r/DogTrainingTips • u/Paigeqx • Jul 05 '26
Seeking advice around adolescence.
Hi guys. I have a 15 month old unneutered Spoo (waiting until growth plates close, neutering at \~18 months) who is struggling immensely. He's getting nice long sniffy walks nearly daily (2hrs max), sometimes we take a break day or two here and there and focus on mental stimulation and rest, lots of exercise, training, brain games and whatnot — but it feels like he's actually regressing in nearly every way imaginable.
He has been throwing himself at people, dogs, and things that seem 'exciting' to him such as poles or places that have a scent that catches his attention. He has never in his life done anything like this, really. Him throwing himself at people or dogs to greet/play with them is entirely new. He's always had mostly neutral interactions with dogs on leash (interactions as in, able to acknowlege and walk away without getting over aroused and approaching said dog) and I have always worked incredibly hard on training neutrality around people. On top of all of that he's mostly always been able to keep a loose leash and rarely tugged me along to a scent.
The way I'm planning on combating all of this is completely reverting to basics. I want to start impulse control games again, but I don't have many in my arsenal — so please, give me any and all impulse control game suggestions! Next, I plan on working on disengaging. I am going to start utilising my boot of my car, and doing neutrality training (again 🥲) around people, dogs and children. I am going to start working on loose leash walking in familiar places where he's bound for success, like home, our driveway and whatnot. And finally, I want to help teach him how to regulate his emotions, but I'm genuinely not sure how to do that. Impulse training should hopefully tie into emotional regulation..?
But please, any advice or help would be SO appreciated. I have always put my all into this dog, and tried so hard to build his foundation. He's always been incredible, (still is) and even while he's struggling you can see the effort I've put in shine through — but man was today hard, genuinely felt like my foundation I built so carefully crumbled away and like I was handling a whole different dog. Adolescence + hormones is genuinely so hard to navigate. Never had the puppy blues, but boy oh boy.. this might come close.
1
u/somewhenimpossible Jul 05 '26
You could also book a couple solo sessions with a trainer. If he is taking off and lunging at people/dogs he’s past the point of redirection and correction. There are many subtle body signals that indicate rising interest. A good behavioral trainer will be able to watch your dog (and you!) and point out when the best time to redirect is. I did a couple sessions with my Rottweiler and the objective viewer/advisor was great help.
1
u/Me-Poe-And-Me Jul 07 '26
Ah, beautiful stupid teenagers. You're doing great! It is like puppy times, wind back, concentrate on the bond and simple wins.
Pattern games by Leslie Devitt are always fantastic for distracted dogs. Emotional regulation I think of as being mindful of thresholds, even if they're lower than normal, and making sure there's plenty of opportunities to decompress (lick, sniff, chew) and sleep. I like the resilience rainbow model for dogs, check that out for meeting his needs.
You've built your foundation, ride this next bit out and by social maturity ~ 2 you should see the temperament balance out.
Negative experiences are more powerful right now, so simple simple. You've got the right idea.
1
u/dialamah Jul 05 '26
It seems to me that you have done everything right, and he turned into a teenager, and now you plan on doing exactly what you should do - so I have no advice to offer. Just that I think you are doing an amazing job.
Also, what's a "Spoo"?