Simple Training Tips for Adolescent Dogs
- muttsden
- Feb 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 22
🐾 Trainer Tip: Building Calm, Focused Puppies 🐾
Young adolescent dogs don’t automatically know how to settle, focus, or regulate their excitement — those are learned skills. Here’s what we worked on this week:
✨We had SUCH a great week working with this 1 year old adolescent dog, (Zara), on some foundational skills, and I’m so proud of her. Progress doesn’t have to be flashy to be meaningful — and this week proved that.
🏠 Crate Training: Building Trust First
We’re continuing to build positive associations with the crate. Right now, it’s all about winning trust with your adolescent dogs.
Every time she goes in, she gets something really yummy. The goal is for her to think, “This is the best place ever!” We’re slowly working on closing the door without creating stress. No rushing. No pressure. Just small, positive steps that help her feel safe and secure.When done right, the crate becomes a calm, happy space — not confinement.
🎯 Clicker Training & Focus - Training Tips for Adolescent Dogs
We revisited clicker training and wow — what an improvement!
Her biggest challenge is settling enough to concentrate (which is completely normal for a young pup). But once she found her calm, she did beautifully.
One of the easiest exercises and a great training tip for you adolescent dog is to build a strong “Focus” cue? Simply sit nearby (yes, even while watching TV), wait for her to look at you, mark it by saying (“Yes!” or click), and reward. That’s it!
This training exercise:
Builds engagement
Encourages calm behaviour
Provides mental enrichment
Teaches her that checking in with you pays off
Simple. Powerful. Effective.
🐕 Recall Practice on Walks
We practiced “Here” while she was at the end of the leash.
Here’s what it looked like:
She reached the end of the leash.
I paused.
Said “Here.”
Backed up 3–5 steps.
She followed.
Hand touch.
“Yes!”
Reward.
Backing up invites her to move toward me naturally, which keeps recall positive and fun.
She’s still learning, so we’re rewarding every single success. No fading rewards too soon — we’re building a strong foundation first.
🎾 Play with Structure
Fetch and tug were fantastic… until excitement started tipping a little too high.
That’s when we say, “All done.”
Adolescent pups don’t know how to regulate themselves yet. It’s our job to help them take breaks before play turns into overstimulation. Structured play + intentional pauses = better self-control over time.
🦷 Chewing & Teething Support
She’s likely nearing the end of teething, but there’s still some frustration and overstimulation that shows up.
A good chew daily (or every other day) can:
Help her settle
Relieve frustration
Support healthy teeth
Provide calming mental work
Ice cubes are also a simple, inexpensive outlet — they just don’t last long!
If you’re looking for quality options, check out Bully Bunches or your local pet store for natural chew options.
⚠️ Avoid:
Rawhide
Cooked bones
Hard nylon/plastic toys
Sticks
⚠️ Use Caution
Antlers
Hooves
Natural is always the safer route.
This week was full of quiet wins — focus, engagement, impulse control, and trust-building.
And that’s how confident, well-balanced adult dogs are made. 💛
Slow. Positive. Intentional.
Comments