Puberty in Dogs: The Teenage Years – What Changes & How

What is puberty in dogs?

Puberty in dogs is the hormonally driven transition from childhood to sexual maturity. It is characterized by rising levels of sex hormones (testosterone in male dogs, estrogen and progesterone in female dogs), the development of reproductive capacity, and profound behavioral changes.

Small breeds mature earlier: the first signs of puberty appear as early as 6 months. Medium-sized breeds: 8–10 months. Large and giant breeds: sometimes not until 12–18 months. Puberty does not mark the end of physical development—in large breeds, the brain (frontal lobe, impulse control) continues to mature until the dog is three years old.

Background + Scientific Context

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—particularly when being called back. The extent of this reduction in obedience was more pronounced in dogs that had an insecure attachment relationship with their owners. The study provides initial empirical evidence for a “teenage phenomenon” in dogs analogous to human adolescence. Practical implication: Bonding and consistent, calm training are particularly important during this phase.

Miklósi (2015, *Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition*) describes hormonal and cognitive changes during adolescence: a rise in testosterone in male dogs leads to increased marking behavior, heightened dominance interactions with other males, and interest in females in heat. Fluctuations in estrogen levels in female dogs influence concentration, reactivity, and social behavior throughout the estrous cycle. Both sexes exhibit increased impulsivity and a reduced anxiety threshold during puberty—which manifests as “risk-taking” in learning behavior. Learning continues to occur, but distractibility increases.

Serpell (2017, *The Domestic Dog*) describes the influence of sex hormones on social behavior and the implications for training and management: Prenatal hormone exposure and early socialization determine long-term behavioral trends—puberty activates these existing predispositions. Dogs that have been well socialized exhibit more acceptable behavior during puberty than those that have not. For owners, this means: what was neglected during the puppy stage is harder to correct during puberty.

Vitomalia-Position

Adolescence isn’t a training disaster—it’s a temporary, predictable phase. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are the best ways to handle it. Dogs that were well-socialized as puppies go through adolescence more easily. Punitive responses to regressive behavior permanently damage the bond.

When does puberty become a factor?

• Memory problems that didn't exist before: a classic symptom of puberty
• A female dog's first heat
• Marking behavior in male dogs (first instance of leg-lifting)
• Increased irritability toward other dogs
• Rise in testosterone: Male dog becomes more assertive toward other dogs

Practical application

Puberty — typical signs by gender:

Training Tips for Adolescents: - Keep practice sessions short (5–10 minutes); repeat familiar exercises - Practice the recall command daily — using positive reinforcement, never punishment - Consistently enforce the leash requirement in situations with many distractions - Emphasize bonding activities: time together, play, positive interaction - No escalation: if the dog doesn't cooperate, end the session; don't force it

Common Mistakes & Myths

• “The dog is doing this on purpose.” Adolescent dogs aren’t being stubborn out of defiance—hormonal changes and brain maturation provide a neurobiological explanation for the behavioral shift. Anger and punishment increase stress and weaken the bond.
• “Neutering solves all puberty-related problems.” Neutering partially reduces testosterone-driven behaviors (marking, aggression toward other male dogs) in male dogs. Neutering does not resolve learning difficulties or bonding issues.
• “Everything gets better after puberty.” That’s usually true—most of the problems associated with puberty resolve themselves once hormone levels stabilize and the brain matures. However, missed opportunities for socialization and ingrained bad habits tend to stick around even after that.

Current State of Research (2026)

The study by Asher et al. (2020) provides the first peer-reviewed evidence of a specific adolescent phenomenon in domestic dogs, supported by empirical data on reduced obedience. Current research is investigating neurobiological correlates (dopaminergic changes in the frontal lobe) of adolescence in dogs and their influence on impulsivity. The timing of neutering and its behavioral consequences are a topic of active debate—early neutering in large breeds is increasingly under discussion due to joint development and behavioral issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does puberty begin in dogs?

Small breeds: from about 6 months. Medium breeds: 8–10 months. Large and giant breeds: 12–18 months. Physical and mental maturation takes significantly longer than puberty itself.

Why does my dog suddenly stop listening during adolescence?

Hormonal changes and brain development temporarily reduce a dog’s ability to respond to learned commands—especially when being called back. This is a biologically normal phase, not a defiant reaction. Consistent, positive training helps.

Should I have my dog neutered 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 the bones have matured. Neutering does not change a dog’s basic behavior, but it does influence hormone-driven behaviors.

Related terms

• Puppy
• Dog Training
• Heat in Dogs
• Neutering in Dogs
• Dog Training

Sources & Further Reading

1. 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/

2. Miklósi, Á. (2015). Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199581740.

3. Serpell, J. A. (Ed.) (2017). The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9781107699687.