Puberty in Dogs: Stages, Behavior, and Science

What does puberty mean for dogs?

Puberty in dogs refers to the hormonal and neurobiological maturation phase during which a young dog reaches sexual maturity and begins the transition to social maturity. Depending on the breed and size, puberty in dogs begins between the fifth and twelfth month of life and partially overlaps with adolescence, the somewhat broader term for the entire maturation phase leading up to social maturity (see related: Adolescence).

Small breeds reach puberty earlier (around five to seven months), while large and heavy breeds reach it later (eight to twelve months, and up to 18 months for some giant breeds). Social maturity comes much later—for many dogs, between the ages of two and three. During this phase, behavior, stress tolerance, response to stimuli, and the relationship with the primary caregiver can change, in some cases significantly.

Background and Academic Context

In their Newcastle study involving over 280 dogs, Asher et al. (2020) provided the first robust data on behavioral changes during canine puberty. The results showed that during the peak of puberty (around eight months of age), responsiveness to familiar cues decreased—but only selectively. The dogs responded less reliably to their primary caregiver, but not to strangers. This shows that puberty in dogs is not a general forgetting, but rather a social and neurobiological restructuring with parallels to puberty in humans.

Sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone) rise significantly. At the same time, the maturation of the prefrontal cortex—the brain region responsible for impulse control, risk assessment, and long-term planning—changes. In a review article, Foraita et al. (2021) demonstrated that this maturation asymmetry (sex hormones mature faster than impulse control) is a biological basis for riskier behavior and heightened stimulus processing during puberty—not defiance or disobedience.

Vitomalia-Position

At Vitomalia, we view puberty in dogs as a normal, biologically programmed phase of maturation—not as a failure of training. We recommend clear structures, professional communication, plenty of patience, and the consistent use of positive reinforcement. We expressly reject aversive correction methods during this phase—they damage the already fragile trust that exists at this stage and, according to China et al. (2020) and Vieira de Castro et al. (2020), are generally associated with stress and behavioral problems.

Our approach: "Don't overthink it—just do it." Adolescent dogs need more clarity, shorter training sessions, more frequent rewards, and better control over triggers—not more strictness.

When does puberty become a factor in dogs?

Puberty becomes a factor as soon as behavioral changes appear that weren’t there before: sudden reactivity, selective disregard for familiar cues, reduced frustration tolerance, sexually motivated behavior, marking, increased alertness, and conflicts with other dogs. Sleep needs and rest periods may also increase. Anyone who mistakenly interprets this as a “training problem” risks placing undue pressure on the dog during an already sensitive phase.

Practical application

1. Adjust your expectations: Familiar signals may become temporarily less reliable. Asher et al. (2020) provide evidence of this. Don’t overinterpret.
2. Adjust the training regimen: Shorter sessions, more frequent rewards, and less challenging stimuli. Return to the last level you were able to handle safely.
3. Trigger management: Adolescent dogs are more sensitive. Increase distance, avoid difficult situations, and prioritize safety.
4. Ensure adequate sleep and rest: 16 to 20 hours of rest per day is a realistic goal. Lack of sleep increases reactivity.
5. Postponing the decision on neutering: Early neutering is not a behavioral remedy. In cases of aggression, it can actually exacerbate anxiety-related factors (see Reisner 2018).
6. Nurturing the bond: Maintain a consistent, calm approach to the relationship. Avoid punitive methods—they undermine trust-building during this critical phase.

Common Mistakes and Myths

• "Dogs forget everything out of spite." Wrong. Asher et al. (2020) show that it is a selective maturation phase, not a character flaw. People don't forget anything during puberty either—the brain simply prioritizes things differently.
• "Now is the time to take decisive action." Aversive methods are particularly risky at this stage. They increase stress, damage the bond, and are no more effective than positive reinforcement (China et al. 2020).
• "Neutering solves the problems." When it comes to behavior, usually not. Sex hormones and behavior are not directly linked. Reisner (2018) and Salonen et al. (2022) show that neutering can sometimes exacerbate anxiety-based behavioral issues.
• "At two years old, everything is fine." For many dogs, social maturity isn't reached until between 24 and 36 months. Behavioral maturity takes longer to develop than sexual maturity.
• "A puppy class is enough." Puberty brings new challenges. Having a professional guide young dogs is a good idea—not as a requirement, but as an investment in stability.

State of the art in 2026

Consensus: Puberty in dogs is a biologically programmed phase of maturation characterized by measurable behavioral changes with neurohormonal underpinnings. Asher et al. (2020) and Foraita et al. (2021) provide the robust evidence base. There is also consensus that aversive methods are counterproductive and that early neutering is not a behavioral tool. Open questions: breed-specific time windows, optimal timing of neutering from a behavioral perspective, role of stressful experiences during puberty in shaping adult personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does puberty begin in my dog?

For small breeds, this typically occurs between five and seven months of age; for large breeds, often not until eight to twelve months—and for some giant breeds, even later.

How long does puberty last in dogs?

The hormonal phase usually lasts between six and 18 months. Social maturity comes later—for many dogs, not until they are two or three years old.

Should I have my dog neutered during puberty?

Generally speaking, no—not for behavioral reasons. The decision should be left to veterinarians and behaviorists, depending on the dog’s gender, medical history, and behavior.

My dog has suddenly lost its hearing—what should I do?

Adjust your expectations, reduce the intensity of training, and continue to build on familiar behaviors using positive reinforcement. Do not react in an aversive manner—this will only make the situation worse.

Related terms

• Adolescence
• puppy
• Young dog
• Neutering
• Positive reinforcement
• Reactivity
• Socialization

Sources and further reading

1. Asher, L., England, G. C. W., Sommerville, R., & Harvey, N. D. (2020). Teenage dogs? Evidence for adolescent-phase conflict behaviour and an association between attachment to humans and pubertal timing in the domestic dog. Biology Letters, 16(5), 20200097.
2. Foraita, M., Howell, T., & Bennett, P. (2021). Adolescence in domestic dogs – a critical review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 240, 105349.
3. Salonen, M., Mikkola, S., et al. (2022). Reproductive status and behaviour in male and female dogs. Scientific Reports, 12, 6390.
4. Reisner, I. R. (2018). The learning versus the maturation argument in canine adolescent behavior. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 24, 1-3.
5. China, L., Mills, D. S., & Cooper, J. J. (2020). Efficacy of dog training with and without remote electronic collars vs. a focus on positive reinforcement. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 508.