Adolescent dogs

Crossbreed, outside, on walk, in autumn, surrounded by fallen leaves.

Welcome to adolescence!

Adolescence is the developmental stage between puppyhood and adulthood, often referred to as the teenage phase. This can occur at any time from 6 to 12 months of age, and last up to 24 months.

As your dog enters their “teenage phase,” life can feel a little chaotic, but you’re not alone! Our Training Teenage Dogs Course is designed to guide you through the ups and downs of adolescence with practical tools, clear advice, and plenty of support.

What's covered in the Training Teenage Dogs Course

Understanding adolescence – What it is, why it matters, and how to make this stage easier for both you and your dog.
Calmer, happier walks – Learn how to leave home on a calmer note, build a reliable loose lead, and handle those big emotions when out and about.
Recall and “leave it” made fun – Games, techniques, and tips to help your dog come back when called and come away from things they shouldn't have.
Polite greetings – Reduce jumping up, manage it around children and visitors, and set up lasting good habits.
Why dogs bark – Understand the reasons behind why they may be barking, what their body language is telling you, and how to help them feel calmer.

How the course works

Step-by-step content - Daily lessons, videos, and training exercises you can easily access on your phone.
Self-paced learning - Designed to be completed in approximately three weeks, but you're free to learn at your own pace. You can take up to two days’ break without losing your progress streak, perfect for working around real life! Some people move quickly, while others take a little more time - either way, we’re here to support you.
Expert demonstration videos - See exactly how to teach each skill.
Quizzes & interactive exercises - Reinforce your learning and track your dog’s progress.
5–10 minutes per day - Short, practical activities designed to easily slot into your routine.
Course sold together and separately – The choice is yours! You can choose between buying the full course or selecting separate modules if you have specific needs.

Have a specific issue with your adolescent dog?

Pick the modules that suit you and your dog best!

You don’t have to commit to the full course, you can simply choose the individual modules that fit your needs. If there are just one or two topics you’d like to focus on, feel free to pick and mix the ones that suit you and your dog best!

Every module includes the same foundation to set you up for success:

Understanding canine adolescence
Safety, signals, and setup
The fundamentals of training
Followed by your chosen topic

Pricing:
Each individual module is €19.99 and if you’d like to dive deeper, you can buy two and get the third half price!

Start training today

Support your dog through this tricky teen stage and set them up to grow into a happy, confident companion, with expert guidance from Dogs Trust. Whether you work through the course quickly or dip in at your own pace, you’ll find everything you need to build great habits, strengthen your bond, and enjoy the journey together.

Learn more about Training Teenage Dogs

Training with Dogs Trust

The Dogs Trust approach

At Dogs Trust we train dogs using reward based methods, and do not advocate the use of any training equipment which changes behaviour by causing pain or fear in dogs.

Dogs which are trained with rewards enjoy learning - they are a partner in the training sessions and often 'offer' new behaviours to see if they get a reward.

Reward based training works to change behaviour and enhances the bond between dog and owner.

We also make sure you get the support and resources you need to help you in our classes and beyond. These courses include access to our owner support hub to enable a strong start to your training.