10/14/2025
BRAIN UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The challenges of the teenage dog.
There’s a saying that most parents of teenagers can relate to - "Parents of teenagers understand why some animals eat their young!"
The changes that happen in the brain of a teenage dog are not that different to a human teenager.
The brain undergoes a period of "pruning" and "re-wiring". This process can cause some parts not to work, work sporadically or work too much.
To describe it in the simplest of terms -the prefrontal cortex of a teenage brain is at the “back of the queue” in this process. It’s still “under construction” and still developing. This area of the brain is responsible for making “logical” decisions, controlling impulses, learning, remembering, problem solving and social interaction.
Because the prefrontal cortex is being reconstructed, the brain relies more on a part called the amygdala to make choices and react.
The amygdala is involved in the “big feelings” we may see - emotional responses like fight or flight, anxiety, excitement, reactivity, impulse control and instinctive behaviour.
Being aware of the physical changes the teenage brain is going through in the process of maturing, helps us to be more understanding and accepting.
Statistics show that many dogs are surrendered or re homed during the teenage stage as their owners no longer “like” the way their dog behaves, can’t handle them or just give up on them.
Please don’t give up on your teenage dog. We need to manage our expectations and frustrations during this phase.
Understand and acknowledge what is happening in their brain. Help them through this stage with patience, consistency, love and acceptance.
