the Terrible Teens

Teens through Young Adults (6-24 months)

Living with conflict, chaos, and frustration?

If you’ve got a teenage dog, you probably expected to enjoy your dog more—to have a pup who’s well-mannered, easy to live with and to take out in public.

Do you describe your 4-legged teen as “not listening” or “out of control”?

it may be a struggle to just . . . 

  • relax and watch TV in the evenings

  • open the door without chaos ensuing

  • have friends and family come for a visit

  • go for a nice walk without fear and frustration due to pulling, lunging

  • take them to the vet clinic without an embarrassing scene

  • be at the table or in the kitchen without counter-surfing

  • work at home without being interrupted by bark-fests

  • get your dog to calm down and listen!

I’ve helped many young dogs with these issues!

The solutions usually come down to three things:

MEETING NEEDS

Providing appropriate outlets for typical dog and breed behaviors, plus more mental and sensory enrichment

MANAGEMENT

Preventing the practice of unwanted behaviors by managing the dog’s environment

Positive TRAINING

Replacing commands and corrections with teaching how to be calmer (thinking) and what to do instead of those habitual, reflexive behaviors like barking and jumping/lunging.

  • “Lucy and Ginger were not paying attention to anything we said and a bit crazy. [Now, life is] so much more pleasant. We love our girls, but now we like them too.”

    MC

  • “Life was pretty stressful, as I felt I had no control over my dogs. Now they are so much more attentive and actually want to please.”

    DS

  • “Before training, it sometimes took both of us to keep her from jumping on people. Now, one of us can keep her calm and on all 4 paws when walking or when people or other dogs are around.”

    D&A

  • “We were getting frustrated with our dog… We have built a better relationship and he is a work in progress, but has made great strides.”

    JM

Let’s get you some relief right away.

Stop Googling for answers, trying this “fix” and then that one, getting harassment and conflicting advice from others—and not really seeing much improvement. 

Beware of so-called quick fixes that can make things worse—or lead to new behavior issues!

Imagine how it will feel to see your dog calming down and actually listening to you! To see them doing the right thing without even being asked. And to stop saying No! several times a day (or per hour?).

With my help, you will be on the right path at last. You’ll be interacting with your dog with new confidence and clarity, seeing better behavior and enjoying a better relationship.

Raise your hand if you’d rather live in harmony than in constant conflict!

Better Teen Training Package: 5 weeks to a Terrific Teen!

5 sessions for $695, customized for your Dog and Your priorities

Typical adolescent behavior issues that we can resolve include:

  • Jumping up on people to greet

  • Too much energy, difficult to settle

  • Chasing the cat, squirrels, deer, bikes …

  • Pulling on leash

  • Mouthiness

  • Counter-surfing

  • Destructive chewing

  • “Not listening”

  • Poor recall

Training works for people too! You will learn how to:

  • Get more voluntary attention, more cooperation

  • Be more proactive and less reactive (that’s too late!)

  • Notice when your dog is doing the right thing

  • Improve behavior and well-being in new ways (more enrichment)

  • Play focus games, even on leash

  • Give your dog more safe choices, every day vs. trying to control

  • Handle the leash for more safety, more pleasant walks

Added Extras:

Valuable handouts, clicker and treat bag, a variety of healthy treats and chews, short training videos, enrichment toys, and (if needed) calming aids.

Am I the right trainer for you and your dog?

We are probably a good fit if you . . .

  • prioritize a great relationship with your dog

  • would love for your dog to be calmer and learn how to make good choices on their own

  • want to understand canine body language, to know how your dog is feeling

  • are keen to actively participate in your dog’s learning journey

  • are eager to learn kind, fun ways to help your dog become well-behaved

We are probably not a good fit if you . . .

  • prioritize obedience, regardless of how your dog is feeling

  • will try anything you saw online that seems to work instantly, including aversives

  • don’t have the time or patience to help your dog learn the skills they need

  • insist on correcting unwanted behaviors instead of blocking them and teaching alternatives

  • don’t want to use food for training because dogs “should want to please you”