Does your once-angelic puppy now bounce off the walls, ignore your calls, and launch into frantic zoomies at the drop of a hat? You are not alone—and you are not doing it wrong. The adolescent dog brain is undergoing rapid, confusing change, much like a human teenager's, and overexcitement is not defiance; it is a physiological and emotional overload. This book explains exactly what is happening inside your dog's head and offers a clear, reward-based route to calm. You will learn how to build impulse control, teach a reliable settle, manage leash reactivity and door-dashing, and turn explosive moments into learning opportunities—all without punishment, force, or outdated dominance theory. Every strategy is designed for real, tired owners: short sessions, clear criteria, and generous encouragement. Whether your adolescent dog is a whirlwind of energy at home, on walks, or around guests, this guide will help you both emerge from the teenage years with a deeper bond and a calmer life. Part of The Dog Owner's Library.
About the author
Elspeth Dunkeld Hepburn writes for The Dog Owner's Library.
