Puberty in Dogs: Understanding the Teenage Phase
Puberty in dogs: understanding the teenage phase
What is puberty in dogs?
Puberty in dogs is the hormonally controlled transition from childhood to sexual maturity. It is characterized by rising sex hormone levels (testosterone in male dogs, estrogen/progesterone in female dogs), the development of reproductive capacity, and profound behavioral changes.
Small breeds mature earlier: first signs of puberty from 6 months. Medium-sized breeds: 8–10 months. Large and giant breeds: sometimes not until 12–18 months. Puberty is not the same as the end of physical development — the brain (frontal lobe, impulse control) continues to mature in large breeds into the third year of life.
Background + scientific classification
Asher et al. (2020, Animal Behaviour, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33100459/) investigated adolescence and attachment behavior in dogs: dogs in the adolescent phase (6–12 months) showed less obedience toward their primary caregivers than younger or older dogs — especially in recall. The reduction in obedience was more pronounced in dogs that had an insecure attachment relationship with their dog owners. The study provides initial empirical evidence for a “teenage phenomenon” in dogs, analogous to human adolescence. Practical implication: relationship work and consistent, calm training are especially important during this phase.
Miklósi (2015, Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition) describes hormonal and cognitive changes during adolescence: rising testosterone in male dogs leads to increased marking behavior, more dominance-related interactions with other males, and greater interest in females in heat. Estrogen fluctuations in female dogs influence concentration, reactivity, and social behavior over the course of the cycle. Both sexes show increased impulsivity and a lower fear threshold during puberty — which becomes visible in learning behavior as a greater willingness to take risks. Learning continues, but distractibility increases.
Serpell (2017, The Domestic Dog) describes the influence of sex hormones on social behavior and the consequences for training and management: prenatal hormone exposure and early socialization shape long-term behavior trends — puberty activates these existing dispositions. Dogs with good social socialization also show more manageable behavior during puberty than poorly socialized dogs. For dog owners, this means that what was missed during puppyhood is harder to correct during puberty.
Vitomalia position
Puberty is not a training disaster — it is a temporary, predictable phase. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are the best approach. Dogs that were well socialized as puppies tend to move through puberty more easily. Punishment-based responses to regression in behavior cause lasting harm to the bond.
When does puberty become relevant?
- Recall problems that did not exist before: a classic puberty symptom
- First heat in the female dog
- Marking behavior in male dogs (lifting the leg for the first time)
- Increasing irritability toward other dogs
- Increase in testosterone: male dog becomes more conspicuous around other dogs
Practical application
Puberty — typical signs by sex:
| Signs | Male dog | Female dog |
|---|---|---|
| Hormonal | Increase in testosterone | Estrogen, progesterone |
| Physical | Leg lifting, testicular growth | First heat, vulvar swelling |
| behavior | Marking, mounting, territorial awareness | Restlessness, changes in behavior during the cycle |
| Social | Conflicts with other male dogs | Increased attention from male dogs |
Training tips during puberty: - Keep training sessions short (5–10 min), repeat familiar exercises - Practice recall daily — with high-value reinforcers, never punish - Consistently follow the leash requirement in highly distracting situations - Emphasize bond work: time, play, positive interaction - No escalation: if the dog does not cooperate, end the session; do not force it
Common mistakes & myths
- “The dog is doing it on purpose.” Adolescent dogs are not being stubborn out of defiance — hormonal changes and brain maturation explain the change in behavior neurobiologically. Frustration and punitive measures increase stress and weaken the bond.
- “Neutering solves all puberty problems.” In male dogs, neutering can partially reduce testosterone-driven behaviors (marking, aggression toward other males). Learning difficulties and deficits in the bond are not resolved by neutering.
- “After puberty, everything gets better.” Usually, yes — most puberty-related challenges resolve as hormone levels stabilize and the brain matures. But: missed socialization and established poor habits can remain afterward.
Scientific status 2026
The publication by Asher et al. (2020) is the first peer-reviewed evidence of a specific adolescent phenomenon in domestic dogs, with empirical data on reduced obedience. Current research is investigating neurobiological correlates of adolescence in dogs (dopaminergic changes in the frontal lobe) and their influence on impulsivity. The timing of neutering and its behavioral consequences remain an active field of debate — early neutering in large breeds is increasingly being discussed due to joint development and behavioral abnormalities.
Frequently asked questions
When does puberty begin in dogs?
Small breeds: from around 6 months. Medium-sized breeds: 8–10 months. Large and giant breeds: 12–18 months. Physical and mental maturity take significantly longer than puberty itself.
Why does my dog suddenly stop listening during puberty?
Hormonal changes and brain maturation temporarily reduce responsiveness to learned cues — especially with recall. This is a biologically normal phase, not defiance. Consistent, positive training helps.
Should I neuter my dog during puberty?
The optimal timing for neutering depends on the breed and should be discussed individually with your veterinarian. For large breeds, it is increasingly recommended to wait until bone maturation is complete. Neutering does not change a dog’s basic behavior, but it can influence hormone-driven behaviors.
Related terms
Sources & further reading
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Asher, L., England, G. C. W., Sommerville, R., & Harvey, N. D. (2020). Teenage troubles? Adolescence and attachment to caregivers in dogs. Animal Behaviour, 167, 258–263. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33100459/
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Miklósi, Á. (2015). Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199581740.
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Serpell, J. A. (Ed.) (2017). The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9781107699687.