04/05/2024
ADOLESCENCE:
As dogs go through adolescence, it’s safe to say things turn a little topsy-turvy! 🙃
If you’re currently at this stage and feeling like you’ve taken one step forward and two steps back, don’t panic! During this stage of life, there’s a lot going on in their busy little brains.
Here are three facts about the adolescent brain 🧠👇
1. The inhibitory neurons of the amygdala that help to dampen down emotional responses don’t fully mature until the END of adolescence.
2. Communication between the frontal cortex and amygdala, which is essential for skills training, decreases during adolescence.
3. Extinction memory is impaired during adolescence, so if your dog has a bad experience it’s much more likely to lead to a ‘hard wired’ fear memory.
Have patience and compassion as you support and guide your dog through this vulnerable period of brain development.
