For dog owners, the months between five and eleven are a reckoning. Puppies that once followed commands suddenly ignore them. The jumping, barking, and mouthing return with a vengeance. Many owners abandon training during this critical window, setting the stage for behavioral problems that later land dogs in shelters.
Pasadena Humane is betting that structured guidance during adolescence can change that outcome. On Saturday, the organization is offering its Adolescent Pups Workshop—a 45-minute session designed to help owners navigate one of the most critical periods in a dog’s development.
“Adolescence (five to eleven months) can be a frustrating time for both pups and their people,” Pasadena Humane states. “This is also a critical time to keep guiding your young dog to make good choices.”
The workshop covers a revolving set of topics including leash handling, confidence-building training games, staying calm for greetings, and more. Dogs must be between five and eleven months old, current on age-appropriate vaccines, and accompanied by at least one adult.
Pasadena Humane practices “least inhibitive, functionally effective (LIFE) training methods without the use of punishment or force,” with a goal of “fear free for pets & people alike.”
Founded in 1903, Pasadena Humane holds a perfect 100% rating on Charity Navigator and helped more than 55,000 animals in 2024.
Adolescent Pups Workshop will run on Saturday, January 24 at 12:30 p.m. Pasadena Humane Behavior & Training Center, 361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, California. For more information, call (626) 792-7151 or visit https://pasadenahumane.org/phs-event/adolescent-pups-workshop-2/2026-01-24/.
