Dog adolescence can be a tough time\u2026we feel for you! But we\u2019re also here to help you through it. Here are some goodies you can buy to help smoothen the road, as well as some extra training tips to make that teenage phase go by easier. We\u2019ve rounded up our essential items to help your pup through those terrible teens. From choosing the correct equipment to walk your dog, to finding treats, toys and chews, we\u2019ll help you get the best out of your teenage dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among our list of teenage dog products are harnesses, collars, and leashes for your mischievous teenager that we\u2019ll help you choose, and methods to help calm them down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a training program dedicated to dog adolescence, check out the Zigzag puppy app<\/a>. Our training is specifically designed for your dog\u2019s age; taking into account all those fluctuating hormonal times, their breed type and the characteristics All of that to address you and your dog\u2019s needs! And if you run into any trouble, our team of professional dog trainers<\/a> are available 24\/7 via our in-app chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sounds good? Let\u2019s get going!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Puppy training accessories like the right collar<\/a> and leashes can make a big difference when teaching them important lessons, like not pulling on the leash when you\u2019re out on walks. This becomes a big problem for teenage dogs – you\u2019ll find out soon enough! <\/p>\n\n\n\n At Zigzag<\/a>, we\u2019re big fans of using a harness for walking dogs; especially in high energy adolescents. Collars<\/a> are there to hold your dog\u2019s ID tag, and for attaching a leash on to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For leashes, we like double-ended training leashes<\/a> in a soft, comfortable fabric or leather. Having a training leash means you can adjust its length to suit your style of walking. They have two points of contact on your dog, which are super helpful to stop a dog who might back out of a harness or to balance a dog who might want to pull on it.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve got plenty more information on leashes in our articles on best training leashes<\/a> and long lines<\/a>. You\u2019ll find them extra helpful for recall training<\/a> since you\u2019ll be able to keep your dog safe, while giving them some freedom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Who doesn\u2019t love a harness? They\u2019re generally much more comfortable for a dog to walk on; especially when they\u2019re hormonal in their teenage phase where everything is interesting and overwhelming -strangers, squirrels, other dogs<\/a>, food, everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Puppies grow quickly, so you might be on your second or even third harness once they hit dog adolescence. Think of it like a kid wearing shoes, you\u2019ll buy them good quality shoes as they grow, right? Wrong sized shoes can affect their development, and harnesses are no different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The wrong shape of harness can alter the way your dog moves, their posture, and even can cause them to have pain or problems on their muscles and bone structure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend a soft and comfortable Y-shaped harness. They won\u2019t get tight or cause pain if your dog suddenly and urgently want to sniff a particular and specific blade of grass. Goodness, teenagers can be so<\/em> intense in their sniffing activities in their teens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And yes, it is worth stretching the budget and getting something that fits well, that won\u2019t rub or cause issues with your dog\u2019s fur or skin. No one needs under arm chaffing – yikes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more in our article all about puppy harnesses.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adolescent dogs have a ton of energy, so having a schedule<\/a> and routine where they get to burn it off is key. Look to include games and sports like agility<\/a> and other brain games to help them find moments of calmness every day <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some accessories for puppies and things for keeping your adolescent dog calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if your teenager has been through their initial teething phase<\/a> where they lost their puppy teeth<\/a>, those big adult teeth are still going to want to chew a lot. Dogs need to chew recreationally, even when they are past their intense chewy stage. Dogs will always be on the chew-chew train, to be honest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can choose between edible chews<\/a> like rice bones, vegetable toothbrushes, cow ears, bully sticks\u2026 there\u2019s really quite a variety. These all tend to be well-liked by dogs. You can also look at chew toys like stuffed Kongs<\/a>, West Paw Toppls or good old Nylabones; these toys provide a longer lasting chew for a dog to work their jaw muscles on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your teenage dog is learning new things every day, so by working their brain and introducing them to problem-solving tasks with interactive games and toys<\/a>, we can sharpen that brain and improve their cognitive function. Brain games will also tire them out, so they\u2019ll be less likely to go off on their own and get into trouble. They\u2019ll also be a lot less stressed to spend time home alone<\/a> when needed, which is great news. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Interactive toys are also perfect at helping dogs cope with frustration, so they learn that gratification isn\u2019t always instant, and can rather often be delayed. This type of self-control and frustration tolerance will play a large part in your teenage dog\u2019s mental development, and forming of their personality. You\u2019re in for raising a patient dog, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nina Ottosson makes some excellent interactive toys, but you can also get creative and DIY lots of them. We\u2019ve got plenty of ideas for you in the Zigzag app<\/a> – go ahead and download the app to discover them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New toys or rotating old ones are a good way to keep things interesting for your teenage dog. If you want to keep your wallet sane, rotate toys so that your dog doesn\u2019t get the same ones left out all the time and gets bored with them quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not sure what toy your pup might like? Check out our guide to puppy toys<\/a>. Oh, also check out our lessons on teaching your dog to drop<\/a> and leave it<\/a>. It\u2019s also good to learn about resource guarding<\/a>, especially in their adolescence period, just to prevent any issues in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ah\u2026but our number 1 tip for dealing with a teenage puppy is patience and a good sense of humor. They are completely bonkers! Enjoy this phase while you can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But here are some other tips to help you cope with the wobbly parts of this stage: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember that life with a dog should be fun. We know that dogs\u2019 adolescence can be a tricky time, but with a plan and a training program like we have in the Zigzag app<\/a> you\u2019ll be able to ride out the storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re in trouble, just reach out to our professional dog trainers<\/a>; they\u2019ll be able to wiggle you out and answer all of your questions.\u00a0Choosing the right collar and leash for your teenage dog<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choosing a Harness for your adolescent dog<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Methods to calm your teenage dog<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Chewy toys<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interactive toys for brain training <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Replacing your current toys<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Top tips for dealing with your teenage puppy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Oh, one last thing, here\u2019s a freebie – check out our 50+ training games library<\/a> – we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll find something that tickles your teenager\u2019s funny bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n