Why Your Teenage Dog Suddenly Stopped Listening (and How to Survive the Chaos)
From Puppy Progress… Back to Chaos
One day your dog seems to have it all figured out, recall is working, walks are smoother, and you think “we’ve cracked it!”
And then… suddenly they ignore you. They pull, bark, or run off. It feels like every bit of progress you made has disappeared overnight.
Sound familiar? If so, welcome to the teenage stage. You’re not failing, your dog is simply growing up.
Why Teenage Dogs Feel So Hard
This phase often blindsides even the most committed dog parents. Here’s why it happens:
Brain changes & hormonal changes
Just like human teenagers, dogs go through a developmental stage that affects impulse control, focus, and confidence.Dog parent emotions
You start to feel frustrated, embarrassed, even defeated. And your dog mirrors that energy, which creates more tension.
Common Struggles at This Stage
Ignoring recall in the park (no matter how many times you call).
Pulling on the lead again, even if they walked nicely before.
Barking, lunging, or “reactive” moments that feel embarrassing.
Feeling like you’ve “tried everything” and nothing sticks.
If this is you, take a breath. You’re not alone, and this stage doesn’t last forever.
How to Reset With Your Teenage Dog
Here are three small but powerful shifts to make things calmer:
Go back to basics
Revisit the simple foundation games from puppyhood. Short sessions, big rewards, and no pressure.Lower expectations
On tough days, your goal isn’t “perfect training”, it’s calm connection. Walk in quiet areas, focus on simple calm cues.Support yourself too
Your frustration is valid. But your dog feels it. Practice one calm reset before training so you can guide them from a grounded place.
You’re Not a Bad Dog Parent
When teenage chaos hits, it’s easy to think “I’ve failed, my dog is broken, everyone is judging me.”
But none of that is true.
You’re simply in a hard phase that no one talks about enough. With the right support, this stage can be the turning point where your bond actually grows stronger.
Your Next Step
If you’re nodding along thinking “this is us”, know this: you’re not failing, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Right now, the best place to start is my Calm Connection Challenge, a free 4-day reset this September that helps you find your calm again and build the foundations your teenage dog really needs.
✨ You’re not failing. You’re just navigating a tough phase. And this is your reset point.
👉 Join the Calm Connection Challenge here.
