behavior changes

From Puppy to Senior: How Behavior Changes

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From Puppy to Senior: How Behavior Changes

As a positive reinforcement trainer, one of the most important lessons we try to share with every dog owner is this: training is never “done.” Training isn’t about checking off boxes—it’s how you and your dog learn to move through the world together. It’s how you build a shared language, and just like any good relationship, that communication evolves over time. Let’s walk through the life stages of a dog and explore the behavior changes you might see—along with what to focus on to support them at each phase.

Puppyhood (0-5 Months): Curiosity & Imprinting

This stage is full of adorable chaos. Puppies are little sponges, soaking in the world around them, for better or worse.

Common Behaviors:

  • Mouthing and nipping
  • Short attention spans
  • Curiosity mixed with fear (startle easily)
  • High need for socialization

Training Focus:

  • Socialization (to people, dogs, sounds, surfaces, handling, etc.)
  • Name recognition and recall
  • Foundational skills like sit, down, and leash introduction
  • Confidence-building through positive exposure

Reminder: Early experiences shape how your dog sees the world—prioritize safe, positive ones.

Adolescence / “Teenage” Phase (6–18 Months): Pushback & Growing Pains

This is where most owners hit a wall and wonder, “What happened to my perfect puppy?” Hormones kick in, independence grows, and suddenly your dog has opinions.

Common Behaviors:

  • Testing boundaries
  • Selective listening (especially outdoors)
  • Increased reactivity or boldness
  • Sudden fear periods (aka “second fear phase”)

Training Focus:

  • Reinforcing boundaries and impulse control
  • Leash skills and polite greetings
  • Recall reliability
  • Continuing social exposure to avoid regression

Reminder: This phase feels hard—but it’s normal. Stick with positive reinforcement and consistency. They’ll grow through it.

Young Adulthood (18 Months–3 Years): Strength & Maturity Meet Habit

Your dog is maturing physically, and mentally they’re becoming more stable—but habits (good or bad) start to solidify now.

Common Behaviors:

  • Increased stamina and energy
  • Stronger bonds with familiar people
  • Testing routines or trying to predict outcomes
  • Easier training windows—but also entrenched habits

Training Focus:

  • Solidifying manners and routine skills
  • Advanced leash work and off-leash reliability
  • Mental enrichment to prevent boredom
  • Introducing new challenges or sports

Reminder: This is the time to reinforce what you want to last. If you slack on boundaries now, they’ll assume the rules have changed.

Adulthood (3–7 Years): Reliability & Routine

This is the sweet spot—your dog knows your rhythms, and their behavior is typically reliable. But don’t take that for granted.

Common Behaviors:

  • Predictable routines
  • Less hyperactivity, more “chill”
  • Subtle behavior shifts (stress, boredom, or health issues can pop up)

Training Focus:

  • Keeping routines fresh to avoid mental stagnation
  • Refresher training on recall and leash skills
  • Trick training or new tasks for fun and bonding
  • Fitness and body awareness

Reminder: Dogs still need training—not because they’re bad, but because engagement keeps them thriving.

Senior Years (7+ Years): Wisdom, Slowing Down & Sensitivity

Senior dogs are treasures, but age brings changes in mobility, hearing, vision, and patience.

Common Behaviors:

  • Less interest in long walks or rowdy play
  • Startling more easily
  • Difficulty with stairs, vision, or hearing
  • Increased attachment to familiar routines

Training Focus:

  • Modifying old skills to meet physical needs
  • Scent games and light enrichment
  • Advocating for their comfort in social settings
  • Gentle refreshers to maintain confidence

Reminder: Training in this stage is about adapting, not giving up. Honor what your dog can do, and celebrate the bond you’ve built.

Final Thought: Training is How We Stay Connected

Training isn’t just for puppies or “bad” dogs. It’s how we communicate, build trust, and move through life together. Whether your dog is bouncing through puppy class or enjoying a slow sunset walk in their silver years, they deserve your patience, your guidance, and your joy.

Every stage has its challenges—but every stage is also an opportunity to grow with your dog, not just train them. Book a complimentary Meet & Greet today to discuss your training goals with one of our trainers. To book, please download our app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to book using our pet portal system. If you are on desktop, please use our desktop booking link.