This video, from a clinical canine behaviorist, discusses common mistakes dog owners make that lead to behavioral problems during a dog’s “teenage phase.” Many owners are unprepared for this stage, which can lead to dogs being surrendered to rescue centers.
Highlights:
- Underestimating the Teenage Phase: Owners who find puppy training easy can become complacent. They fail to anticipate the adolescent stage where dogs challenge boundaries and seek independence, leading to new behavioral problems.
- Improper Socialization: Many people mistakenly believe socialization means letting a dog play with everyone. Proper socialization is about teaching a dog to calmly observe other dogs and people without reacting, and to focus on their owner instead. This prevents reactivity issues when the dog is on a leash.
- Neglecting Crate Training: A lack of crate training is a common error. A crate provides a bored, frustrated, or energetic dog with a safe and comfortable space, which can prevent destructive behavior in the home and give the owner a break.
- Lack of Clear Communication: The video emphasizes the importance of a dog understanding both “yes” (positive reinforcement) and “no” (boundary setting). During the teenage phase, it’s crucial to set and enforce boundaries to prevent the dog from continuously pushing limits.
