Puberty in Dogs. As a puppy gets older, it enters puberty just like humans. In dogs this occurs from about five months. The whole body undergoes a series of hormonally determined changes. In addition to the body, a dog’s behavior also changes, males become interested in females for the first time and females can come into heat. In addition, the dog’s behavior and obedience also changes.
Pick order
Puberty is when some dogs start pushing the boundaries by, among other things, ignoring commands that were previously always obeyed. When dogs reach puberty, they will try to move up the ranks. It is then important to stay consistent and clear with the dog. Also don’t allow your dog to keep pushing the boundaries, you are the leader and decide what happens. A dog school can help you adjust puberty behavior.
Behavioral changes and castration
During puberty, a dog may become more aggressive due to the influence of many new hormones. Not only to other dogs but also to people. This can be dangerous, so contact your vet or animal therapist to find a solution. Castration is often a solution for inhibiting any behavioral changes of the dog.
Bitches in heat
During puberty, a bitch goes into heat for the first time. Going into heat can lead to various behavioral changes. It differs per dog what these behavioral changes are. A bitch suddenly starts to do a lot of small pees during the walk, so she tells the environment that she is starting to go into heat.
On day one of the heat, a bitch starts to shed blood. This is not always clear, because some bitches clean this or are very clean by themselves. In some cases, you don’t even notice. After a little more than a week, the bleeding begins to subside, making it seem as if the heat is over. On the contrary, a bitch is now ready to be mated. After this fertile period, the bleeding starts again. And only after these bleedings have stopped the heat is over.
When you notice that your bitch is starting to go into heat (after the first bleeding) it is wise to always keep her on a leash during the period. Keep a standard walking route and avoid off-leash areas to avoid other males.
Males in love
The heat of bitches does not go unnoticed by nearby male dogs. Young males in particular quickly become under the influence of the female. They don’t want to eat anymore, they don’t sleep well and they only want to go outside. They fall in love and want nothing more than to smell the pee of bitches, with the ultimate goal of mating the bitch.
Playing with the boss
Around the onset of puberty, many dogs try to investigate how strong the boss is. Then he challenges you to a game. Often a rope with which he challenges you to a game of tug-of-war. This is completely normal and not a problem. You can then show that you are stronger. You decide when the game is over.
Sometimes the dog becomes aggressive. You can see this by the way the dog holds the toy. If he has covered his teeth, he will bite the toy out of play. But when you see his front teeth or sometimes even his entire teeth, it is wise to stop the game early. In addition, it is not a problem if the dog growls while playing. Growling doesn’t have to be bad. Listen to the growl, if there is an alternating tone in it, it is a playful growl. But when the growl stays at a low and constant pitch, you better stop.
His friends become competitors
Behavioral changes in relation to other puppies also occur during puberty. For example, a puppy can become very fanatical towards his friends. This can eventually lead to an argument between the two. This does not mean that a dog has gone out of tune, he is looking for boundaries. He starts to find other things more interesting and gets along less well with other dogs.
What you have to pay attention to is that you remain important to the dog, otherwise a dog will become a disobedient fighter. You maintain this authority by doing exercises that attract the dog’s attention and by continuing to hand out treats.
Children and ranking
Normally puppies do not see children as competitors and do not try to control them. However, when the dog reaches puberty, this is different. The dog begins to feel more mature and begins to wonder who has a higher rank: the dog or the child. If the parents are clearly superior to the dog, the child will be left alone in the presence of the parents.
Child custody can be encouraged by parents repeating the child’s command when the dog is not listening. When the rank relationship between the dog and family members is not clear, the risks are greater. The dog will make its own decisions. This is one reason why it is not wise to let children walk the dog alone.
How long does this puberty last?
Puberty begins after about five months and lasts for about one and a half to two and a half years. This varies greatly by dog breed .
