As a dog owner, you may be well aware of the challenges that come with raising a pup during their so-called “teenage phase.” This period of your dog’s life can be filled with behavioral changes, new challenges, and may even put a strain on your relationship with your furry friend. However, it’s important to understand that you have a choice to make during this phase of your dog’s life. In this blog post, we’ll explore what that choice is and how it can make all the difference in your dog’s development and your relationship with them. So, if you’re currently experiencing the “teenage phase” with your dog, read on to discover what you can do to make the most of it.
You Have A Choice To Make During Your Dog’s “Teenage Phase”
Introduction
Owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. However, this experience comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most challenging phases of a dog’s life is the teenage phase, which occurs between six and eighteen months of age. During this phase, dogs can be difficult to train, especially when it comes to leash walking. As an owner, you have a choice to make during your dog’s teenage phase. You can either make excuses for your dog’s behavior or make changes to improve their training.
Making Excuses
Making excuses for your dog’s behavior during the teenage phase is easy. It’s easy to blame their behavior on the fact that they’re still puppies. However, this approach can lead to frustration and can make the training process more difficult. Some of the common excuses owners make include:
- “They’re just puppies.”
- “They’ll grow out of it.”
- “They’re just being ‘teenagers’.”
While these statements might be true to some extent, they don’t excuse bad behavior. If you want a well-trained dog, you need to take action.
Making Changes
Making changes to improve your dog’s training during the teenage phase is the more proactive and effective approach. One way to do this is by enrolling your puppy in a training program. Online programs like the “Puppy Essentials Training Program” can make puppy training more enjoyable and effective. For dogs that are 5+ months old, programs like “Life Skills Program” can provide personalized training plans. McCann Dogs offers a fully supported trainer for their “Life Skills Program,” ensuring that you have the support you need to train your dog effectively.
Socialization
During the teenage phase, socialization is also essential. It’s important to expose your puppy to different environments, sights, sounds, and people. If you’re struggling to socialize your puppy, consider enrolling them in a socialization class. This can be a great opportunity for your puppy to learn and socialize with other dogs.
Consistency and Rewards
When it comes to training, consistency and rewards are crucial. Ken from McCann Dogs emphasized the importance of setting clear expectations for your dog and rewarding their wins. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool that can help you train your dog more effectively.
Training Equipment
Training equipment can also be beneficial. McCann Dogs offers training equipment online in limited quantities. While equipment can be helpful, it’s important to remember that it’s not a replacement for proper training.
FAQs
- What is the teenage phase in dogs?
- The teenage phase in dogs occurs between six and eighteen months of age. This is a difficult phase for training, and dogs can be particularly challenging when it comes to leash walking.
- Should I make excuses for my dog’s behavior during the teenage phase?
- No, making excuses for your dog’s behavior isn’t productive and can make training more difficult. It’s important to take proactive steps to improve their training.
- What training programs are available for puppies?
- Online programs like the “Puppy Essentials Training Program” can help make training more enjoyable. For dogs that are 5+ months old, “Life Skills Program” can provide personalized training plans.
- How can I socialize my puppy during the teenage phase?
- It’s important to expose your puppy to different environments, sights, sounds, and people. If you’re struggling to socialize your puppy, consider enrolling them in a socialization class.
- What is the importance of consistency and rewards in dog training?
- Consistency and rewards are crucial in dog training. Setting clear expectations and rewarding your dog’s wins with positive reinforcement can help you train your dog more effectively.
Conclusion
As a dog owner, you have a choice to make during your dog’s teenage phase. You can either make excuses for their behavior or make changes to improve their training. By enrolling your puppy in a training program, socializing them properly, and rewarding their successes consistently, you can help your dog become a well-trained and well-behaved member of the family.