Puppy Adolescence: When City Puppies Need More Training—Not Less

Puppy Adolescence can be a messy stage in a puppy’s life. Consistent training during this time helps dogs grow through it—into calm, well-mannered, confident adults. Cricket* demos puppies can be a little wild and a winner!

Puppy adolescence typically begins around 4–5 months of age and can last until 18–24 months, depending on a dog’s size, breed, and individual temperament. In a Manhattan environment, this stage often feels more intense because puppies are exposed daily to crowded sidewalks, traffic noise, elevators, scaffolding, sirens, and constant movement. While young puppies may appear confident or easy early on, adolescence is when their nervous system begins responding to the city in a more adult—but still developing—way.

During puppy adolescence, a dog’s brain is still maturing, particularly the areas responsible for impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making. In a dense urban setting, this can show up as increased reactivity to other dogs on narrow sidewalks, frustration when greetings are restricted, difficulty settling indoors, or selective listening when distractions are high. These behaviors are normal and developmental—but without guidance, they can quickly become habits.

The timing of adolescence varies by size and breed, but the demands of city living affect all dogs. Small breeds often enter adolescence earlier, while medium and larger dogs may not peak until later. Regardless of size, Manhattan puppies process significantly more sensory input than dogs in quieter environments. Without consistent structure, behaviors such as leash pulling, barking at dogs or people, or difficulty settling inside are rehearsed daily simply because opportunities to practice them are everywhere.

This is why continuing training during adolescence is so important—especially in a city. Dogs do not grow out of behaviors; they grow into the behaviors they practice. Each walk, elevator ride, and sidewalk interaction either reinforces calm, thoughtful responses or strengthens reactive, impulsive ones. Adolescence is the critical window when leash skills, emotional resilience, and neutrality around other dogs and people are either solidified or lost.

Rather than pausing training during this phase, adolescence is the time to refine skills and provide support that matches the dog’s developmental needs. With clear expectations, consistency, and realistic goals, city puppies can learn to navigate urban life with confidence. Thoughtful training during adolescence helps prevent common city challenges from becoming lifelong patterns.

If your puppy is approaching or already in adolescence, Puppy Foundations II is specifically focused on adolescent training and designed for this stage (customizable with a focus on behavior as all our programs are) A training / behavior program includes leash skills, impulse control, emotional regulation, and real-world city scenarios—helping your puppy mature into a calm, adaptable adult dog who can truly thrive in an urban environment.

*Cricket is Tara's School for Dogs' show dog! Tara and Ruby are both rescue adoptions.