The Teenage Dog: Big Feelings & Bad Decisions
One day they were eager to learn, happy to check in with you, and seemed to hang on your every word. Then suddenly they’re ignoring cues, pulling on the leash, chewing everything in sight, and acting like they’ve never heard their name before.
In this Part 2 of our Dog Development series here on The Recall Room, we explore the fascinating world of canine adolescence. You’ll learn what’s happening inside your dog’s developing brain, why behavior often seems to fall apart during the teenage months, and how normal developmental changes can influence everything from recall and impulse control to fear, independence, and curiosity.
This episode is sure to help you see your dog through a new lens—and remind you that the challenging teenage months are just one chapter in the journey toward adulthood.
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Resources & References
This episode was informed by research and the work of leading experts in canine behavior, cognition, welfare, and learning, including:
• Dr. Patricia McConnell — The Other End of the Leash; For the Love of a Dog
• Dr. Alexandra Horowitz — Inside of a Dog; Being a Dog
• Dr. Zazie Todd — Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy
• Dr. Karen Overall — Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals
• Dr. Ian Dunbar — Puppy development and adolescent behavior resources
• Dr. Kathy Sdao — Learning theory and positive reinforcement
• Jean Donaldson — The Culture Clash
• Dr. Daniel Mills — Canine behavior and welfare research
• Dr. Clive Wynne — Dog Is Love
• Dr. Brian Hare — The Genius of Dogs
