Puberty in dogs: What's important now?
Puberty is an exciting, but often stressful time for both dogs and their owners. During this intensive developmental phase, not only the dog's body changes, but also its behavior. Many dog owners are surprised by how drastically their once obedient puppy suddenly transforms. In this comprehensive article, you'll learn everything about puberty in dogs, what challenges and changes you can expect, and how to best support your dog through this turbulent time.
What does puberty mean in dogs?
Puberty in dogs is the transition phase from puppyhood to adulthood. Depending on the breed, size, and individual stage of development, it begins between approximately 6 and 12 months of age, sometimes later in large breeds, and can last up to two to three years [1]. This phase is characterized by profound hormonal changes that trigger a multitude of physical and psychological changes [2].
How does puberty manifest itself in dogs?
During puberty, dogs undergo massive developmental leaps. These affect both their bodies and their behavior and can present new challenges for their owners.
Physical Changes
- Growth and Maturation: The dog gradually reaches its final body size and shape. Bones, muscles, and organs continue to develop. In large breeds, this process can last until the third year of life [1].
- Sexual Maturity: Male dogs begin to develop testicles and often show a stronger interest in female dogs. Female dogs go into heat for the first time – a sign that they are biologically capable of reproduction [3].
- Hormonal Changes: A sharp increase in sex hormones, especially testosterone and estrogen, also affects behavior. These hormonal fluctuations can temporarily confuse the dog [4].
Behavioral Changes During Puberty
In addition to the physical changes, the new or increased behaviors that accompany puberty are particularly noticeable. Typical signs of puberty in dogs are:
- Phases of "disobedience": Commands that the dog has previously followed confidently are suddenly ignored. This is due less to stubbornness than to the restructuring processes in the brain [5].
- Increased exploratory behavior: The environment becomes more of a focus. Dogs sniff more, mark more frequently (especially males), and suddenly become very interested in other dogs and smells.
- Testing limits: Young dogs test how far they can go. They question previously valid rules and thus challenge their owners.
- Sudden anxiety: Some dogs suddenly react insecurely or fearfully to familiar situations. This is usually temporary and part of neurological development [5].
- Increased aggression: In isolated cases, aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even humans can occur, usually related to issues of dominance or insecurity.
- Sexual behavior: Male dogs may become more pushy, while female dogs may show signs of being in heat and attract males.
These changes are a natural part of development – even if they sometimes seem stressful and unsettling for owners.
The challenges for dog owners during puberty
Many dog owners experience their dog's puberty as a step backward in their training. It seems as if the dog is forgetting everything it has learned. The bond can be put to the test if the dog seems to be slacking off or develops new, undesirable habits. However, these challenges are part of the natural development process.
- Patience and understanding: These changes are not an expression of unwillingness, but rather hormonal and neurological factors. Keep in mind that this phase will pass.
- Consistency: Remain loving but firm. Repeat training sessions and stick to rules without overtaxing.
- Training frustration tolerance: Not only the dog, but also the owner must learn to deal with setbacks and remain calm.
If your dog displays increased aggression or severe anxiety, it is advisable to seek the advice of an experienced dog trainer or behavior consultant. Professional support can help identify problematic developments early and counteract them.
Strategies: How to Optimally Guide Your Dog Through Puberty
There are proven strategies to make your dog's puberty phase as harmonious as possible.
1. Consistent, but Flexible Training
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Stick to the basic rules and commands consistently. Repeat familiar exercises and reinforce what has been learned.
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Adapt training to your dog's daily mood. On some days, less is more – don't overwhelm your dog (and yourself).
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Use positive reinforcement instead of punishment. Reward desired behavior to keep your dog motivated.
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2. Sufficient exercise and activity
- Physical activity helps to burn off excess energy. Walks, fetch games, or moderate dog sports training are ideal.
- Intelligence games, search games, and nose work challenge the mind and provide mental stimulation.
- Ensure sufficient rest periods – dogs going through puberty need plenty of sleep to process new impressions [8].
3. Promote socialization
- Even during puberty, your dog should have regular contact with other dogs and different people. This way, he learns to cope with changing stimuli.
- Ensure positive encounters – avoid overtaxing, especially with anxious or sensitive dogs.
4. Keep calm and remain composed
- Don't be discouraged by setbacks. Puberty is temporary!
- Anger or panic will only exacerbate the situation. Calmness and tolerance are required – your dog will mirror your emotions.
5. Seek professional support if necessary
- If insecurities, fears, or behavioral problems become overwhelming, consult a qualified dog trainer or behavior therapist.
When does puberty end in dogs?
Puberty ends as soon as the dog reaches physical and mental maturity. The exact timing depends heavily on the breed and individual development:
- Small breeds: Often "finished" by 12 to 18 months.
- Medium breeds: Between 18 months and about 2 years.
- Large and very large breeds: Up to 30 or even 36 months [1].
After puberty, behavior usually stabilizes noticeably. However, training is never complete – adult dogs continue to benefit from training, activity, and clear structures.
Scientific Background: Neurology and Hormones
The noticeable behavioral changes during puberty can also be explained neurologically. During this time, numerous synapses in the brain are remodeled, and the "reward centers" are particularly active – which promotes impulsive behavior [5]. Studies show that adolescent dogs react to rewards and stimuli similarly to human teenagers, thereby testing their limits [9].
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly those of testosterone and estrogen, also influence irritability and social behavior. The amygdala, the fear center in the brain, is also particularly active during this time, which can explain new or increased insecurities.
Conclusion: Puberty in dogs as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship
Puberty is a crucial phase in your dog's development. It is characterized by challenges, but also by many opportunities. With patience, understanding, and consistent guidance, you will not only strengthen the bond with your dog but also lay the foundation for a harmonious relationship in adulthood. Stay calm, get support if needed, and remember: Every dog goes through this phase—and it will pass!
Sources & Further Reading
- Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier Saunders.
- Wilsson, E., & Sundgren, P. E. (1998). Behavior test for eight-week-old puppies—heritabilities of tested behavior traits and its correspondence to later behavior. Applied Animal Behavior Science, 58(1-2), 151-162.
- Root Kustritz, M. V. (2007). Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 231(11), 1665-1675.
- Hecht, J. & Horowitz, A. (2015). Seeing Eyes, Hearing Ears, and Smelling Noses: Differences in Sensory Perception among Dogs. Comparative Cognition & Behavior Reviews, 10, 37-60.
- Mills, D. S., & Hall, S. S. (2014). Teenage dogs? Evidence for adolescent-phase conflict behavior and an association between attachment to humans and puberty onset. Biology Letters, 10(11), 20140573.
- American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. (2020). Decoding Your Dog: Explaining Common Dog Behaviors and How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones.
- Hiby, E. F., Rooney, N. J., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2004). Dog training methods: their use, effectiveness and interaction with behavior and welfare. Animal Welfare, 13(1), 63-69.
- Zanghi, B. M. (2016). Sleep and circadian rhythms in dogs and cats: A review. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 7, 49–58.
- Bray, E. E., Gnanadesikan, G. E., Horschler, D. J., Levy, K. M., Kennedy, B. S., Famula, T. R., & MacLean, E. L. (2020). Early-emerging and highly heritable sensitivity to human communication in dogs. Current Biology, 30(18), 3261-3267.