Recall Training for Teenage Dogs - Lisa (Dog Trainer) Nimbus Dogs

Why Recall Training for Teenage Dogs Matters More Than Ever

If you’ve ever raised a puppy, you’ll know that around the age of 5-6 months, things start to… shift. Your sweet, responsive puppy suddenly seems to develop selective hearing. You call them, and they glance back with a look that says, “Yeah… I heard you, but… I’m busy right now.” Welcome to adolescence.

Adolescence in dogs typically happens between 6 and 18 months, depending on breed and individual development. It’s a time when hormones are surging, brains are rewiring, and suddenly your young dog’s priorities shift from sticking close to you to exploring the world with reckless abandon. This is exactly why recall training during adolescence is so crucial.

It’s Not That They’re Being Naughty

First, it’s important to understand that your adolescent dog isn’t ignoring you out of spite or stubbornness. Their brain is under construction. This period is a lot like the teenage years in humans, they’re easily distracted, impulsive, and their desire to socialise and explore is at an all-time high. Their recall might have been great as a puppy, but now they’re testing boundaries, building independence, and experiencing the world in a whole new way.

This is why many trainers say “don’t rely on puppy recall to get you through adolescence.” Puppy recall is often driven by a natural attachment to their caregiver. Once adolescence hits, they’re more confident to move away and investigate. Without dedicated training to build motivation to come back, recall tends to fall apart during this stage

Safety First

At its core, recall is about safety. An adolescent dog with poor recall is at risk of running into roads, approaching unfriendly dogs, chasing wildlife, or disappearing out of sight. Even if your dog has never shown an interest in chasing squirrels or running after deer, adolescence can bring new behaviours and temptations. Their world has suddenly expanded, and they want to experience every part of it. If your dog’s recall isn’t strong, you lose your ability to keep them safe in these unpredictable situations.

Maintaining Your Relationship through Recall Training

A strong recall isn’t just about safety; it’s also about your relationship. Dogs who are frequently called and then put straight back on the lead often learn that coming back ends their fun. This makes recall feel punishing, and soon they’ll start avoiding it altogether. Training recall with positive reinforcement helps your dog see you as the best thing in their world, even when there are other exciting options around.

During adolescence, this is more important than ever. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of frustration, where your dog ignores you, you get angry or anxious, and your relationship becomes strained. Investing time in recall training helps keep your bond strong. Your dog learns that coming back to you doesn’t mean the end of fun – it means rewards, games, praise, and sometimes… even more freedom.

Freedom and Fulfilment

We all want to give our dogs off-lead freedom where possible. It’s an essential part of a fulfilled life for most dogs, to sniff, explore, and run. But that freedom comes with responsibility. A reliable recall is what allows your dog to enjoy off-lead time safely and appropriately.

For adolescent dogs, whose bodies are growing and energy levels are sky-high, having off-lead time is crucial for their physical and mental wellbeing. But without recall training, walks can become stressful or dangerous, leading many owners to keep their dogs on lead long-term, which often results in frustration and behavioural issues down the line.

Recall Training During Adolescence

Training recall with an adolescent dog isn’t impossible, but it does take consistency and patience. Here are some essentials:

Keep rewards high value. Cheese, chicken, sausage, whatever makes your dog’s eyes light up.
Use long lines. This allows safe practice while preventing your dog from self-rewarding by running off.
Play games. Recall games keep training fun and reinforce the behaviour in different ways.
Avoid calling them for things they dislike. If you always call them to put their lead on, they’ll soon clock on.
Practice frequently. Little and often is key. Don’t wait until you need it; train recall before you really need it.

Stay calm. Even if your dog ignores you, avoid shouting or chasing them. Make yourself more interesting instead, run the other way, make silly noises, or drop to the floor and call them excitedly.

The Importance of Recall Training

Adolescent recall training isn’t just another behaviour to tick off the list – it’s a critical skill that keeps your dog safe, nurtures your relationship, and sets them up for a life of freedom and confidence. Remember, adolescence is temporary, but the habits you build during this period can last a lifetime. Be patient, stay positive, and keep training fun. Your future walks will thank you for it.

If you’re feeling like your dog’s ears have suddenly switched off and you need some extra support, why not join my upcoming recall workshop? We’ll turn that selective hearing into reliable listening – and make it fun for both of you. Check out the details and come train with us.