I’ve written about canine adolescents before, but I need to refresh my memory. The Bear is in the adolescent phase, and he is a challenge. Teddy has always been quiet and calm, and the Bear is sweet but naughty. Bear and Summer have a matched energy level. Bear is eight months old, and Summer is 19 months. Only eleven months separate them, and Bear and Summer have birthdays in July. Hmm, is there a canine astrological bond? Teddy and Bear are related (uncle and nephew), but Bear and Summer are unrelated. So is there a basic canine behavior occurring here?
Adolescent golden retriever puppies are some of the sweetest, most playful, and most lovable dogs. However, these pups can be more challenging than their younger and older counterparts. Knowing what behavior to expect from adolescent golden retrievers month by month can help make these behaviors understandable.
From eight months to twelve months old, golden retriever puppies will continue to explore the world around them. During the puppies’ adolescent stage, golden retrievers will act out their way as they discover the world around them. Common adolescent behaviors include digging holes in the garden and barking excessively at a passerby or small animals. At twelve months of age, golden retrievers will become sexually mature and may start marking their territory with urine, a behavior that goes for both males and females of this breed. Providing your puppy with regular physical activity, such as long walks and playtime, allows puppies to stay fit and healthy while helping manage some of their adolescent behavior. Although puppies won’t fully mature until between two and three years of age, their adolescent behavior should slowly resolve during eight to twelve months.
Golden retrievers will become increasingly active and independent from twelve to eighteen months of age. At this point, they may begin testing boundaries with their owners, so stay consistent with commands and expectations. You can combat unwanted behavior with positive reinforcement training methods such as treats or verbal praise. Additionally, golden retrievers are very intelligent dogs, so it’s essential to give them plenty of mental stimulation, which can come from puzzle toys or games such as hide-and-seek.
Finally, golden retrievers are considered physically fully grown adults at eighteen months old, but their behavior may require some guidance. While golden retrievers are known for their friendly and loyal temperaments, they can also be stubborn, so staying consistent with expectations and commands is essential. Socialization is also crucial during this time, as golden retrievers need positive experiences with other animals and people to feel comfortable in various situations.
Everything I have read indicates the importance of staying consistent with expectations and commands – the formative year is vital for instilling good habits and an eagerness to learn!
I am so grateful that Bear and Summer have one another to play with, but I have so much to learn. I regret that I did not have the time or take the time earlier to learn more about the canine mind.
Thank you for reading this blog post, and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the Comments section below.
© 2019 I Don’t Know All The Answers, Nikki Mastro
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