Why Adolescent Dogs Forget Their Training and How to Get It Back
Updated: 3 days ago
You put months of work into your puppy's training, and then somewhere around six to nine months it seems to vanish within a few weeks. Recall falls apart, the lead becomes a tug of war, and cues you've practised a hundred times get ignored. I always say it's like everything they've ever learnt falls out of their backside, and then all of a sudden it pops back into their brain again. Your dog hasn't really forgotten. Adolescence has made the training harder to use, and there's a lot you can do to bring it back.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Adolescent dogs seem to forget their training because their brain and hormones are changing and the world has become far more interesting. The training is still there, it's just harder for them to access when they're excited or distracted. Go back a step, practise in easier places, use high-value rewards, keep a long line on for recall, and manage situations where they're likely to fail. Most dogs come out the other side with their training stronger than before.
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Why adolescent dogs seem to forget their training
1. Their brain is changing
The part of the brain that handles focus and self-control is still maturing during adolescence. Excitement and distraction win more easily.
2. Hormones are rising
Sex hormones bring new interests: other dogs, smells and exploring.
3. They're more confident
Adolescent dogs want to explore further and do more on their own. That's normal development, but it makes recall harder.
4. Rewards have changed value
A biscuit that worked brilliantly at four months might not compete with a rabbit at nine months.
Signs your dog is in the adolescent dip
Ignoring cues they know well, especially outside
Recall falling apart
More pulling on the lead
Jumping up, mouthing or chewing coming back
More barking or over-excitement
How to manage adolescent training
1. Go back to easier places
Practise cues at home and in the garden before asking for them on walks. Build up the distractions slowly again.
2. Upgrade your rewards
Use rewards your dog really wants, like small pieces of chicken or cheese, or a game with a favourite toy.
3. Use a long line for recall
A long line keeps your dog safe and stops them practising running off, while you rebuild recall with lots of rewards.
4. Keep sessions short
Two or three short sessions a day work better than one long one.
5. Manage what you can't train yet
If your dog can't cope with the busy park yet, pick quieter walks for a while. Avoiding situations where they'll fail stops bad habits forming.
6. Give them an outlet
Sniffing, chews, food toys and training games help meet their needs so they're calmer and more able to focus.
How long does it last?
Adolescence usually runs from around six months to 18 months or two years, longer in large breeds. The dip is often strongest in the middle of that time. The more consistently you keep going through it, the better your dog's training will be at the end.
What not to do
Don't take it personally. Your dog is going through a normal stage
Don't repeat cues over and over. Make it easier instead
Don't punish recall, even when it's slow. Make coming back worth it every time
Don't give up on training. This is when it matters most
RENEE'S TIP
Pick your three most important cues, often recall, settle and loose lead walking, and focus on those through adolescence. You can polish the rest later.
QUICK CHECK
ā Go back a step and practise in easy places
ā Use rewards your dog really values
ā Long line for recall
ā Short sessions, little and often
ā Manage the situations they can't handle yet
ā Plenty of sniffing and enrichment
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FAQs
Why has my adolescent dog started ignoring commands?
Their brain and hormones are changing, so distractions win more easily. Make training easier, upgrade rewards and keep sessions short.
Do adolescent dogs really forget their training?
Not really. The training is still there, but it's harder for them to use when they're excited. Practising in easier places brings it back.
How do I fix recall problems in my adolescent dog?
Use a long line, reward every return with something brilliant, practise in quiet places first, and don't punish slow recalls.
What is normal behaviour for an 11 month old puppy?
Testing boundaries, ignoring some cues, more interest in other dogs and smells, and bursts of energy. It's a normal adolescent stage.
How long does the adolescent stage last in dogs?
Usually from around six months to 18 months or two years, longer in large and giant breeds.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
