In this article we will show you some tips that will help you better understand and manage the difficult and stressful canine puberty.
The onset of puberty in dogs depends on the breed and the specific animal. This time begins after the puppy stage, when all the baby teeth have fallen out and the 42 permanent teeth have erupted.
In general, small breeds reach puberty a little earlier, around six months of age. On the other hand, large breeds usually do so at twelve months.
A curious fact is that puberty in dogs is part of adolescence. While puberty ends with the attainment of sexual maturity, adolescence lasts until early adulthood. At this point, dogs can already breed.
How do dogs manifest their onset of puberty?
Just like human adolescents, dogs, sooner or later, upon reaching puberty, become grumpy and easily exhausted. It is common for them to suddenly behave differently, forgetting everything they have learned, including good behavior, and testing their limits.
When a dog goes through puberty, his behavior can suddenly change:
- He becomes more quickly and easily motivated.
- Although he has already learned to be alone, he now howls when you leave the house or scratches at the door.
- He seems more confident and explores the environment without noticing you.
- When he plays, he behaves differently with other dogs, for example, being more dominant or fearful.
What should we keep in mind about canine puberty?
If you don’t want your dog to bother you during puberty, you should establish clear rules during this period. For them to work, all members of the household (partner, children, etc.) must comply with them.
Here are five important rules to remember during puberty in dogs:
- Show your dog that he can feel safe being by your side. In case of danger (e.g. aggressive dogs on a leash), stand in front of him and stay calm. This will show that he is protected with you.
- You should always be in front of him, so that he understands that you are the one in charge.
- Reinforce the basic rules learned so far, such as: sit, come here, lie down and stay still. Offer treats if you think it is necessary.
- Make sure your dog maintains sufficient contact with other dogs.
- Give him the necessary breaks so that he can get used to everyday situations.
If you have trouble controlling your pet, you can take him to a dog school or call a professional dog trainer.
What happens to dogs’ bodies during puberty?
After the puppy phase, his body begins to readjust its hormonal balance, the goal of this change is to reach sexual maturity at the end of puberty.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
GnRH is produced in the brain and activates the previously inactive genitals. These begin to produce their own sex hormones, which in turn affect the brain.
Male (testosterone) and female (estrogen and progesterone) sex hormones cause the part of the brain responsible for emotions to grow. As a result, dogs respond more intensely to external stimuli.
In contrast, the cerebral cortex, which controls conscious and voluntary actions, becomes less functional. Because of this, adolescent dogs have worse impulse control than adults.
Cortisol
The concentration of cortisol, the stress hormone produced in the adrenal cortex, also increases in the blood of dogs during puberty. Consequently, the dog becomes stressed by loud noises such as honking horns.
Dopamine
The amount of dopamine (happiness hormone) does not increase, but the amount of receptors in the brain does increase. During puberty, the impact on the brain is greater, which facilitates the stimulation of reward systems such as treats and compliments.
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