Recognising & understanding the pubertal phases of dogs – and accompanying them calmly

What does „puberty” mean in dogs?

Sexual maturity – i.e. actual puberty – begins at around 6–9 months in males, depending on size and breed. Females typically experience their first heat between 6 and 24 months; small breeds earlier, large breeds later. Individual breeds such as the Basenji are exceptions – Frontiers & Vca.

Social maturity comes significantly later – usually between 12 and 36 months. Only then do many behavioural patterns stabilise permanently – AAHA.

Typical changes during adolescence

„Teenage dip” in cooperation

Around the time of puberty – e.g. at 8 months – dogs often react more defiantly towards their owners and ignore known signals. It often works better with strangers. In a study on prospective assistance dogs, responsiveness at 8 months was significantly worse than at 5 months – PMC & Newcastle University.

Bonding & hormones

Insecure bonding with owners was associated with an earlier onset of puberty. The “conflict phase” is temporary – PMC.

Sensitivity & risk

Environment, early enrichment and the surroundings during adolescence influence the later risk of fear and aggression. Studies on guide dogs with dogs between 6 and 12 months clearly show this connection – PMC.

„Fear peaks”

Trainers report additional short phases of increased caution during adolescence. Reliable laboratory data are scarce. What is certain: dose stimuli and shape them positively, rather than overwhelming the dog. Evidence for general adolescence exists, but for “second fear phases” it is inconsistent – Newcastle University.

Timeline (orientation)

6–9 months: Onset of puberty (♂ usually 6–9 months, ♀ first heat depending on breed 6–24 months). Cooperation may fluctuate.

8 months ±: “Conflict phase” – reduced responsiveness, particularly towards the primary caregiver.

12–24/36 months: social maturity; tendency towards more selective sociability (no longer playing with “everyone”).

What does this mean for training?

Bond & signal quality

Shorter, more frequent, lighter: 3–5-minute sessions instead of a marathon. Small successes stabilise. Change the context – generalise signals in 3–5 environments (flat, hallway, car park, quiet park, busy path). Adolescents do not forget what they have learned; they just do not yet generalise it reliably.

Upgrade rewards: In challenging environments, reward with higher-value items (food jackpot, free running, sniffing as a reinforcer). Nose work measurably improves expectation – your dog will become more optimistic.

Emotional regulation & welfare

Sniff breaks & “sniffaris”: Allow 30–60 seconds of free sniffing 2–3 times per walk – this reduces arousal and promotes a positive expectation.

Reward-based rather than pressure: Aversive methods (leash jerks, shock, startle stimuli) increase stress signals and cortisol and make dogs “pessimistic” in tests. Rely on markers and rewards.

Encounters & social contact

Quality over quantity: Prefer short, suitable dog contacts over chaotic dog parks. With social maturity, many dogs become more selective – this is normal.

Management learns faster than self-control: Distance, look away, U-turn, “Look” – and then reward with sniffing or food.

Health aspects surrounding puberty

First heat & cycle: 6–24 months (smaller breeds earlier), usually 2 cycles per year; some breeds only once annually.

Timing of neutering: The behavioural effects are not clear-cut. Reviews show different findings regarding fear, aggression and trainability depending on the study. Always make the decision individually with your vet (breed, size, use, health).

When it gets bumpy: common stumbling blocks

„He only stops listening outside”

The environmental level is too difficult. Go back one level, increase reward value, decrease duration. Adolescents show conflict behaviour particularly towards their primary caregivers.

„Suddenly insecure”

Short-term sensitivity is normal. Stimulus dosing and calm counter-conditioning help – do not confront. Evidence for general adolescence exists; hard data on the “second fear period” are limited.

„More squabbles with dogs”

Around social maturity (1–3 years), selection becomes normal; resource issues accumulate. Management and targeted social training rather than “they’ll sort it out”.

Concrete 4-week plan

Week 1: Reset signals (name→eye contact, “Look”, U-turn) 5× daily for 30–60 seconds each; 2× weekly 5 minutes of nose work at home.

Week 2: Leash ritual: Start with 30 seconds of calm standing + 2 deep breaths; 2 sniff breaks per walk.

Week 3: Generalise – same signals in 2 new environments; increase reward value.

Week 4: Social fine-tuning – 1–2 controlled dog contacts instead of a dog park; end meetings before they go wrong; then a “detox walk” (sniffari).

Breed-specific differences (brief overview)

Smaller breeds go through puberty earlier; larger and giant breeds later. Personality trajectories and trainability depend, among other things, on breed, age and rearing environment – socialisation during puppyhood and adolescence remains a strong protective factor.

When do I need support?

• Clear fear or aggression that increases or prevents everyday life
• Prolonged stress or compulsive behaviour (constant circling, fixating, chasing)
• Intense resource guarding

Then the rule is: vet check plus non-violent behaviour therapy (reward focus); aversive tools demonstrably worsen welfare.

