From Cute to Chaos:
- Genna Rittenhouse
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
What to Expect When Your Puppy Hits the Preteen Phase
You made it through the sleepless nights, the potty training victories, the land-shark phase (!!!) and your puppy seems to finally “get it.” But then, almost like Gremlins overnight… they stop listening. They test even more boundaries than before. They ignore commands they used to follow perfectly!! And suddenly, the puppy who once looked at you like their whole world… is now more interested in chasing leaves than listening to a single thing you say or have to offer.
Welcome to the preteen stage of puppyhood.
This chapter, while discussed briefly, is one that feels like the biggest rollercoaster. It’s one of the most pivotal points in your dog’s development, and when you know what to expect—and how to lead—it becomes less frustrating, more rewarding, and surprisingly transformative.
What Is the Preteen Phase, Anyway?
The “preteen”stage is the Adolescent Period of a dog’s development and typically kicks in between 6 to 9 months of age, though it varies by breed, personality, and general maturity. Think of it like the middle school years: your dog is no longer a puppy-puppy, but not quite mature enough to make good decisions on their own.
Their hormones are beginning to change, their brain is developing rapidly, and their confidence is rising—sometimes faster than their (and maybe your) actual skill set.
The result? Testing you. Pushing boundaries they hadn't before. Selective hearing.
Common Behaviors You Might See:
Ignoring known cues like “sit” or “come”
Increased pulling or barking on leash
Pushy behavior
Jumping, nipping, or reactivity returning
Sudden fearfulness (aka the “second fear period”)
Resource guarding could begin to develop
And one of the most common complaints:“He knows what to do—he’s just being stubborn!”
The truth? Your dog doesn’t suddenly forget everything. And to be perfectly honest, it's not they’re just reevaluating whether it still applies. This is exactly where your leadership and confidence in it becomes essential, if not crucial.
The Mistake Many Owners Make
The biggest mistake I see during this stage is assuming your dog is “trained enough,” because their puppy has shown promising behavior as a young puppy.
When that early obedience starts to be challenged by the choices from the pup, many owners think they failed, so they give up all together because it didn’t stick like they thought it would… or arguably worse, give their dog even more freedom in hopes they’ll just “grow out of it,” or “they’re trying to tell me they want more.”
But dogs don’t grow into good behavior.
They grow into the patterns and structure we consistently show them. By backsliding away from your foundational training, you are singlehandedly allowing bad habits to become engrained in your dog’s future self.
What Your Preteen Puppy Really Needs
At this stage, your dog doesn’t need more affection or stimulation. It doesn’t need more puzzle feeders, lick mats or snuffle pads. Dropping them off daily at a day camp in hopes their energy will disappear doesn’t fix nuisance puppy behavior at home… it creates a dog who requires more and more stimulation and exercise to feel like their needs are “met.” What your adolescent dog needs even more of than ever before is more structure.
They need to know:
What behaviors still earn your attention, and which earns a correction.
Where the boundaries still lie
What choices bring them calm, privileged inclusion
When and how to play appropriately
This doesn’t mean tightening every screw or becoming militant. It means reaffirming your role as their calm, confident guide—even when they challenge you.
3 Ways to Thrive & Survive Through the Preteen Phase:
1. Limit Freedom to Earned Spaces
Go back to short leash dragging in the house or gated rooms. Just because they can roam doesn’t mean they should—yet.
2. Reinforce Known Cues in New Places
Don’t assume your dog “knows it.” Repetition in different settings builds reliability. Go back to basics with calm structure.
3. Keep Work–Play–Rest Rotations Alive
A balanced routine builds confidence and reduces chaos. A preteen dog with no job becomes a dog that creates one (chewing, barking, etc.).
This Stage Is Temporary—but Powerful
Just like we all went through puberty, this isn’t a forever phase. It might feel like it… But the habits, expectations, and communication you practice now will shape your dog’s behavior for years to come.
You’re not doing anything wrong or “unfixable.” You’re raising a dog through a natural—but messy—stage of growth.
With patience, structure, and some extra intentionality, this isn’t the time your dog “falls apart.” It’s the time you build the resilient, respectful, fulfilled adult dog you’ve always wanted and are excited to share life experiences will.
Ready to Recalibrate?
If you feel like things are slipping or you’re not sure how to lead through this phase, I offer custom in-home coaching packages that meet your dog right where they are—no matter what age or stage. Get yourself back on track with one on one guidance and save your sanity.
Comentários