Puberty in dogs typically happens between the ages of 6 months and 2 years, and much as in people, it can cause a wide range of behavioral or physical changes. With the help of this helpful guide, learn everything there is to learn about the telltale indications of puppy puberty and what to anticipate.
When does a dog reach puberty?
When does a dog reach puberty?
Dog puberty, which occurs between the ages of six months and nearly two years, is the transition between sexual and social maturity (bigger breeds need longer to develop). Another way to look at it is as a period of time when, similar to human teenagers, hormones are outpacing their brains!
Changes in behavior throughout a dog's puberty
Among the first things you could observe in your puppy at this stage of puberty is a shift in behavior. The simplest tasks, like potty training, recall, or walking politely on a lead, seem to be "forgotten" by them, even though we have taught them these skills. Their relationships with you may change as they get more attached to you, or sometimes the puppy that used to cling to you seems to be unaware of your existence!
This is the period when your puppy is beginning to reevaluate their behavior strategies and view the world from the perspective of an autonomous adult. It's possible to witness your puppy acting scared or reacting to situations that they seemed to have handled well in the past.
Other dogs start to treat them differently since they can't claim the "puppy privileges" they used to have. Compared to mature male dogs, teenage male canines have substantially higher testosterone levels! Aggression and competition may result from this.
During canine puberty, their typical habits and personalities can also appear exaggerated. For instance, puppies who were a little timid may suddenly become extremely bashful, while daring puppies may become excessively confident.
Signs of dog puberty on the body
It's possible that you've chosen to have your dog neutered after it's already entered the adolescent stage, in which case you should be aware of the physical changes that both male and female canines go through at this time.
Indications of puberty in female dogs
When a female dog reaches maturity, her first heat normally begins between six and fifteen months of age, and it happens roughly every seven months after that. Asking a breeder how old the bitch's parent was when she entered the season will help you estimate whenever your dog will have her first heat.
Typically, the season lasts three to four weeks from start to finish. The degree of vulva enlargement or redness, a small quantity of clear discharge, and increased licking on the area are usually the first physical symptoms you notice. Your female dog might require more urination or may urinate more frequently when they're outside. While she will not permit mating at this time and may even get fairly angry if contacted in this manner by a male dog, other canines may start to show more interest in her. This phase, known as "pro-oestrus," can extend anywhere from 4 to 14 days, with an average of 9 days.
Do dogs have periods?
Dogs do, in a sense, go through periods. The female will go into the oestrus stage, which lasts for around nine days after the proestrus stage. More vulval swelling, mammary gland enlargement, and bloody discharge, which can range from a few spots to a continuous trail, may be noticeable during this period.
She will be quite fertile and eager (sometimes very eager!) to reproduce during the oestrus stage. Additionally, men will be even more interested in her than they were before. Even though this is your dog's first season, it is still important to exercise caution during this time and for a few weeks after all signs of the season have passed. If not, your female may continue to get pregnant if she is mated.
During this time, it's crucial to walk her earlier or later while there are fewer dogs around. She should also always be leashed because other male dogs will find her appealing.
Signs of male dog puberty
Unlike bitches, males don't have a season. Once they reach sexual maturity, they can procreate continuously; however, they are most fertile between the ages of 12 and 18 months.
A male puppy's testicles usually descend towards the scrotum relatively soon after birth, but occasionally they can take longer, up to a month or even longer, up to a year. The puppy will elevate their leg to urinate when the testicles descend as testosterone levels start to rise. Aggression is one of the behavioral changes that might occasionally result from the elevated hormones, but each dog will experience these changes differently.
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