“They’re Not Being Naughty”: Why Teenage Dogs Stop Listening
Many dog owners are blindsided when their once-perfect puppy seems to change overnight. Suddenly, recall becomes unreliable, loose-lead walking falls apart, and "forgotten" habits like jumping, barking, or grabbing items resurface with a vengeance.
If you brought home a puppy over the holidays, you might find yourself right in the thick of this transition. According to accredited canine behaviourist, expert force-free trainer, and bestselling author Sarah Rutten, this isn’t a rebellion—it’s biology.
A Normal Part of Development
“Adolescence can begin from around 4 months and continue through to 2 years, depending on the dog,” Sarah explains. “Teenage dogs have a reputation for pushing boundaries, but what we’re usually seeing is a young dog going through a major developmental stage.”
During this period, dogs often become more impulsive and inconsistent. You might notice your dog becoming:
- More adventurous and bold (ignoring you to explore).
- Easily overwhelmed or sensitive to things they used to ignore.
- Distracted by the environment over their handler.
“It’s very common for guardians to feel like their dog has forgotten everything,” says Sarah.
“Dogs at this age are still developing their frontal lobe, much like human teenagers. Impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation are still maturing.”
Debunking the "Dominance" Myth
When a dog stops listening, it’s easy to feel like they are "testing" you. However, Sarah notes that interpreting this as a power struggle can damage the bond between dog and owner.
“Dogs don’t misbehave to challenge us or take control. Behaviour is influenced by what the dog is experiencing at that moment, not a desire to be naughty.”
She adds that outdated ideas around dominance can make this stage more difficult for both dogs and their guardians. “When people believe their dog is deliberately pushing boundaries, they’re more likely to respond with frustration or punishment,” Sarah says. “But what dogs need during this stage is support, guidance and consistency.”
How to Survive (and Thrive) During Adolescence
The original Australian Dog Lover mascots, Porthos and Aramis, pictured in 2016.
Even for our high-energy Malinois, mental enrichment like a snuffle mat was a game-changer for channelling adolescent energy into calm, focused behaviour.
The key to navigating the teenage months isn't about working harder; it’s about working smarter and adjusting your expectations.
“Adolescence isn’t a sign that your training has failed,” Sarah reassures. “It’s a sign your dog is growing up.”
To help your dog through this phase, Sarah recommends these six focus areas:
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✔ Go Back to Basics: Revisit foundation skills like recall and lead walking in low-distraction environments (like your living room or backyard) before expecting them to work at the park.
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✔ Lower the Difficulty: If your dog isn't listening, the environment is likely too "loud" for them. Move to a quieter space to set them up for success.
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✔ Reinforce the Good: Consistently reward the behaviours you like. Dogs repeat what works for them!
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✔ Manage the Environment: Use leads, baby gates, or long lines to prevent them from practicing "bad" habits like jumping or bolting while they are still learning.
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✔ Meet Their Needs: Ensure they have plenty of mental stimulation and "sniffaris" (scent-based walks) to burn off adolescent energy safely.
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✔ Stay Consistent: Clear, predictable boundaries create a sense of security. “It’s not about being stricter,” Sarah says, “it’s about being clear.”
Looking Ahead
The original Australian Dog Lover mascots, Porthos and Aramis, pictured in 2016.
Even for our high-energy Malinois, mental enrichment like a snuffle mat was a game-changer for channelling adolescent energy into calm, focused behaviour.
- ✔ Manage the Environment: Use leads, baby gates, or long lines to prevent them from practicing "bad" habits like jumping or bolting while they are still learning.
- ✔ Meet Their Needs: Ensure they have plenty of mental stimulation and "sniffaris" (scent-based walks) to burn off adolescent energy safely.
- ✔ Stay Consistent: Clear, predictable boundaries create a sense of security. “It’s not about being stricter,” Sarah says, “it’s about being clear.”
Looking Ahead
While it can feel like your training has gone out the window, Sarah reminds owners that this phase is temporary. "With the right support, dogs come through it and continue to develop into well-adjusted adults."
The complexities of the adolescent brain are a major focus of Sarah’s upcoming book, which follows her previous success, The Canine Perspective. While the new title is still under wraps, it promises to help guardians bridge the communication gap during these confusing developmental years.
“It continues the conversation from my first book, helping guardians understand why dogs behave the way they do, especially during stages like adolescence where things can feel confusing,” she says. “When we understand what’s happening, everything becomes much easier to navigate.”
More Information
For more expert advice on dog behaviour and force-free training, visit Sarah’s website.
Her bestselling book, The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog’s Paw-tential, is an essential guide for any puppy guardian and is available now from Booktopia and Amazon Australia.
🐾 Related Stories
Now that you understand why your teenager is acting out, how do you ensure they grow into a confident, resilient adult?
- Regretting Your New Puppy? You’re Not Alone – Sarah Rutten explores "puppy remorse" and how to bridge the gap between expectation and reality.
- How to Help Your Teenage Dog and Keep Your Sanity! – Practical exercises and training tips to help you navigate the adolescent phase.
- The First 14 Days with Your Puppy: The Do’s and Don’ts – Expert advice from Sarah Rutten on surviving the first fortnight.
- Is My Dog Normal (or Just Plain Weird)? – Sarah Rutten explores common (and quirky) canine behaviours.
- Puppy Biting: A Survival Guide – How to navigate the "land shark" phase safely before they reach their teens.


















