16–26 Weeks: Understanding Your Puppy's Development

Between 16–26 weeks, your puppy enters a new stage of puppy development where learning begins to replace management. Your puppy is becoming stronger, more independent and increasingly capable of making choices, making this one of the most important stages of puppy training. This lesson explains why behaviours such as puppy biting, chewing, pulling on the lead, jumping up and ignoring recall can become established if they are repeatedly practised. You'll learn why your puppy is not being stubborn or dominant, but simply becoming more efficient at repeating behaviours that have been rewarding. This science-based puppy course explains how to strengthen recall training, puppy toilet training, toilet training, socialisation, crate training, loose lead walking, calm greetings, food manners and everyday behaviour as your puppy's brain continues to mature. Rather than simply preventing mistakes, your focus now shifts towards building lifelong habits through consistent puppy training, positive reinforcement and clear expectations. As your puppy becomes more confident and independent, your relationship becomes the foundation for reliable recall, good behaviour and long-term success. Whether you're looking for expert advice on puppy training, puppy toilet training, recall training, socialisation, puppy biting, chewing, loose lead walking or understanding normal puppy development, this lesson provides the evidence-based guidance needed to prepare your puppy for adolescence and raise a calm, confident family companion with the Institute of Applied Canine Science.

Why has my puppy suddenly stopped listening to me?
Learn why increasing independence is a normal stage of puppy development and how effective puppy trainingstrengthens engagement, behaviour and recall inside the How Not To F*ck Your Puppy Up puppy course.

How do I stop my puppy pulling on the lead and jumping up?
Discover science-based puppy training techniques for loose lead walking, calm greetings and everyday behaviour with the Institute of Applied Canine Science.

How do I improve my puppy's recall before adolescence?
Master recall training, socialisation, puppy toilet training and every stage of puppy development with the complete How Not To F*ck Your Puppy Up puppy course from the Institute of Applied Canine Science.