Teenage Growing Pains . . . Busy Brain, Body Pain?

The brilliant Sarah Fisher shared a phrase at the Dog Detective weekend workshop that really struck a chord with me: "Busy Brain, Body Pain?"

This simple statement sparked something deep within me, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So many of the dogs I work with are adolescents, and it reminded me of my own teenage years, which were far from easy. I can vividly recall the persistent growing pains that plagued me, only to discover much later that I had two—yes, two—meniscus cartilage tears, one in each knee. By the time I was properly diagnosed, a whole decade had passed, and arthritis had already set in. Looking back, I can’t blame my GP for missing the diagnosis. After all, I had growing pains as well, and it was nearly impossible to tell where one symptom ended and another began. Much like how we can’t fault vets for missing things—after all, they only have about 10-15 minutes with each patient.

But I digress. Let’s bring it back to Lupin, my beloved Working Cocker Spaniel, who passed away in November 2023. Back when he was 23 months old, in 2019, he was a whirlwind of energy—always on the go, with a sensitive tummy that had been a part of his life since the start. From suckling his blanket to digging in the garden as a puppy, he was a bit of a character, eating everything from socks to toys, and never able to just walk but constantly trotting around. Most people would chalk it up to his breed’s tendency to be active, but I knew there was something more.

Lupin's real superpower was his stillness. In the middle of chaos, he could stay calm and composed—almost like a Professor observing, considering, and then acting. I remember being completely captivated by his stillness as a puppy—there were moments when I’d watch him, awestruck, thinking to myself, "This is a dog who knows how to be at peace." But the fizziness—the constant need to be on the go—ramped up when he hit 5-6 months old and reached its peak between 12 and 18 months.

At no point did I consider that his tummy discomfort could be contributing to his seemingly constant restlessness. Yet, I’d been giving him a pro and prebiotic for quite some time. Why? Because deep down, I knew something wasn’t quite right with his gut, and I wanted to support him in the best way possible. But it wasn’t until later that I started to realise that his rapid growth—he was 19.6kg of lean muscle—could also be contributing to his behaviour. Growth spurts often come with their own set of challenges, including musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. I often urge people to watch how their pups move. Are they showing signs of discomfort when you put on their harness or collar? Do they freeze, yawn, or lick their nose when touched in certain areas? These small clues can make a huge difference in understanding your dog’s needs. Adolescence is a tough stage, but with the right plan in place, you can help your dog not only survive but truly thrive through this period.

As Sarah Fisher wisely says: "Always question, but never the dog."

In the first video of Lupin, you can see him chilling in the garden—something he couldn’t do before this weekend. And then, just as we filmed, he jumps to try and catch a buzzing bee. What’s interesting is what happens next.

The second video, filmed only seconds later, shows Lupin sitting calmly in the same spot instead of getting fizzed up and racing around. To most people, it may seem like a small thing, but for those of us who live with busy dogs, this is a monumental shift. We’ve been there, and we know just how hard it can be to help your dog learn how to settle. But with the right guidance, it’s absolutely possible.

That’s why I offer a private Initial Training and Behaviour service, specially tailored to adolescents. In these one-on-one sessions, we’ll dig deep into understanding why your dog may be struggling during this developmental stage, and we’ll create a custom plan to help them (and you) thrive. We’ll work on managing behaviours like restlessness, offering strategies to support your dog through growth pains, and giving you the tools to foster calmness and connection. It’s all about going at your dog’s pace, supporting their needs, and strengthening the bond you share.

With private training, we take the time to focus solely on your dog and their individual needs. We’ll discuss their specific challenges, whether that’s pain, anxiety, or a surge of youthful energy, and create a practical approach to guide them through. The sessions will equip you with the skills to make a lasting impact on their well-being, with a personalised plan that fits into your lifestyle and your dog’s needs.

If you feel that your adolescent dog could benefit from a focused, thoughtful approach to their training and behaviour, my private service is just what you need. Let’s work together to support them during this important stage in their life.

Initial Behaviour & Training Session

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