Key takeaways for puberty

Short & clear beats “more & louder”.

Less is more – dose difficult contexts, collect successes.

Nose helps – sniffing regulates; use it actively.

The phase will pass – with training, even faster.

The 10 biggest myths about dog puberty

„Puberty always starts at 6 months”

False. The start depends heavily on breed, size and individual development. Smaller dogs are often earlier (from 6 months), giant breeds significantly later (up to 12 months or more). Social maturity can even take up to 3 years.

„Puberty is over after a few weeks”

Not true. The hormonal and social changes usually last for months. Some dogs still “test boundaries” at 18 or 24 months.

„During puberty, the dog suddenly forgets everything”

No. What has been learned is not gone – the brain is in a restructuring phase. The dog responds less reliably because hormones and emotions have a stronger effect. Consistent, patient training stabilises what has been learned.

„Now the true character shows itself”

Puberty is not a final character trait. Many insecurities or “quirks” disappear again if you support your dog fairly. What remains is what was trained and reinforced.

„Male dogs automatically become aggressive”

Not every male dog develops aggression. Some become more testing due to hormones, mark more or show competitive behaviour – this can be well managed with management and training.

„Female dogs are much easier during puberty”

Also a myth. Female dogs can show mood swings, insecurity or increased sensitivity during or between heats. They also need patience and clear guidance.

„If he is difficult now, he will remain difficult forever”

Incorrect. Most behavioural issues during puberty are temporary. With training and patience, many will disappear again. It is important not to reinforce negative patterns.

„He has to get through it – training brings nothing now”

Quite the opposite. In this phase, training is particularly effective. Short, positive sessions and clear structures help the dog navigate the turbulent period with confidence.

„He is just testing you”

Partly true – dogs do test boundaries. However, much of it is simply due to hormonal changes, insecurity or a lack of impulse control, not malice.

„It will sort itself out”

No. Without guidance, bad habits (e.g. pulling on the lead, resource guarding, ignoring recall) can become entrenched. Those who stay consistent will later benefit from a reliable companion.

Myths at a glance

Puberty in dogs is a turbulent but normal developmental phase. Many myths arise from frustration or unrealistic expectations. With knowledge, patience, management and reward-based training, you can not only get through this period – you can even deepen the bond during this phase.

FAQ: Dog puberty

When does dog puberty begin?

Depending on breed and size, between the 6th and 12th month. Small dogs earlier, large and giant breeds often later. Social maturity is usually only reached at 1.5–3 years.

How do I recognise that my dog is going through puberty?

Typical signs: sudden „forgetfulness” with cues, more independence, insecurity in new situations, increased interest in conspecifics or the opposite sex.

How long does puberty last?

The actual hormonal adjustment lasts several months; the complete developmental phase until social maturity can take up to 3 years.

Why does my dog suddenly „forget” commands?

They don’t really forget – their brain is in a restructuring phase. Hormones, new emotions and stimuli temporarily overshadow what has already been learned. Patient training helps to consolidate the cues.

Is it normal for my dog to become more insecure?

Yes, many dogs experience so-called „fear peaks” during this phase, in which they suddenly react more cautiously or distrustfully. Stay calm, do not overwhelm them, and reinforce positively.

How do I deal with „testing boundaries”?

Be consistent, but fair. Generously reward desired behaviour and ensure that rules always apply equally – including for all family members.

Should I have my dog neutered during puberty?

The right time depends on breed, size, behaviour and health. Studies show mixed results. Always discuss the decision with your vet or a behaviour consultant.

Does my dog need more training during this time?

Yes – but not longer, rather smarter. Short, positive sessions (2–5 minutes) several times a day are more effective than hours of exercises.

What can I do to reduce stress during this phase?

Sniff walks, nose work, clear routines and plenty of rest help. Force-free training is particularly important, as punishments increase stress and insecurity.

Does it all really pass again?

Yes. With patience, training and a good bond, most dogs grow into balanced adults. Puberty is a phase – just like in humans.

Sources (selection)

• Asher, L. et al. (2020): Adolescent conflict behaviour & earlier puberty with insecure attachment. Biology Letters.
• Serpell, J. A. et al. (2016): Youth environment predicts fear/aggression at 12 m. (Guide dogs). Frontiers Vet Sci.
• AAHA (2019), Merck Vet Manual: Social maturity 12–36 m.
• Cornell Riney Center & VCA: Start of heat 6–24 m., smaller breeds earlier.
• Duranton & Horowitz (2019): Nosework → positive judgment bias („optimism”). Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
• Vieira de Castro et al. (2020/2021): Aversive methods ↑ stress/cortisol & pessimistic bias. PLOS ONE.
• Palestrini et al. (2021), Houlihan (2017), Moxon (2024): Behaviour & neutering – mixed evidence, individual decision. AVMA Journals