Why Pushback is Normal (and Necessary)

You call your dog, and they stare at you for a long second before slowly walking in the opposite direction.

You ask for a sit at the door, and instead, they jump up—again.

It’s easy to think, They’re doing this on purpose.

But that hesitation, the slight delay before following cues, or the blatant choice to ignore? It’s not rebellion. It’s development.

Welcome to the boundary-testing phase.

Why Boundary Testing Happens

At around 6 to 18 months, dogs enter adolescence, a period marked by both physical growth and cognitive shifts.

Just like human teenagers, dogs begin questioning rules they previously accepted.

This isn’t about challenging you for dominance or trying to “win.” It’s about learning autonomy.

Your dog isn’t asking, Can I get away with this? They’re wondering, What happens if I don’t?

Testing limits is how they gather information about their environment—and your consistency.

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What Boundary Testing Looks Like

Selective Hearing – Recall slows down or disappears entirely.

Leash Pulling Returns – Even if they’ve walked nicely for months.

Jumping Up (Again) – Especially during greetings, as excitement overrides impulse control.

Delayed Compliance – They might sit, but only after scanning the environment first.

Increased Confidence – Approaching things boldly that once made them hesitate.

These shifts aren’t signs of a “bad” dog. They’re indicators that your dog’s sense of independence is growing.

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Why This Pushback is Necessary

If dogs never tested boundaries, they wouldn’t learn how to function in real-world environments.

This phase teaches resilience.

By experimenting with limits, dogs discover:

Which behaviors are negotiable.

How far they can stretch rules.

When consistency matters (and when it doesn’t).

Without this developmental process, decision-making skills remain underdeveloped.

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How to Guide Them Through It

1. Stay Consistent (Even When It’s Hard)

The more reliable your response, the faster they learn. If you enforce a boundary once, enforce it every time.

If jumping isn’t allowed, redirect every single time—not just when it’s convenient.

2. Reward Boundaries They Respect

Catch your dog making the right choice, even if it’s small. If they sit without being asked or check in during a walk, mark and reward.

Reinforcing good behavior builds patterns that stick long-term.

3. Don’t Take It Personally

Your dog isn’t trying to frustrate you. When they push back, remember—it’s exploration, not disobedience.

Calm redirection beats emotional correction every time.

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The Payoff of Pushing Through

Boundary testing is a phase, not a permanent state.

Dogs that experience consistent boundaries during adolescence grow into trustworthy, well-adjusted adults.

They learn not just to follow commands, but to respect the structure you provide.

So the next time your dog hesitates before listening, take a breath.

They’re not challenging you.

They’re learning to navigate the world—with you by their side.