As a dog owner, you should be aware of the changes that your pup will experience during its puberty. It’s important to be prepared for the behavioral and physical changes that may occur during this time so that you can ensure your pup’s safety and well-being. Puberty can be a difficult time for both you and your pup, so being prepared for what you may experience can help you both adjust more smoothly to the new changes. There are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your pup has the best possible experience during their transition into adulthood.
Expect some changes in behavior during your dog’s puberty. Dominance will be more apparent, as your pup may attempt to assert its place in the pack.
Show them who’s in charge and be consistent with commands and routines. Your pup may become more curious and hyperactive, so provide plenty of outlets for its excess energy.
Aggression may occur, so make sure to properly socialize your pup and nip any aggression in the bud. Physical changes are also to be expected during this time. You can expect a growth spurt, so make sure to feed your pup accordingly.
You’ll also likely witness a gain in weight, as well as changes in your pup’s coat. To prepare for your pup’s puberty, ensure that a healthy routine is in place.
Socialization is key. Try to expose your pup to different environments and people to ensure it learns proper pet etiquette and prevents issues in the future.
Dominance
During puberty, your dog may display increased dominance. Don’t be surprised if your pup all of a sudden starts asserting himself, becoming the top dog and trying to control the family.
As the leader of the pack, it’s your responsibility to provide a consistent routine, foster positive social behavior, and set and enforce boundaries. Give your dog roles and responsibilities to help him understand his place in the family and provide necessary structure. This can include activities like fetching the newspaper, going for walks, or helping out with other daily tasks.
Puppies need plenty of positive reinforcement and rewards to help them learn and grow, so be sure to give your pup lots of snuggles and treats when they are behaving properly.
It’s important to redirect any negative behavior and discourage any dominant behaviors that could lead to aggression or further dominance. If your pup starts to act up, try to remain calm and assertive, but be sure to avoid any physical punishment which could have a negative effect on your relationship.
Stay diligent in teaching your pup to respect boundaries. Enforce training and provide your dog with simple commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’. Positive reinforcement is key here, and offering treats and rewards when your pup follows instructions will help strengthen the bond between the two of you and reinforce proper behavior.
Curiosity
During your dog’s puberty, their curiosity will be in overdrive. They may want to investigate and explore everything around them, which can be both exciting and dangerous depending on what they are sniffing and poking around.
You should take extra precautions to keep your pup safe during this time. Ensure that all objects they could be tempted to investigate, such as plants, power outlets, and sharp objects, are out of reach.
Make sure to keep an eye on them at all times and provide lots of outlets for their curiosity, such as interactive toys and dog-safe chews. You should also make sure to stay consistent with their training and use positive reinforcement for good behavior. If your dog is getting into mischief, distract them with something else and provide plenty of praise for good behavior. It’s important to remember that your pup may be having difficulty getting used to their changing body and hormones, so it’s best to be patient and provide lots of comfort and love.
During puppyhood, your pup may have been content with sleeping in a corner or cuddling up with you on the couch. As your pup enters puberty, however, his energy levels will rise and he’ll be much more active.
He may seem to be almost bouncing off the walls from all of his energy and may not want to stay in one place for very long. This is normal for a pup in puberty and should last for a few months.
Give your pup plenty of opportunities to release some of his energy in positive ways. Take him for long walks or runs, give him a chance to play with other dogs, and provide him with the proper toys and chew items. Allowing him to use up energy in constructive ways will help him to keep from becoming too destructive around the house.
Aggression
During your dog’s puberty, you may find an increased level of aggression. Puberty is a time of raging hormones and the heightened emotions can lead to snapping, growling and aggression toward both other animals and people.
It’s important to be extra careful and take extra steps to ensure the safety of your dog and those around it. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a professional such as a certified animal behaviorist if necessary. The best way to manage aggression in your pup is to stay calm and consistent.
Provide plenty of positive reinforcement during training sessions. Establish a routine and stick to it.
Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to tire your pup out, and make sure they get enough rest. Be sure to provide plenty of opportunities to socialize with other dogs and people, and be mindful of triggers that may set them off. If you have any questions or concerns, seek help from a qualified professional.
Physical Changes
During a dog’s puberty, expect physical changes — your pup will go through a growth spurt and gain weight, and the coat may change too. Keep an eye on your pup’s growth and energy levels and adjust their diet accordingly.
Make sure you’re providing enough exercise to help them build up strength and muscle, and stimulate them mentally, too. Keep in mind that your pup’s coat may become thicker, with a softer texture and lighter colors.
You may also see some shedding as they transition from puppy to adult coat. Brushing them regularly will help keep their coat in good condition and reduce shedding. Remember that with physical changes come changes in energy levels.
Your pup will need to adjust to their new size and weight, and they may need more rest to allow their body to adjust properly and keep them healthy. Make sure you provide appropriate amounts of exercise and rest, and set up a routine that works for both you and your pup.
Growth Spurt
During your dog’s puberty, it’s important to be aware of their growth spurt. You will notice that your pup’s height and weight are increasing at a much faster rate than before.
