Katie’s Groom Room

If you have a pup nearing the 6 month mark this is such an interesting read 🥰

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

What a wonderful start to a Friday. Snuggles with little Mara. Puppy Package graduate. Regular grooms help younger dogs get used to the process. 🥰

🌟 I wish I had read this years ago ! 🌟. If you are partial to an audiobook or paperback this is SUCH an interesting read/listen. Whether you have a puppy or a senior, 🙂🐶

Lost dog in our vicinity : This pup got spooked on her morning walk - in our local area. If around keep a look out for Coco.

Happy International Dog Day. Here’s a photo of our beautiful girl who is missed everyday. Thank you for entrusting me with your much loved doggos 🥰 Spoil your dog today with love and fuss 🥰.

When customer leave reviews 🥰🥰

For those with Puppies - 🥰

Getting a new puppy is incredibly exciting! 🐶🎉 They’re adorable, and you can’t wait to show them off to your friends and family. 🌈✨

However, if your puppy isn’t ready for all the excitement, like meeting new people or going on that first walk, they might struggle without the right preparation. That’s where socialisation becomes essential 🌟, and here at absoluteDogs we have all the expert tips you need. 🐕💡

Socialisation helps your puppy learn how to interact with the world around them. 🌍 While it’s often suggested to introduce them to numerous objects and scenarios, that’s not always practical—plus, a man in a funny hat could be quite intimidating! 🎩😲

In fact, the key is to prepare your puppy FOR new experiences rather than overwhelming them by putting them IN situations they’re not ready for. Don’t rush to expose your puppy or feel pressured to make sure they meet everyone and every dog in a certain timeframe.

Instead, dive into our fun, concept-focused training games that make socialisation straightforward and enjoyable. 🎮🐾

Check out this article where our very own Lauren Langman shares pro tips and 5 easy games to give your puppy a fantastic start in socialisation! 🐕✅

https://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/absolute-dogs-socialisation-tips-prepare-your-puppy-for-situations-of-all-kinds/