At What Age Are German Shepherds the Most Difficult?

[Malakai The Great]

If you’ve ever looked at your shepherd and thought: “What happened to my sweet puppy?”

You’re not alone. There is a phase where German Shepherds feel harder than usual. More energy. More testing. More “selective hearing.” So when are they actually at their most difficult? Short answer: usually between 6 months and 2 years. But let’s break it down properly.

---

0–6 Months: The Cute Chaos Phase​

Young puppies are busy, mouthy, and curious. But they’re still highly dependent and eager to please. Mistakes are usually immaturity, not pushback. This stage feels exhausting but not defiant.

---

6–12 Months: The Adolescent Shift​

This is where many owners start using the word “stubborn.”

Your shepherd now has:

• A bigger body
• Stronger drive
• More independence
• Surging hormones

They begin testing boundaries. Commands they “knew” suddenly seem optional. It’s not that they forgot. It’s that adolescence changes their priorities. Energy spikes, confidence rises, impulse control is still developing. This is often the first truly difficult stage.

---

12–24 Months: Peak Intensity​

For many German Shepherds, this is the most challenging window.

They are:

• Physically powerful
• Mentally sharp
• Highly aware
• Easily overstimulated

Working line shepherds especially may hit peak drive during this period. If structure isn’t consistent, this stage can feel overwhelming. But with clear leadership and mental work, it becomes manageable.

---

Working Line vs Show Line Differences​

Working lines often:

• Mature slightly later
• Maintain higher drive
• Require more mental engagement

Show lines may appear calmer sooner, but still go through adolescence. Neither is “easier” just different in intensity. This is why comparing your dog to someone else’s shepherd rarely helps.

---

Why This Stage Feels Like “Stubbornness”​

What many owners call stubborn is usually:

• Environmental overload
• Poor generalization of commands
• Under-stimulation mentally
• Inconsistent boundaries

Shepherds don’t typically refuse for no reason. They prioritize what feels most important in that moment. Adolescence simply makes those priorities louder. I made another great post about stubbornness a while back. For more information you can have a look here

---

When Do They Actually Calm Down?​

Most shepherds begin noticeably settling between: 18 months and 3 years.

True emotional maturity often lands closer to 3–4 years. But calm doesn’t just come with age, it comes with structure. I made a post called “When Do German Shepherds Calm Down?” not long ago that can be read here

---

How To Make The “Difficult” Stage Easier​

• Short, structured training sessions
• Mental stimulation daily
• Clear rules inside the home
• Reinforcing calm, not just correcting chaos
• Managing overstimulation

Difficulty peaks when structure drops. Balance brings stability. I made a post yesterday about "How to Encourage Calm Behavior", you can have a look here for more info.

---

Final Thought​

If your shepherd feels harder right now than they did as a puppy, you’re likely in the adolescent window. It’s not failure, it’s development. Handled correctly, this stage creates the most stable adult dogs later. Stay consistent, they grow into themselves. You got this!

If you are new to the breed and just researching, have a look at my other post about "Is a German Shepherd the right breed for me" found here