Why Your Adolescent Dog Stops Listening: Hormones and the Teenage Brain
Updated: 3 days ago
Your puppy used to come running when you called. Now they look at you, think about it, and carry on sniffing. If your dog is somewhere between six months and two years old, you're probably living with a teenager. Matthew's dog Lexi has been the most teenage dog we've ever had, and honestly, watching the adolescent brain in action has been fascinating for me (Matthew finds it a bit less fascinating). A lot of what you're seeing comes from hormones and a brain that's still under construction, and knowing that makes this stage so much easier to get through.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Adolescent dogs often stop listening because their hormones and brain are changing fast. Sex hormones rise, the part of the brain that handles self-control is still maturing, and the world suddenly seems more interesting than you. You might see ignored cues, recall problems, more pulling, new worries and even changes in sleep. It's a normal stage, it does pass, and keeping training short, rewarding and consistent gets you through it.
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When does adolescence start in dogs?
Adolescence usually starts somewhere around six months and can last until 18 months to two years. Small breeds tend to start and finish earlier. Large and giant breeds can stay adolescent for longer.
What's happening with the hormones?
As your dog reaches sexual maturity, testosterone in males and oestrogen in females rise. These hormones affect mood, energy and confidence. Females may have their first season during this time, and you might see changes in behaviour in the weeks around it. Males may start scent marking, show more interest in other dogs, or become more easily distracted by smells on walks.
At the same time, the parts of the brain that handle impulse control and decision-making are still maturing. So your dog feels big new urges, but doesn't yet have the self-control to manage them well.
What the research shows
A 2020 study of guide dog puppies, led by researchers at Newcastle and Nottingham universities, found that dogs around eight months old were less likely to respond to "sit" from their main caregiver than they were at five months, while their response to a stranger didn't drop in the same way. The researchers compared it to teenagers pushing back at their parents. It passed as the dogs matured.
It's a helpful reminder that this isn't a training failure. It's a stage.
Common adolescent changes
1. Ignoring cues they know
Sit, down and come can suddenly seem optional, especially outside.
2. Recall problems
Smells, other dogs and wildlife become more rewarding than coming back to you.
3. Behaviour regression
Toilet accidents, chewing or jumping up can return for a while.
4. Impulse control dips
More pulling, grabbing, barking and over-excitement.
5. New worries
Some adolescents go through a fear phase and become wary of things that didn't bother them before.
6. Sleep changes
Some adolescent dogs wake earlier, settle less easily or seem restless at night.
How to help your adolescent dog
Keep training sessions short and fun, and use rewards your dog really values
Go back a step and practise cues in easier places
Use a long line on walks so recall stays safe while you rebuild it
Give them plenty of sniffing, chewing and calm enrichment
Protect their sleep and build rest into the day
Stay patient and consistent. Your dog is doing their best with a brain that is still changing
Should I neuter my adolescent dog?
Neutering can change some hormone-driven behaviours, but it isn't a training fix, and timing matters for growth and health, especially in larger breeds. Talk it through with your vet.
RENEE'S TIP
Lower your expectations for a few months, not your standards. Make things easier so your dog can get it right, and reward every good choice. The training comes back, usually stronger.
QUICK CHECK
ā Adolescence runs from around 6 months to 2 years
ā Hormones rise while self-control is still developing
ā Expect ignored cues, recall wobbles and new worries
ā Go back a step and keep rewards high
ā Use a long line and protect their sleep
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FAQs
Why is my adolescent dog ignoring commands?
Rising hormones and a still-developing brain make the world more distracting and self-control harder. Make training easier and keep rewards high.
What is adolescent dog behaviour regression?
When a dog seems to lose skills they had as a puppy, like recall or toilet training, during adolescence. It's normal and temporary.
When does adolescence start and end in dogs?
Around six months, lasting until about 18 months to two years. Larger breeds often stay adolescent for longer.
Do adolescent dogs have sleep regression?
Some do. They may wake earlier or settle less easily. Plenty of calm enrichment and a steady routine help.
Does neutering stop adolescent behaviour?
It can change some hormone-driven behaviours, but it isn't a training fix. Talk to your vet about timing.
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.
