months. During this time, there are dramatic hormonal changes and a reorganisation of the brain.
Dealing with adolescent behaviour in dogs: four ways to help you and your pup
1/ Keep reminding yourself that your dog will calm down as he gets older and look for ways to help him burn off some of the excess energy. Although some breeds or some individuals can be more energetic than typical, most dogs' energy level will subside and gradually become more manageable.