ADOLESCENT DOG TRAINING
Adolescent dog recall regression: why your teenage dog stopped coming back
Recall often appears to fall apart during adolescence. Your dog has not necessarily forgotten the cue: independence, stronger environmental rewards and harder distractions can expose a skill that was never fully generalized outside.
Why recall regresses during adolescence
Teenage dogs become more interested in scent, movement, people and other dogs. A recall that worked in the garden can fail on a walk because the environment is now more valuable than the reward for returning. Treat this as a difficulty problem, not a battle of wills.
How to rebuild recall
- Use a long line where appropriate so failed recalls do not become rehearsed.
- Start farther away from the distraction than you think you need.
- Say the cue once and reward the decision to turn toward you.
- Use genuinely valuable rewards and sometimes release your dog back to the activity.
- Increase difficulty gradually across places, distance and distractions.
What if your dog ignores you outside?
Move farther from the distraction and make the next repetition easier. Repeating the cue teaches the dog that the first cue is optional. For a deeper walkthrough, read what to do when your dog ignores you outside or the Furrus recall guide.
FROM ADVICE TO A DAILY PLAN
Train the dog in front of you
Furrus turns your dog's age, personality and goals into short daily missions, so you can work on recall without guessing what to practise next.
Sudden behaviour changes alongside pain, illness, hearing changes or severe fear should be discussed with a veterinarian or qualified behaviour professional.