The Puppy Club Hub

Information, training tips and lots more........

Information, training tips and lots more........

Hormones, selective hearing and navigating the adolescent rollercoaster………

What to expect at this stage…

Adolescence is in full swing, and behaviour can feel less predictable than in early puppyhood. Your dog is still learning, but growing independence means they may start to test boundaries, become easily distracted, and occasionally “forget” previously reliable training.

This is a normal at this stage, so consistency now is key, to preventing unwanted habits from becoming long-term behaviours. However challenging…..

Health

  • Transitioning from puppy to adult preventative healthcare routines

  • Continue regular parasite control as advised by your veterinary team

  • Maintain routine weight and body condition monitoring during growth changes

  • This is a key stage to reinforce good long-term preventative health habits

Behaviour

  • Increased independence and curiosity are very normal

  • Previously reliable cues may become inconsistent at times

  • Short-lived fear periods or new sensitivities can appear

  • Hormonal changes (depending on neuter status) may influence focus and behaviour

Training

Common Challengers

  • Consistency is more important than ever at this stage

  • Reinforce all basic cues regularly, even if they “seem to know it”

  • Gradually increase distractions to build real-world reliability

  • Keep sessions short, positive, and frequent rather than long and repetitive

  • Lead pulling when excitement outweighs impulse control

  • Selective recall (“I heard you… I just chose not to”)

  • Barking or frustration in stimulating environments

  • Reduced attention span compared to earlier puppy stages

Checklist

Back to the Puppy Club Hub

  • Make sure you get your next visit, get weighed and wormed

  • Make sure you sign up to the health plan, so you can spread the cost of your vaccinations and parasite treatment, along with getting 12 free consultation per year.

  • Sign up to to the 5 weeks free insurance, ask reception for details or check out our insurance page on this website. You will get a quote to take out full insurance which enables you to get the best veterinary care without financial worry.

  • Continue your training, keep calm and consistent however challenging.

Help to keep your pet fit and healthy and support a long and happy life with our Health Plan…

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