During this time, it’s important to ensure that you’re providing your pup with adequate nutrition and exercise to facilitate healthy growth. A balanced diet and plenty of physical activity can go a long way during this time.
It’s also important to keep an eye on your pup’s weight, as gaining too much can lead to potential health issues, such as obesity. Make sure that you are providing your pup with the right type of exercise.
Certain activities, such as walking and running, can be particularly beneficial during this time as they help to strengthen their bones and muscles. This is important, as a strong skeleton and muscular development will help to shield your pup from any orthopedic issues down the line. It’s also important to remember that, while growth spurts are normal, it’s important to keep an eye on your pup’s growth.
If you notice that your pup is growing at an abnormally fast or slow rate, it’s important to contact your veterinarian to make sure everything is alright. With the right care, your pup’s growth should be a smooth and healthy process.
Weight Gain
During a dog’s pubertal stage, it’s natural for them to put on some extra weight. While it may be tempting to give your pup a few extra snacks, it’s important to stick to a healthy diet for your dog. If your pup puts on too much weight, it can result in a lot of health problems.
So if you’d like to treat your pup, reach for some low-calorie treats.
If you’re not sure what a healthy weight is for your pup, make sure you consult your vet. They’ll be able to help you decide on an appropriate diet and exercise routine for your pup. Before you know it, your pup will be back to their normal, healthy weight.
It’s also important to keep an eye on your pup’s activity levels.
Dogs that are getting enough exercise can keep their weight under control. If your pup’s activity levels have decreased, make sure you take them out for a walk or play a game of fetch in the backyard. This will help ensure that your pup stays healthy and happy during their adolescent years.
Coat Changes
During your dog’s puberty, their coat is likely to change. Many breeds will experience a change in coat color, and the fur will become thicker and more luxurious. Due to the influx of hormones that accompany this stage of a dog’s life, they may also experience excessive shedding and dry skin, leading to dandruff.
It’s important to take steps to ensure that your dog’s coat stays healthy during this stage. To keep your pup’s coat in good condition, make sure you are brushing them weekly and providing them with a high-quality diet.
You should also ensure that they are getting ample amounts of exercise and staying hydrated.
Look into adding a fatty acid supplement to their diet, as this can help reduce dandruff and make the coat softer and shinier. If your pup is prone to excessive shedding and dandruff, consider using a sensitive-skin shampoo. This type of shampoo is designed to be gentle, and it can help soothe dry skin and reduce flakes. Remember that good grooming is essential for keeping your pup’s coat healthy, so make sure you are giving them plenty of TLC during this period of their life.
Preparing for Dog Puberty
To prepare for your dog’s puberty, it’s important to get ahead of the game. Start by establishing a routine for your pup, consisting of regular exercise and regular potty breaks.
This will help your dog to develop positive habits and should help with some of the behavioral changes associated with puberty. Making sure your pup is properly socialized is a must.
During puberty, it’s common for dogs to be more curious and more easily excitable, so it’s important that your pup be exposed to a variety of people and situations. This will help them to know how to act appropriately and give you the confidence to take them out in public.
Be aware of the physical changes that occur during canine puberty. This includes a growth spurt, increased weight, and coat changes. Feed them a balanced diet and provide regular grooming to help keep them looking and feeling their best. With these strategies, you can ensure a smooth transition into puberty for your pup.
Establishing a routine is one of the best things you can do to ease your dog’s transition into puberty. Feeding, walking and pottying should happen around the same time every day.
If your pup’s behavior begins to become erratic, you can use the routine to help them stay on track. A consistent routine teaches your pup discipline and provides structure, which is especially important during this stage of their life.
A routine can also help with socialization. Making sure your pooch gets plenty of exercise and has positive interactions with other dogs, such as playdates and walks, is key for social development.
This is especially true for young, growing dogs. Walks and playdates give them an opportunity to practice their social skills, which will be beneficial for their development and mental well-being down the road.
Create a safe environment for your pup. When introducing changes, such as a new crate, bedding, or toys, do so gradually and introduce them one at a time. This helps to minimize any confusion your pup may experience.
Keep an eye out for changes in their behavior and if they become aggressive or irritable, seek out professional help. Establishing and maintaining a routine will help your pup adjust to their changing needs and make the transition into puberty a little smoother.
Socialization
Socializing your pup during puberty is important. The adolescent period is the last opportunity to set the groundwork for a well-rounded and sociable puppy so don’t miss out on this window of opportunity.
Take advantage of this stage of life to introduce your dog to other people and animals. Invite family and friends to your home and take your pup out on walks so they can interact with and learn from other dogs and people. Try to keep these situations as positive as possible and reward your pup for good behavior.
It’s also important to introduce your dog to different environments during this period, such as going to the beach, park and even car rides. This will prepare them for the world outside of your home and make them more comfortable when they need to face different situations and stimuli.
Remember to keep the sessions short and sweet, but be sure to expose them to different places and things. It’s important to make sure you spend quality time with your pup during this period.
Take them out on regular walks, give them plenty of playtime, and use positive reinforcement and rewards to reinforce good behavior. By having a plan in place and sticking to it, you can help your pup become a confident and well-adjusted adult.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
