Nikki Smith

Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development for dogs, just like it is for humans. During this stage, dogs undergo various physical and psychological changes that can sometimes affect their behaviour. One prominent issue that many dog owners face during this time is the loss of recall in their adolescent dogs. Recall refers to the ability of a dog to come when called, a behaviour that is crucial for their safety, as well as a good relationship with their owners. While the loss of recall can be frustrating for dog owners, understanding the underlying reasons behind it can help in addressing and rectifying the issue.

Firstly, hormonal changes play a significant role in the loss of recall in adolescent dogs. During adolescence, dogs experience an increase in hormones, such as testosterone in males and oestrogen in females. These hormonal changes can influence their behaviour, making them more prone to distractions and less responsive to commands. Additionally, during this stage, dogs are more inclined to explore their environment and assert their independence. They may become less interested in following cues or may prioritize their own desires over obeying commands, leading to a decline in their recall ability.

Secondly, the developmental changes that occur in the brain of adolescent dogs can also contribute to the loss of recall. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control, decision making, and learning, is not fully developed in adolescent dogs. This incomplete development can make it challenging for them to retain and recall commands. They may exhibit a lack of focus and increased susceptibility to distractions, which can hinder their ability to respond to recall cues.

Additionally, social factors can influence the recall ability of adolescent dogs. During this stage, dogs become more interested in interacting with other dogs and are more likely to indulge in social behaviours such as play and exploration. They may be easily enticed by the presence of other dogs or certain stimuli, which can interrupt their recall response. Moreover, adolescent dogs may exhibit more curiosity and independence, leading them to wander off or explore without adhering to their owner's commands.

Furthermore, inconsistent training and reinforcement can also contribute to the loss of recall in adolescent dogs. It is crucial for owners to maintain and reinforce the recall behaviour consistently throughout the dog's life. Inconsistency or lack of reinforcement can weaken the association between the recall command and the desired response, leading to a decline in the recall ability. Additionally, using punishment-based training techniques during adolescence can be detrimental and counterproductive, further undermining the recall behaviour.

To address the issue of lost recall in adolescent dogs, consistent training and reinforcement are key. Employing positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding the dog with treats or praises when they respond to the recall command, can help strengthen the behaviour. It is important to make the recall experience rewarding and enticing for the dog, ensuring that they associate it with positive outcomes. Additionally, reducing distractions during training sessions and gradually increasing the level of difficulty can improve their focus and responsiveness.

In conclusion, the loss of recall in adolescent dogs can be attributed to various factors such as hormonal changes, brain development, social influences, and inconsistent training. Understanding these underlying reasons can help dog owners overcome the challenges associated with the decline in recall ability. Patience, consistent training, and positive reinforcement are essential in regaining and maintaining a reliable recall behaviour in adolescent dogs. By addressing these issues and investing time and effort into training, owners can ensure the safety and well-being of their adolescent dogs, as well as strengthen the bond between them. 

You can find out more information and advice here from the Blue Cross. Adolescence in Dogs | Blue Cross 

Read about interactive toys and how they help stimulate and exercise their brain Interactive Dog Toys (lkhdogtraining.co.uk) 

Dogs are known to be curious, playful, and intelligent creatures that require mental and physical stimulation to lead a healthy and happy life. As responsible pet owners, it is imperative to understand the significant role that interactive toys play in promoting overall well-being and development in our dogs. These toys not only provide entertainment but also serve as valuable tools for mental enrichment, physical exercise, and training. Whether it's a puzzle toy, treat dispenser, or a tug-of-war rope, interactive toys are essential components of a dog's life and offer numerous benefits for their physical and mental growth. 

Firstly, interactive toys are instrumental in preventing boredom and providing mental stimulation. Dogs are cognitive beings that crave mental challenges and require activities that engage their minds. Interactive toys are specifically designed to provide mental stimulation by requiring problem-solving skills or presenting a challenge that the dog must solve to be rewarded. These toys often involve hiding treats or requiring the dog to figure out how to obtain a reward by manipulating the toy. This mental exercise stimulates the dog’s brain, prevents monotony, and enhances their learning abilities. Engaging interactive toys also help prevent destructive behaviour or anxiety that may arise from boredom when left alone for long periods. Instead, they are distracted, challenged, and therefore, engaged in a healthy and constructive manner.

Moreover, interactive toys can have a positive impact on a dog's behaviour and help with training.  (aff)

Secondly, interactive toys serve as a great way to encourage physical exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Dogs, like humans, require regular physical activity to maintain optimal health and prevent obesity-related issues. Interactive toys often involve physical play, such as retrieving a ball or pulling on a rope, encouraging dogs to be active and burn off excess energy. These toys also stimulate physical coordination, agility, and flexibility, which are important for their overall physical well-being. Additionally, many interactive toys feature mechanisms that dispense treats or food, which require dogs to engage in active play to be rewarded. This type of interactive play not only keeps them mentally stimulated but also ensures they expend energy while enjoying themselves.
They also provide an opportunity to reinforce positive behaviours and redirect unwanted behaviour. For instance, using a food-dispensing toy can teach a dog to chew on the toy instead of household items. Another example is using puzzle toys to distract an overly excited dog, redirecting their energy into a more appropriate and focused activity. Additionally, interactive toys can be utilized during obedience training, encouraging dogs to follow commands or learn new tricks as part of the interactive play. By incorporating training into playtime, dogs can develop good habits and become more responsive to commands.

Lastly, interactive toys play a significant role in building and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners. Engaging in interactive play not only provides physical and mental stimulation for the dog but also creates opportunities for quality time with their owner. Regular playtime using interactive toys helps establish trust, reinforces positive behaviour, and strengthens the emotional bond between the dog and owner. It also provides an avenue for rewarding the dog's good behaviour, instilling a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction for both parties involved.

 In conclusion, interactive toys are an invaluable asset for dog owners, as they offer numerous benefits to their furry companions. These toys effectively combat boredom, provide mental stimulation, encourage physical exercise, aid with training, and foster a stronger bond between owners and their dogs. Incorporating interactive toys into a dog's daily routine can contribute to their overall well-being, happiness, and development. As pet owners, we must recognize the importance of providing our dogs with the necessary tools for a fulfilling and enriching life, and interactive toys undoubtedly play a vital role in achieving that goal.