Skip to main content

Adolescent Dog Training & Support

As our puppies reach 5-6 months old, something happens. They start acting like baby puppies again (except they are a whole lot bigger). Mischief abounds, and their listening skills appear to be on hiatus. Welcome to adolescence. Depending on the size of your dog, this is the longest period of development as they progress towards adulthood. This stretch of time can last until they are 3 or 4 years old, depending on their breed and size.

I am here to help you navigate this time. I find adolescent dogs do learn, but when they suffer from what I call “foggy brain” it is very important to keep your training simple, short, exciting, paying well, and then repeat. You can add new behaviors too, although you’ll need to be ready when your dog forgets what you asked him just a moment ago, and be ready to try again, or abort your efforts. Frustration leaves us in an emotional place. We just want to throw in the towel. But, we must be role models for our adolescent dogs. Modeling someone with patience & kindness, even if we have to give ourselves a time out.

I will teach you exercises and protocols that become the default for your dog as they grow into well-behaved adults. It’s an exciting time and one that is balanced with a good deal of physical, cardio exercise and regular rest times.

Getting Started With Your Package

We will begin our work together with a virtual consultation to discuss your areas of concern. I will make observations, and then map out the best steps forward together.

After purchasing your session(s), please fill out the Release Form below and email a signed
version to [email protected]. Upon submitting your signed & dated Release form, we will schedule your first training session.

Release Form

Package Options

2 x 1 Hour Sessions

$300

Purchase

4 x 1 Hour Sessions

$600

Purchase

Triage / Preliminary Session

There are a couple of reasons why a single training session, offered via Zoom, may be what you need.

Triage! Oh dear, what have I done! I'm feeling overwhelmed, or an incident happened, and I need to talk to a pro, to get us back on the right path.

A Preliminary Session. You're undecided if the way I teach is right for you, so you'd like to try it out for size. Or, your budget allows for a single session purchase now, and you'll buy additional sessions later.

1 x 1 Hour Session

$175

Purchase
Get to Know Penny Locke

Thanks to a dog, I am now a trainer. Learning everything I can about what makes a dog tick, respond, act, and react makes me a better and intentional trainer. I strive for the results you dream of, one dog at a time, one day at a time. I am on the dog's side and am bold enough to tell you when things could be better. I have 2 dogs; Briar, an 8 year old Borzoi, and Hope, a 2 year old Black Labrador, who came to me as a career change year old puppy from Guide dogs. Let's change the course of your dog's life, soon!

Request a Consultation
The owner’s lacrosse stick helps the ball go further for Bear!
Teaching people how to live successfully with their canine companions
My Approach

Knowing how dogs learn makes training easier. Learning through mentors and trainers who came before me has been invaluable in deciding what makes training successful. As your coach, I will empathize and encourage you to get the best from your individual, unique companion dog using kind, effective techniques.

We train at your dog's pace to achieve lasting results. Training your dog is a family affair that can enhance respect and build a closer bond beyond that previously experienced.

Learn More
Penny is extremely knowledgeable and helped us tailor our behavior and training to ensure the most successful results. Penny’s guidance has made us more comfortable and confident training our pup and her advice resulted in immediate changes in our dog’s behavior.—Richard Y.
Based in Santa Rosa California, serving clients both locally & around the world.