9 months old adolescence

[Oscar 12345]

Otto is coming up to 9 months old and we seem to have hit the hormonal adolescent period. He has become very skittish with big traffic noises and any loud noise really (a couple of flying geese above him this morning sent him in to a frantic spin) when until recently he took all that in his stride. Seems to have lost some of his confidence. Pulling on his lead when spooked and generally looking a bit miserable when he sees lots of people coming towards him. I can't remember this phase with Oscar but it was 15 years ago. I have filled training pouch and am doubling training efforts with lots of praise and encouragement - how long can I expect this to go on for does anyone have an idea?

[zeta1454]

Adolescence and the changes in behaviour can come as a shock even if you are expecting it. It is hard to generalise as to how long it will last in an individual dog and some of the behaviours may pass quicker than others. It can last up to 18 months of age (or more) but the more work you put in to reasssure, support and distract Otto, the easier things should be.

Patience is key - it can mean going back to training exercises you did when he was much younger and being socialised with new situations, people, dogs, sounds etc. In all likelihood the training has not been forgotten but just needs "brushing up". Don't force him to confront situations which he is suddenly finding scary but try to avoid them or distract him as you did when he was little.

Join in lots of play games with him, any training exercises that help build up the bond between you, arrange play dates or outings with dogs you know and Otto likes....anything to interest, engage and boost Otto's confidence is ideal. Sometimes it doesn't mean concentrating on trying to get him to overcome his fears but involving him in activities to increase his self confidence so he feels more able to cope in situations that he is now feeling anxious about (if that makes sense!)

You may need to keep him on lead more than you have been or at least on a long line as adolescent dogs can suddenly take off after a scent, forget their recall training and / or get into trouble with other dogs so try to make sure that you always have the means to keep him safe.

Dogs do vary in the way they cope with the hormonal surges of adolescence and some sail through quickly while others take longer to settle into maturity. I am sure you will be fine - it does pass and is easy to forget once it is over too

[Oscar 12345]

Very helpful thank you Leigh and makes lots of sense.

[jacdales]

Hamish suddenly became scared of Poly bags when he was about 2yrs old no idea why Suzi is 9 months old next week and has had her first season, she seems fine loves everyone and everything the complete opposite to Hamish lol
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