When does puberty begin in dogs
A dog that suddenly doesn’t hear well can be quite exhausting. As the owner, you have to let the fluctuating hormone surplus take its course. Your dog is «only» pubescent! But how long does this phase of your dog’s puberty actually last? You can expect approximately these periods of time:
Dog 4 to 8 months
The first phase of puberty begins after about four months. At this stage, your dog appears to be completely deaf. You shout and command, but your dog doesn’t respond (or pretend not to understand). This period lasts only a few days for some dogs, but it can last up to two weeks for other dogs. Many dog owners find this idiosyncratic behavior difficult.
Tips for mistress/master
The way in which you as the owner react to such behavior from your little rascal plays a decisive role later on. In this phase, your dog decides whether he wants to run away from you or whether he is happy to come when you call him. If your dog is a runaway, this is the best time to put him on a leash.
Dog 6 to 14 months
This phase of puberty is characterized by physical development. Your dog is growing rapidly at this stage, with occasional flare-ups. Your dog finds this phase very exciting and also develops fears. New situations are particularly challenging.
Tips for masters/mistresses
Here comes the best tip to change the behavior. Do not reinforce the dog’s fear, for example by petting or comforting it. Instead, remain in good spirits, enthusiastic and show that other behavior is also possible. So take your dog out of the fearful situation by not treating him pitifully. Fearful situations don’t have to be avoided as long as your dog understands that he doesn’t need to be afraid.
Dog 1 to 4 years
Physical adulthood occurs earlier than mental adulthood. Most dogs are physically mature by the age of 1.5 years. This depends on the size of the breed. Small breeds mature earlier than large breeds. During this time, your dog wants to occupy as high a place as possible in the pack, ie in the family. This sometimes includes aggression and stubbornness. As an owner, be confident and strict with your dog so he knows where he stands in the hierarchy.
The pubescent bitch: heat
Your bitch’s first heat occurs during the dog’s puberty. This phase often involves changes in behavior. The heat of your dog’s puberty often begins with heavy urination and bloody discharge from the vulva. Your four-legged friend will also become more restless and male dogs will show a strong interest in your bitch. After two weeks, this phase decreases somewhat.
The pubescent male: Love is in the air!
Puberty in a dog can make many owners smile. Young male dogs in particular cannot control their emotions and are sometimes completely confused. It is no longer possible to eat, it is difficult to sleep, they are restless and constantly want to go outside to this one dog. In some cases, a male will smell or lick a female’s urine and want to mate with her.
The 4 signs of puberty
Basically, we can divide puberty in your dog into four signs. If your dog is exhibiting several or all of the signs, it’s time to prepare for a pubescent dog in the house. What signs does that mean?
- disobey
Some young dogs already listen to commands well. Nevertheless, it can happen that the pubescent four-legged friends suddenly “forget” the commands they have been taught.
- Fear
Sometimes your little four-legged friend has just calmed down a bit and suddenly he is afraid of familiar situations. Don’t worry, this is also a sign of puberty.
- search for limits
Sometimes your adolescent four-legged friend will go too far to test his limits. He might jump up on you enthusiastically while you haven’t even put on your shoes before you go for a walk. In such situations, try to radiate calm and, if necessary, put down the leash to make it clear that you will not tolerate this behavior.
- Irritable
Your dog processes stimuli throughout the day. Sometimes the hustle and bustle seems to never end. Nevertheless, your dog needs enough rest. Create a quiet environment for your dog with as few stimuli as possible so that he can recover from the most exciting time of his life.
How long does puberty last in a dog?
Puberty with your dog lasts about a year and a half. Around your boyfriend’s second birthday, puberty will be tapering off. So have a little patience. Pubescent dogs get used to it and of course you will always be your best friend, so it doesn’t matter!
The worst phase of your dog’s puberty
The onset of puberty is the most intense for both you and your dog. Up until adulthood, everything happens at home and while walking. The worst phase of your dog’s puberty occurs around 2 to 3 months after puberty begins. After this phase, your four-legged friend’s pubertal behavior may weaken somewhat and you get used to the new behavior.
Accompany your dog through puberty
During puberty, you should give your dog the best possible care. This time is very nerve-wracking for both him and you. Exercises you taught him as a puppy can now be made more challenging. Pay attention to how your dog responds to new commands and exercises and don’t make it too difficult. If your dog is tired and distracted, there is no point in continuing with the exercises. Does your dog seem uninterested in games? Then see if he’s up for a nice walk to avoid any pent-up frustration.
Up in the air!
During your dog’s puberty, your little companion will also experience a growth spurt. During this time, your four-legged friend may experience growing pains and discomfort.
Ouch! Growing Pains, Now What?
Growing pains in growing dogs occur when bones grow faster than blood vessels. This narrows the blood vessels, allowing fluid to collect under the periosteum. The pain your dog feels is described as a deep ache going through the marrow and leg. Not only large dog breeds suffer from this, smaller breeds also have this problem.
The best way to help your loyal friend with this is to provide him with good food. Discuss with a specialist what food is best for your dog at this stage. Less stress on the bones and muscles is also recommended. So reduce the length of walks and keep in mind your dog’s exercise needs during puberty. It is very important that your dog is of a healthy weight as this can reduce stress on the joints.
Second puberty dog: oh no, not again!
Just when you think you’ve gotten through this phase of puberty, your dog is approaching the second puberty. Your dog’s second puberty begins around their first birthday, when your dog is sexually mature. This second phase often lasts until the dog is an adult. So that’s around the age of 4 to 6 years. Smaller breeds generally take less time than larger breeds. This period of adolescence is less intense than the first, so the worst is over. During both the first and second puberty, it is possible for your dog to bite or bark.
Everything will be destroyed!
For some dog owners, their dog’s adolescence means a lot of chaos and vandalism. Puberty turns him into a real rioter and your furniture can quickly suffer from your four-legged friend. Your dog’s behavior can and should of course be corrected at any time. So be clear about what is allowed and what is not allowed around the house and be consistent!
Children and pubescent dogs
During puberty, your four-legged friend is in a state of emergency. Your authority will increase during this hormonal…