Dog puberty often starts at around 5 to 6 months, but the exact timing varies a lot by breed, size and individual dog. Suddenly listening less well, being more easily distracted or testing boundaries is usually not stubbornness, but a normal stage of development in which hormones, body and brain are all changing at the same time. Below, you can read how to recognise this phase, how long it often lasts and what you can practically adjust in training, rewarding and day-to-day guidance.
What happens in your dog's teenage brain
Puberty is not a sudden personality change, but a period in which your dog is growing physically while also developing rapidly mentally. As a result, focus, impulse control and settling after stimuli can temporarily be less stable, and teaching your dog to focus can suddenly take more time. Exercises that used to seem effortless may suddenly go less smoothly. That usually does not mean your dog is being “difficult”, but that they have more going on in their system and still need to learn how to cope with everything that is changing.
When does puberty start and how long does it last?
| Phase | Age | What you often see |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Often from 5 to 6 months | Your dog becomes physically more mature, but mentally they are not yet an adult. Self-control often lags behind the body. |
| Most challenging period | Usually somewhere between 6 and 12 months | Many owners find this the trickiest phase: focus fluctuates, stimuli hit harder and familiar cues work inconsistently. |
| Winding down | Often calmer towards 18 to 24 months | Small dogs are often through it sooner; larger or working breeds, such as shepherds, often stay boisterous for longer. |
| “Second puberty” | Not an official separate phase | This term is often used for a later setback in focus or behaviour, not for a separate new developmental stage. |
How to recognise dog puberty
- Coming back when called suddenly gets worse, even in situations that used to go well, so you quickly start to think: dog won't listen.
- Familiar cues seem to have been “forgotten”, while your dog is mainly just more easily distracted.
- You may see more pulling on the lead, testing boundaries, barking or reacting more strongly to stimuli.
- Behaviour can vary from day to day: more restlessness, shorter sleep and becoming overwhelmed more quickly are all common.
- Male dogs may mark more or cock their leg more often; females may come into season, and sudden fear in dogs can appear out of the blue as well.
What really helps when your dog is going through puberty
- Make training simpler for a while: keep sessions short, repeat familiar exercises and reward success generously instead of constantly making things harder.
- Provide calm, predictability and clear boundaries. Preventing unwanted behaviour from being practised repeatedly usually works better than a lot of correction.
- With biting or destroying things, it helps to look at sleep, stimuli and decompression: enough rest, sniffing time, calm games, safe chewing moments and understanding why chewing is so important for dogs often make a difference.
- Reward smartly with small, suitable treats that your dog can eat comfortably. At Braaaf, you will find training treats for your dog and natural bites and chews that you can use as a reward or to keep your dog occupied, as long as you choose based on age, size and chewing style.
- If behaviour becomes more intense or unsafe, or you suddenly see a lot of fear, signs of pain or extreme restlessness, contact your vet or a good behaviourist.
