Adolescent Dog Behaviors
If you are struggling with behavioural changes in your adolescent dog, it is not your fault, and you are not alone. The adolescent stage, beginning at approximately six to eight months and ending at around twenty-four months of age, can prove frustrating for even the most experienced pet parents. The most common advice, that of “exercising patience because the stage will pass,” can be challenging when nothing is working, unwanted behaviours are increasing, and you feel defeated. By changing the way in which we view this stage from a regression in obedience to a progression in cognitive abilities, the adolescent stage becomes an opportunity to increase our bond and improve our relationship with our dog.
Why do these changes in behaviour occur? Why do dogs who have had little, if any, trauma in their lives, and are well socialized and friendly, suddenly rebel? Studies performed by scientists suggest the adolescent stage is a product of brain development that can lead to change in behaviours often perceived as disobedient or ill-mannered.
Let’s dissect this.
Brain Development
Dogs in the adolescent stage,(6-24 months) experience brain development that, irrelevant of upbringing, breed, or training methods during puppyhood, commonly lead to change in behaviors.
Whilst puppies have cognitive abilities, these abilities commonly act in our favor, allowing us to teach and bond through the use of positive reactive reinforcements. As dogs mature, change in cognitive functions can lead to behaviors deemed challenging, obstinate, unruly, and even aggressive. By continuing to apply positive reinforcement training, we can, unintentionally, perpetuate these unwanted behaviors.
Counter Conditioning is successful with dogs over two years old because the brain development allows for processing, which, as mentioned earlier, is compromised during adolescence.
Principles Governing Conditioning Methods
Operant Conditioning is the most common method applied in dog training. It is designed to teach, and to encourage or discourage wanted and unwanted behaviors (respectively) through the use of reactive reinforcements. It is preferable to use only positive reinforcements, which is one half of operant conditioning, although what is termed “balanced training” can be effective when applied properly. Most pet parents naturally apply balanced training – it is, essentially, human nature to react with an emotion of displeasure when our pup messes inside, and to praise our pups when they do their business outside, thus achieving “house-training.”
Raising the stakes (so to speak) by increasing the value of the reward is not always effective, and implementing boundaries, increasing restrictions, or implementing negative reinforcements can be ineffective and even counter productive. Simply put, operant conditioning has served its purpose.
So Now What?
To effectively work with adolescent dogs, we need a method designed to harness cognitive skills, allow for processing, and encourage decision-making (which is different from “options” as provided with enrichment exercises). Mindsets are changing toward taking a proactive approach, acknowledging emotional intelligence, respecting individual thought patterns, and addressing the reason for behavior, not the behaviors themselves. To achieve these mindsets and approaches, we must adhere to a methodology grounded in these principles.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT takes a holistic, proactive approach by addressing the reason for the behavior, not the behaviors themselves. CBT works 95% in positive situations, harnessing cognitive skills, establishing platform exercises, and encouraging decision-making skills.
CBT is particularly effective in addressing behaviors associated with anxiety and aggression, and ones common during the adolescent stage. Some conditioning methods can address these behaviors as well, so it important to be flexible and knowledge on all non-harmful, effective methods. Additionally, holistic practices, natural remedies and medication can aid in the success of a rehabilitation program.
By incorporating UPWARD Dogology, alongside other non-aversive, proven effective methodologies, into mainstream dog-training, we can easily and effectively adapt to changes during the adolescent stage. The adolescent stage becomes the perfect time to gain a better understanding of our dog, include our dog into our family activities, and create a life-long bond.
For more information on CCBT and UPWARD Dogology, please visit www.upwarddogology.com , listen to our podcast – Dog Training DisrUPted, Upward Dogology, or find our book, The Art of Urban People With Adopted and Rescued Dogs Methodology; Rescued Dogs, on Amazon and at Friesen Press.
Written by Billie Groom, B.A. Expert in CCBT, VP DWAA, CCS, ABS Member, PhDLC/Aug 2023
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