Pets and Their People Blog

The following article was written by Barbara Hodel for The Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) in 2022.

Did your sweet, adorable little puppy seem to turn into an unruly teenager, almost overnight? We are sharing this post because people can be surprised and challenged by the changes in their dogs as they transition from puppy to adult. And it can be a struggle for the dogs too! The practical and empathetic tips shared here will help you truly love and survive your teenage dog.

An excerpt: They have forgotten their training and have selective hearing. They also have gotten into a few run-ins with other dogs at the off-leash park. They now become unemployed and will soon be self-employed, meaning they dig up the backyard, eat the pool lights and bark at anything that moves. It is downhill from there and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy….Behavioural problems are one of the main reasons for euthanasia of young dogs and surrender to shelters. But there are positive and effective ways of dealing with dogs during their teenage phase.

Read the full post here:

About the Author:

Barbara Hodel is the author of ‘How to love and survive your teenage dog’. This book will help you to understand your teenage dog better and navigate the teenage months, by covering: an understanding of the unique challenges you and your teenage dog face, why and how your relationship matters in the training process, the role of anthropomorphism and consideration of dog emotions and minds, the benefits of positive reinforcement, the importance of lifelong socialization, how to keep your and your dog’s sanity despite some common setbacks and promoting the value of calmness. You can – and should – enjoy your teenage dog despite the difficult behaviors they show. The reward is a happy and well-adjusted friend for life!

The book can be purchased here: Order online: How to love and survive your teenage dog – Barbara Hodel (goodog.com.au)