So, you thought you were out of the woods. The potty training is (mostly) finished, the needle-sharp puppy teeth have fallen out, and you finally stopped smelling like a mix of enzymatic cleaner and desperation.
And then, it happens.
You call your dog’s name in the backyard. They look you dead in the eye, turn around, and start digging a hole in your mulch. Welcome to the "Teenage Phase." It usually hits between 6 and 12 months, and it’s basically the canine version of a 14 year old slamming their bedroom door and blasting loud music.
Here is the truth: your dog isn’t being "bad." Their brain is just under construction.
Why Your "Good Boy" is Suddenly Making Bad Choices
During adolescence, a dog’s brain goes through a massive rewiring. The part of the brain that handles impulses and fear is firing on all cylinders, while the part that handles logic and "listening to Mom" is essentially taking a nap.
They are also flooded with hormones, and their curiosity about the world is peaking. Suddenly, a squirrel 50 yards away is ten times more interesting than the piece of cheese in your hand.
How to Survive Without Losing Your Mind
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Go Back to Basics: If your dog "forgets" how to sit, don't get frustrated. Just go back to Kindergarten. Use high-value treats and remind them what you want. They haven't lost the skill; they've just lost their focus.
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Lower Your Expectations: This is the phase where "perfection" goes out the window. If you can get through a walk without them trying to parkour off a park bench, call it a win.
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More "Brain" Work, Less "Leg" Work: Sometimes, more exercise actually makes a teenage dog more hyper (you’re just building an athlete who never tires). Instead, try more "sniffing" walks or trick training to burn that mental energy.
Keeping the Peace (and Your Sanity)
There will be days during this phase where you feel like you’re failing. There will be days when they bark at a literal leaf or decide that the crate is suddenly "The Room of Doom."
A Quick Survival Tip: For those nights when your teen pup is pacing the house and refuses to settle down—even though they’ve been played with for three hours—a little help goes a long way. We created Sea Biskitz - Advanced Calming Treats for exactly these moments. When the "teenage brain" is stuck in high gear and they can't find their "off" switch, a couple of Biskitz can help them regulate those big emotions and finally settle in for a nap. It’s not about stopping the puppy energy; it’s about helping them manage the overwhelm.
Remember: It’s Just a Phase
The most important thing to remember is that this ends. Around the 18 to 24 month mark, something clicks. The "teenage" fog lifts, and the dog you worked so hard to train finally reappears.
Hang in there. Keep your sense of humor. Hide your expensive shoes. You’ve got this.
Stay calm and wag on,
The Sea Biskitz Pack
