Masterclass this weekend will help with teenage puppy panic

Dog owners are being warned not to dismiss teenage canine chaos as “just a phase”, as experts launch a live masterclass exploring the science behind one of the most misunderstood stages in a dog’s life.

Jo Middleton is hosting a free masterclass to help teenage puppy parents

Behaviour specialists say more dogs are surrendered to shelters between the ages of five months and three years than at any other point in their lives, with adolescence emerging as a major tipping point for overwhelmed owners.

Many describe a dramatic shift around the seven-month mark, when previously well-behaved puppies suddenly stop listening, develop reactivity issues, ignore recall and appear to “forget” their training altogether.

Now experts from Canine Principles are stepping in to challenge what they say are outdated myths and poor advice surrounding adolescent dogs.

On Sunday May 17 at 8pm, ethical canine behaviour professionals Holly Leake and Jo Middleton will host a free live online event titled The 3 Secrets of Canine Adolescence, aimed at trainers, behaviourists, rescue workers, daycare managers, veterinary professionals and dedicated dog guardians.

The 60-minute session promises to focus not on quick-fix training hacks, but on the neurological and emotional changes taking place inside the adolescent canine brain, and why so much conventional advice fails both dogs and owners.

Experts say frustrated owners are too often told their dogs will simply “grow out of it”, to exercise them more, or to become firmer with them, despite growing evidence that adolescence is a complex developmental period that requires a different understanding.

Canine Principles director Jo Middleton said: “So many owners come to us devastated because they feel like they’ve failed their dog. In reality, many are experiencing completely normal adolescent development, but without the knowledge or support to understand what’s happening.

“Adolescence is one of the most critical stages in a dog’s life, yet it’s still hugely misunderstood. We want people to come away from this masterclass understanding the science behind behaviour change, so they can make informed, compassionate decisions that genuinely improve outcomes for dogs.”

The organisers say the event has been designed specifically for live attendance and will include material not being shared elsewhere. There will be no replay available afterwards.

The free masterclass takes place online on Sunday May 17 at 8pm. You can register at: https://go.canineprinciples.com/3-secrets-masterclass