Enrichment: Your secret weapon against adolescent dog destruction!

Is your once-adorable puppy suddenly chewing through furniture legs, digging up the garden, or barking at absolutely everything? You're not alone. Welcome to adolescence – that challenging period when your dog is no longer a puppy but not yet a mature adult!

Understanding the adolescent dog

Much like human teenagers, adolescent dogs (typically between 6-18 months) go through significant physical and mental changes. During this time:

• Their energy levels skyrocket

• Their confidence may fluctuate dramatically

• They test boundaries more frequently

• Their attention span can shorten

• They may "forget" previously learned behaviours

  
  

Many dog parents find this period particularly challenging, sometimes even questioning their relationship with their furry friend. The good news? This is completely normal, and with the right approach, you can navigate this phase successfully.

Why destructive behaviour happens

When adolescent dogs destroy our possessions, it's rarely out of spite or naughtiness. Instead, they're often telling us something important:

"I have energy I need to burn."

"I'm bored and need mental stimulation."

"I'm anxious and need an outlet."

"I'm practising natural dog behaviours, but I don't know where it's appropriate to do so."

Rather than punishing these behaviours (which rarely works long-term), we can address the root causes through enrichment.

How enrichment transforms behaviour

Enrichment simply means providing opportunities for your dog to engage in natural behaviours in appropriate ways. For adolescent dogs, this serves several crucial purposes:

1. Mental Exercise A mentally tired dog is typically a well-behaved dog. Problem-solving activities engage their brain, reducing the likelihood they'll invent their own "projects" (like redecorating your sofa).

2. Physical Outlet Appropriate physical exercise helps burn excess energy that might otherwise be channelled into destruction.

3. Stress Reduction Enrichment activities like sniffing, chewing and foraging release feel-good hormones in your dog's brain, helping them feel more relaxed and content.

4. Building Confidence Successfully completing enrichment challenges helps adolescent dogs build confidence during a time when they may feel insecure.

Enrichment ideas for your adolescent dog

Here are some enrichment activities particularly beneficial for adolescent dogs showing destructive tendencies:

1. Food puzzles Ditch the bowl and make mealtimes a mental workout. Try:

• Snuffle mats

• Lickimats

• Kong toys (frozen for extra challenge)

• Puzzle feeders

  
  

2. Appropriate chewing options Provide plenty of dog-safe items to redirect those chewing instincts:

• Natural chews like buffalo horns or yak chews

• Rubber toys designed for heavy chewers

• Frozen carrots or apple slices (monitor to prevent choking)

  
  

3. Scent work Engage their incredible sense of smell:

• Hide treats around the garden or house

• Create scent trails

• Teach "find it" games

  
  

4. Training in new environments Practise known commands in slightly more challenging locations to provide mental stimulation while reinforcing good behaviour.

5. Rotate toys Keep only a few toys available at a time and rotate them regularly to maintain interest.

Creating an enrichment schedule

Consistency is key during adolescence. Try creating an enrichment schedule that includes:

• Morning puzzle feeder or snuffle mat

• Midday training session (5-10 minutes)

• Afternoon scent work

• Evening chew time

  
  

Even 30 minutes of focused enrichment daily can make a dramatic difference in your adolescent dog's behaviour.

Remember: This phase will pass

The challenging adolescent period doesn't last forever. With patience, understanding and appropriate enrichment, you'll soon see your mature, well-adjusted adult dog emerging.

If you're struggling with your adolescent dog's behaviour, you're not alone. At The K9 Club, our 6-week enrichment classes are specifically designed to help you navigate this challenging period with positive, effective strategies.

Join us to learn how to transform destructive behaviour into constructive engagement, strengthening your bond while nurturing your dog's natural instincts in appropriate ways.

Sandra x