The Adolescent Age
From one to three years of age is, in my experience, the most frustrating period for dog owners. Like teenagers, they push their boundaries and try to get away with all sorts of mischeif. This is, unsurprisingly, the age that is most often surrendered to shelters by owners that can't take it anymore. Consistency and supervision are the most important things for this stage, even if it means going right back to basic puppy training.Pro: Dogs over a year old have past the amnesiac stage, and have made connections between behavior and reward, even if that reward is slightly delayed.
Con: There might be behaviors that you need to un-train, like counter-surfing, biting, and inappropriate marking.
Pro: The age-related restrictions on physical exercise have started to lift, allowing to do more strenuous play with your dog, like longer hikes, jogging, jumping games and starting dog sports if you are so inclined.
Con: As was mentioned earlier, adolescent dogs will push their boundaries and constantly try to get away with things. It takes a stern leader to get through the adolescent stage, but once you do, the rest is pretty much smooth sailing.
The Small Puppy Stage
Nobody can resist a puppy; that sweet puppy smell, that adorabble face, and the insatiable curiosity. All cuteness aside though, puppies are a lot of work and every pleasure of a puppy has its match in unpleasantness.Pro: Starting with a puppy is starting with a blank slate. While genetics do play a role in how your matures and what type of personality he develops, most of his adult life will be shaped by you, his owner, trainer and "parent".
Con: Puppies take a lot of time. You really don't want to get a puppy when you aren't home a lot of the time. Your puppy will be missing out oon valuable training and socialization if he is he left alone for long periods.
