Your puppy is now officially a teenager in dog years. Prepare yourself for some mischief and a wild ride! At this stage, your pup is entering adolescence, which means they start testing boundaries and really love pushing your buttons.
But fear not, brave soul, because with patience, consistency, and the power of love (and treats, of course), you'll navigate this adolescence stage like a pro. Just remember, even when your pup is testing your patience, they're still learning – even if they seem to have forgotten what you've already taught them.
Keep up with their training, provide mental and physical stimulation, and, most importantly, maintain your sense of humor. Trust me, a good chuckle goes a long way! Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and remember that this phase is temporary.
This week's focus:
Your dog is a teenager; now what?
Dealing with "bad" behavior
Training "go to place"
Dealing with mats
What you should know about grain-free food
Do dogs need dewclaws, and more
What to Expect From an Adolescent Dog
Lots of things happen during adolescence, from an almost complete brain remodel to growth spurts and hormonal swings. This age can be one of the most difficult life stages for dogs (and their people).
Remember how it felt to be a teenager? It's like that for your dog – except they're expected to behave in a human world with human rules. There will be good days and there will be bad days. Be patient and remember to take care of yourself along with giving your dog some extra grace.
So your dog is barking. Or digging. Or jumping. What are you supposed to do?
Well, first off, try to resist the urge to yell "No!" Most dogs have no idea what that means and it doesn't do anything to teach them what to do instead. They're simply doing normal dog behaviors, and it's up to us to set them up for success and teach them better manners.
You may have heard to ignore certain behaviors in an effort to make them "fade away" – which isn't necessarily bad advice but it can be really hard to do correctly. Instead, focus on PREEMPTIVE training, trying to capture or shape good behaviors before the bad ones occur. This will go much further in the long run to a better behaved dog and you'll see the bad behaviors happen less and less.
Is barking driving you mad? First things first: try to identify the root cause of the barking. Is your dog bored, seeking attention, or feeling a bit anxious? Once you've got a lead on the reason behind their symphony of woofs, you can tailor your approach. Offer plenty of mental and physical exercise to keep those vocal cords occupied, and teach them alternative behaviors like "quiet" or "speak" (because hey, if they're gonna bark, might as well put it on cue).
And remember, consistency is key. Stay calm, stay patient, and reward the silence like it's the greatest thing since sliced beef treats.
Is your pup giving those doorbells a run for their money with their incessant barking? Here's a trick that can turn down the volume on this particular canine chorus: teach "go to place."
This training skill provides your dog with a designated spot (like a bed or mat) where they can go and chill when asked. It is a great way to manage their excitement or anxiety when people come to the door, as it gives them a job to do and a safe space to retreat to.
Plus, it's a handy skill to have in general (think dinner parties or Netflix marathons).
If your dog gets over-excited or reactive to people or other dogs on walks, then the Engage-Disengage game is for you! It's an easy way to teach your dog to be calm when potential "triggers" appear and also how to interrupt them before they get too crazy. All you need are some yummy treats and a marker word!
While grain-free diets are very common and some of the most expensive dog food brands on the market, it doesn't mean they are a good option for your dog.
Diets classified as 'BEG' (short for boutique, exotic ingredients, and grain free) have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, a potentially fatal condition.
Mats are no fun to find in your dog's coat, and they can become quite painful for your dog if not fixed! Look for mats behind and on your dog's ears, in their "pantaloons," and make sure their coat isn't matted up against their skin.
Puppies often lose their fluffy and soft single coat around 4 to 6 months old – some start at 12 months old – to give way for their adult coat. Brushing during this time will help keep their coat clear of loose fur.
Throughout their life, you should be able to brush through their coat all the way to the skin using a pin comb. If you can't, then it's time to get them to the groomer for a shave down — it's often the best and safest way to address matting. And don't forget their paw pads. Mats here can make walking painful and it's uncomfortable to remove.
Most dogs have front dewclaws. If you don't see a dewclaw on your dog's front paws, it was likely removed. Rear dewclaws, like front dewclaws, are genetic. Dewclaws are no longer really needed, now that dogs don't climb rocky ledges and hunt for their own food, but they do help them grip items that they're holding.
If your dog has front or rear dewclaws, don't forget to trim them just like you do their regular nails. Dewclaws can easily become overgrown, making them more at risk of getting caught and injured or growing into the dewclaw pad or a dog's leg, which is super painful.
Making your own dog treats at home can be more affordable than buying them at the store – especially when it comes to "high-value" treats! Check out this recipe, created by a veterinarian and certified pet nutrition coach.
Swimming is a great low-impact form of exercise for dogs. And playing in the water is entertaining for some dogs. However, knowing what precautions to take is the best way to have fun safely.
While we may assume that all dogs are born knowing how to swim, that just isn’t the case. It's best that they wear a doggie life jacket.
Be sure to take the time to know if your dog is comfortable in the water. It is equally as important to be aware of all the things, bacteria, fungus, creatures, etc., that the water can be harboring.
Zinc toxicosis is very dangerous. Overexposure can easily happen when a dog consumes too much of something containing zinc (creams, nuts & bolts, paint, human supplements, and even Monopoly® board game pieces) or just one item containing a high zinc level, such as a US Lincoln penny minted after 1982.
Be diligent in keeping any zinc-containing items well out of your dog's reach, and be sure to know the symptoms of zinc toxicity so you can seek medical care for your dog sooner than later.
We've reviewed products for safety, efficacy, and durability. What we recommend is veterinary and behavior-approved.
Life Jackets for Dogs
Even if your dog is an excellent swimmer, wearing a life jacket is crucial for safety in case they get tired, knocked off the boat unexpectedly, and other risks.
Make sure it's well-fitted and comfortable for your dog to wear, not inhibiting their free range of shoulder motion to make swimming easy.
Regular brushing is essential for skin and coat health, temperature regulation, and it keeps the excess fur from turning into fur bunnies running rampant in your home.
Even small breed dogs need their playtime to maintain a healthy weight, build strong bones and muscles, and release excess energy. It's also a great way to bond with your pup and show them some love.
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