Growing Pains

That sweet puppy who seemed to be figuring everything out has suddenly started pulling on the leash, ignoring familiar cues, stealing things, barking more, chewing again, and acting as though half the training has disappeared.

Welcome to adolescence.

Growing Pains: Helping Your Puppy or Adolescent Dog Through the Awkward In-Between is a warm, practical Forge & Fetch Companion Guide created to help dog owners understand what is happening during one of the most confusing stages of a young dog’s life.

Rather than treating adolescence as a period of “bad behavior,” this guide helps you see the changes underneath it. You’ll learn why previously reliable skills may seem to fall apart, why young dogs can become more distracted or impulsive, how fear can suddenly appear, and why rest, consistency, enrichment, and thoughtful management can make such a difference.

Inside, you’ll find guidance for navigating:

• Changes in attention and responsiveness
• Leash walking and recall challenges
• Chewing, stealing, barking, and other returning behaviors
• Overstimulation and difficulty settling
• Mental enrichment and appropriate exercise
• Growing independence and curiosity
• Fear periods and confidence building
• Healthy socialization without forcing interaction
• Knowing when a behavior may require professional help

Written in the calm, conversational style of the Forge & Fetch Companion Guide collection, Growing Pains is not about raising a perfect dog. It is about understanding the young dog in front of you and helping them become the adult dog they are still learning to be.

Because sometimes the dog who seems to be giving you the hardest time is simply a young dog trying very hard to grow up.

Digital Companion Guide
Instant access after purchase.

Part of the Forge & Fetch Companion Guide Collection — practical guidance for real life with your dog.