Teenage Sighthounds: Why Your Perfect Pup Has Gone Rogue

If your once well-behaved hound has suddenly started ignoring cues, pulling on the lead, or pretending they’ve never heard the word “sit,” don’t panic - you’re not alone.

Welcome to life with a teenage sighthound.

Just like human teenagers, sighthounds go through a phase of testing boundaries, forgetting rules, and getting distracted by, well, absolutely everything. It’s normal, temporary, and completely manageable with patience, structure, and a sense of humour.

Let’s take a look at some common mistakes you can make during this stage - and how to help your teenage sighthound find their calm again.

1. Trying to “tire them out” too much

When your teenage sighthound is bouncing off the walls, it’s tempting to think more exercise is the answer - longer walks, more fetch, running in the park. And yes, a good run helps! But here’s the catch: the more you exercise them purely for exhaustion, the fitter (and more wired) they become.

Overdoing it can leave them overstimulated and unable to settle.

Try this instead:

Balance physical activity with mental enrichment. Hide treats in the grass for them to sniff out, scatter their kibble for “foraging” time, or teach a calm puzzle game. Using their brain will help your teenage sighthound burn energy and learn to switch off - something every owner of a zoomy adolescent will appreciate.

2. Expecting too much, too soon

Your teenage sighthound may look grown up, but their brain is still catching up. Hormones are running wild, focus is fleeting, and recall? Let’s just say it’s “under review.”

Many owners accidentally expect too much at this age - fewer rewards, longer waits, perfect behaviour on walks. But for your teenage sighthound, it’s time to go back to basics.

Bring back the cheese cubes and high-value treats. Pop the long line back on and celebrate small wins. Revisit simple training games - touch, middle, or calm recall - and keep sessions short, positive, and fun.

If you push too hard, your teenage sighthound can become frustrated, which makes training feel like a battle. Instead, focus on keeping communication clear and confidence high.

3. Forgetting the importance of rest

Teenage sighthounds are a mix of high bursts of energy and long naps - but they don’t always know how to rest on their own. Overstimulation often looks like “bad behaviour”: barking, chewing, or refusing to settle.

The truth? They’re usually overtired.

Encourage downtime by creating a quiet space away from the action. A crate, gated area, or bed in a calm corner works wonders. If your teenage sighthound can’t relax because they’re watching the world go by, try frosted window film or a cosy den setup.

Add calming activities like snuffle mats, filled Kongs, or a frozen chew to help them wind down before a nap. These not only soothe an overactive mind but also teach your sighthound that relaxation is rewarding.

4. Thinking it’s “just bad behaviour”

It’s easy to worry that your teenage sighthound has forgotten all their training or is being “stubborn.” In reality, their brain is busy developing  this is a natural part of adolescence. Most unwanted behaviours fade with consistency, routine, gentle guidance and time.

Remember, teenage sighthounds don’t misbehave to upset you; they’re navigating big emotions and new impulses. They’ll return to their calm, loving selves soon.

5. Supporting your teenage sighthound through the chaos

The adolescent stage is one of the top reasons dogs are surrendered to rescues, which is heartbreaking - especially since most grow out of these tricky habits with time and support.

For sighthound breeds like Whippets, Lurchers, and Greyhounds, adolescence can last a little longer. Many begin to settle around 18 months but might not fully mature until closer to three years old. So take a deep breath. This is temporary.

Keep walks varied but balanced, reintroduce those puppy training games, and don’t forget the power of a comfy bed and a good coat for chilly weather.

Your teenage sighthound isn’t “broken” - they’re just growing up. With patience, love, and consistency, you’ll soon see glimpses of the calm, affectionate companion you know is in there.

Be kind to yourself. Raising a teenage sighthound can be just as testing for the human as it is for the hound. The good news? With care, connection, and time, you’ll both come out stronger on the other side.

Need a little help getting through the teenage sighthound stage?

Make sure your hound’s routine includes enrichment, rest, and comfort - explore our teenage sighthound accessories today.