Adolescent Training
(For dogs aged 5+ months)
Just like people, dogs go through a “teenage phase” shortly after puppyhood. Your dog’s adolescent phase will begin at around five months and continue until they reach maturity at about 12-14 months of age.
We specialise in dog behaviour training, helping local owners guide their adolescent dogs through this challenging stage. Adolescence is the final stage of reproductive development in which a juvenile becomes an adult. Like in all mammals, dramatic hormonal changes and a re-organisation of the brain occur during this stage. Together this means adolescence could be a vulnerable time for owner-dog relationships.
In this “teenage phase”, your puppy is becoming more independent, and as a result, some people describe a “relapse in basic obedience” or becoming “more stubborn” or “difficult” to control. The good news is that Melbourne Dog Trainers is here with the next two stages of adolescent dog training to set the path right as they enter their adult years.
Level 2 – Essential Manners
Level 3 – Advanced Manners
ENQUIRE NOWLevel 2 – Essential Manners
Continue your dog’s education from Level 1 – Puppy Preschool and continue their early education with adolescent training. Adolescent training courses here at Melbourne Dog Trainers are broken up into two levels. Level 2 – Essential Manners, and Level 3 – Advanced Manners.
From around 5 to 18 months of age, dogs enter adolescence — a time when they begin testing boundaries, gaining independence, and often becoming more easily distracted. You might notice a change in their focus, responsiveness, or enthusiasm for training, especially in busy or unfamiliar environments. That’s completely normal — and exactly what this course is here to support.
Our Essential Manners course is a 5-week program designed to strengthen your bond with your dog while developing calm, consistent behaviour in everyday life. You’ll be picking up all the skills, tips and tricks to effectively communicate, help build confidence and prevent some annoying habits from taking hold. We’re here to help you lay the groundwork for a well-mannered and connected companion. If you’re looking for guidance from an experienced dog behaviourist, our trainers provide practical support for every stage of development.
Class Content
The Adolescent Class course consists of 5 sessions which include the following;
Theory Class
- Adult-dog “Theory Class” (Zoom)
5 practical classes – Topics covered
- Leash manners (pulling)
- Polite greetings (unwanted jumping)
- Gate/door manners
- Hand targeting
- Management techniques
- Increasing engagement and attention around distractions
Location / Cost
Theory Class: Online via Zoom
Practical Classes: MDT Outdoor Training Grounds – 30 Redan Road, Caulfield, 3161
$260 (for new students)
$235 (postgrad – for students previously enrolled in other training with MDT)
Postgraduate discounts are available for attendees of other classes/private consults.
Our structured programs in behavioural dog training are designed to be effective, and focused on long-term results.
Level 3 – Advanced Manners.
Your next stage is a 5-week program that builds on the Level 2 Essential Manners course’ calm focus, communication, and leash skills and now we transfer these skills into more real world busier, more dynamic environments. You’ll work on refining loose leash walking, improving engagement around other dogs and people, and strengthening your handling in more challenging real-life scenarios.
The Advanced Manners course is designed for dogs who can focus around mild distractions and are ready to level up, expanding their skills in public spaces like footpaths, parks, and café settings. If you’re aiming for a calm, responsive companion in everyday life, this course is your next step.
We work as a trusted behaviourist for dogs, ensuring each program addresses both training goals and behavioural challenges.
The Essential Manners course is held over five sessions and includes a compulsory online Theory class.
LOCATION: MDT Caulfield Training Grounds – Caulfield North
ENQUIRE NOW
Class Content
The Adolescent Class course consists of 5 sessions which include the following;
Theory Class
- Adult-dog “Theory Class” (Zoom)
5 practical classes – Topics covered
- Loose leash walking
- Polite greetings with humans & dogs
- Independence
- Gate /door manners
- Intro to recall
- Road manners
Location / Cost
Theory Class: Online via Zoom
Practical Classes: MDT Outdoor Training Grounds – 30 Redan Road, Caulfield, 3161
$260 (for new students)
$235 (postgrad – for students previously enrolled in other training with MDT)
Postgraduate discounts are available for attendees of other classes/private consults
Get Started
Start your first booking by completing the pet information
FAQs – Adolescent Training
Adolescent training is structured education for dogs aged around 5 to 18 months. This stage is similar to a teenage phase, where hormonal and brain changes can lead to increased independence, distraction, and boundary testing. Our programs provide behaviour training and manners development to guide dogs through this transition and prevent long-term issues.
Yes. Puppy preschool builds early foundations, but adolescence introduces new challenges. Many dogs experience a temporary drop in obedience during this stage. Our Essential and Advanced Manners courses rebuild reliability, strengthen communication, and develop calm everyday behaviour.
Essential Manners focuses on core skills like leash manners, polite greetings, attention around distractions, and household management. Advanced Manners transfers these skills into real-world environments such as parks, footpaths, and public spaces, with greater emphasis on engagement and independence.
Both. Our adolescent courses combine behaviour training and obedience development. We address common teenage-dog challenges such as pulling, jumping, low focus, and overexcitement, while building reliable everyday manners.
It can improve leash pulling, jumping on people, ignoring cues, door and gate rushing, reduced focus around distractions, and overexcitement around other dogs or people.
Yes. A key focus of both Essential and Advanced Manners is developing calm, reliable behaviour in real-life settings. This includes loose leash walking, polite greetings, engagement around distractions, and confidence in public environments.
That is exactly what adolescent training is designed for. We progressively build focus, impulse control, and engagement so your dog can remain responsive even in stimulating environments.
Yes. What often appears as stubbornness is normal adolescent independence. Our trainers show you how to rebuild engagement, improve communication, and reinforce behaviours effectively.
Theory sessions are delivered online via Zoom. Practical training takes place at MDT Outdoor Training Grounds in Caulfield North, with Advanced Manners also incorporating real-world environments.
Each level runs for five weeks and includes one online theory session plus five practical classes.
Dogs can begin from around five months of age and continue through to maturity. Older dogs may still benefit and can be assessed for suitability.