No desire for anything, bad moods for no reason, and little to no respect for authority - sounds like a teenager going through puberty, doesn't it? You might think so, but it's just as likely to be a young dog going through puberty. Find out what this important developmental phase looks like in four-legged friends and how best to deal with it as a dog owner in the following article.

What causes puberty in dogs?

Puberty in dogs is a phase that begins between 6 and 12 months, depending on the breed, and is accompanied by sexual maturity. It is known that large dog breeds enter the flailing phase slightly later than smaller dogs, and that bitches are slightly more precocious than males. During this time, the female dog comes into heat for the first time, which means that she is now ready to mate and is courted by male dogs. The male dog, for his part, begins to lift his barrel to pee and suddenly finds female mates very interesting. He becomes increasingly aggressive and tends to rival other males.

Many dog owners notice the onset of puberty not only by sexual maturity, but also by the fact that the good behavior of the previously well-behaved four-legged friend suddenly seems to be blown away. The dog becomes impetuous, shows its temperament and challenges its limits. During this phase, the dog owner must be especially attentive and set clear rules and boundaries for his dog.

During puberty, various changes coincide in the dog's organism, causing not only physical effects, but also confusion. The dog undergoes hormonal changes that make him emotionally unstable and make him take risks. It is important to understand that this is a temporary phase and that the dog usually returns to a stable and balanced nature after a few months.

To manage this phase, it is important to give the dog a lot of love and attention during puberty, but also to set clear rules and boundaries. Regular obedience training, consistent education and sufficient physical activity are essential to support the dog during this difficult time and help it grow into a happy and obedient family member.

What are the signs?

During the dog puberty stage, many changes occur, most notably reflected in the dog's mood swings and bounciness. Another sign is that play with other dogs often becomes rougher. The intensity and nature of these behavioral changes may vary with each animal. Some dogs show more independence and curiosity during this stage, while others become more fearful and insecure. Despite these differences, all dogs have one thing in common during puberty: they are trying to establish themselves as adults and adjust their behavior to meet the expectations of those around them.

As a dog owner, it is important to have a lot of patience and understanding during this difficult phase. Consistent education, regular training, and adequate exercise are necessary to help the dog develop into a well-balanced and obedient family member. Giving the dog the opportunity to work off his energy through play and exercise can also help him become less impulsive and uncontrollable during puberty. It is also important to continue to socialize the dog during this time and give him opportunities to interact with other dogs and people. Through positive experiences and interactions, the dog can learn to regulate its behavior and act appropriately in the company of other animals and people.

What phases does the dog go through?

The dog's life is divided into different developmental phases, two of which are particularly sensitive. The first of these is the ranking phase, which begins between the 13th and 16th week of life. This phase is roughly comparable to the defiance phase in toddlers and serves to establish the hierarchy within the pack.

The second sensitive phase is puberty, which begins between the 7th and 12th month of life, depending on the breed of dog. However, there are differences between the sexes and breeds: Large dog breeds often enter puberty later than smaller breeds, while in bitches the first heat gives the starting signal. In males, the transition from young to semi-adult is smooth, but a small indication of the onset of puberty is when the male dog lifts his leg for the first time when urinating and makes a mark.

During puberty, dog owners often have to deal with difficult behavioral changes such as mood swings, disobedience and cockiness. However, it is important to note that this phase is temporary and can be overcome with patience and consistent training. When the dog is between two and three years old and fully grown, puberty slowly subsides and the dog becomes a balanced and obedient family member.

How should I behave as an owner?

In order for your dog to survive the exciting puberty well, you need strong nerves, patience and lots of love. While your young dog was unconditionally oriented to you as the pack leader in the first months, the semi-strong will try to emancipate itself from you. The sweet puppy will sometimes turn into a head of defiance, which you need to prepare for when welcoming a young dog into your family. It is important that you are prepared for this.

However, you should not be tempted to have your dog neutered during this phase. Although it is true that neutered male dogs no longer chase every female in heat and their aggressive behavior decreases, most behavior is due to upbringing and character, not hormones. Puberty cannot be bypassed by neutering, and your dog should not be neutered until he is physically and mentally mature anyway. Dogs that are neutered before or during puberty may show increased aggression or anxiety later. It is recommended to try a hormone chip first before deciding to neuter. So keep a cool head and give your dog the time he needs to become a mature and balanced dog.