What is Second Puberty in Dogs?
Second puberty in dogs refers to a second fear stage that some dogs go through typically between 6-14 months of age, which coincides with the onset of sexual maturation. This is a period where previously confident puppies may suddenly become fearful or apprehensive of things that did not bother them before (Purina).
Second puberty or adolescence occurs as puppies transition into adulthood. Hormonal changes related to sexual maturation can impact behavior and temperament. Dogs seem to regress in their training and become resistant to commands they previously knew well. They exhibit new fears, become more excitable, reactive, or even aggressive in some cases (Vet Help Direct).
Signs of second puberty in dogs include fearfulness, anxiety, reactivity, disobedience, wandering/roaming, mounting, marking, and other behavioral changes. Male dogs may begin lifting their leg to urinate. Females go into heat for the first time. Dogs at this stage need extra patience, consistency and positive reinforcement in training (Take a Lead).
When Does it Occur?
The age when dogs experience second puberty can vary quite a bit between breeds. Typically it occurs between 18-24 months of age, though some large and giant breeds may go through it as late as 36 months. Smaller breeds tend to mature faster and reach second puberty on the younger end of this timeframe.
Spayed or neutered dogs will usually experience second puberty later than intact dogs. There are also differences between males and females. Males tend to enter second puberty a few months earlier than females on average.
Some research indicates certain environmental factors may trigger the onset of second puberty as well, like changes in diet, anxiety, or social stress. So while age and genetics play a big role, dogs’ specific life circumstances can shift the timing too.
Signs of Second Puberty
The most notable signs of second puberty in dogs involve changes in behavior and temperament. Some of the most common signs include:
– Increased aggression or reactivity. Dogs may become more quick to bark, growl, or lunge at perceived threats during this time. They seem to have a shorter fuse and be more easily provoked. According to one veterinarian, this is the canine equivalent of the moody, irritable phase of human puberty.
– Marking behaviors. Male dogs may begin hiking their legs to urinate on vertical surfaces to mark their territory. Both male and female dogs may increase the frequency of urine marking. Intact males may also begin mounting objects, other dogs, or even people’s legs.
– Changes in energy levels. Dogs may seem restless, easily bored, and more difficult to keep occupied during second puberty. You may observe bursts of hyperactivity followed by periods of lethargy.
– Development of new fears or anxieties. Many dogs start reacting fearfully to things that previously did not bother them during this stage. They may suddenly become afraid of loud noises, strange people or animals, or unfamiliar environments that they took in stride before.
Why Does it Occur?
Second puberty in dogs occurs due to a combination of hormonal changes, brain development, and genetics. As the dog reaches social maturity between 18-36 months, its body undergoes substantial hormonal fluctuations that can impact behavior and temperament (1). There is a surge in sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during this time that causes erratic behaviors in some dogs (2).
The frontal cortex area of the brain which controls impulses and reasoning skills also continues to develop well into a dog’s second year (3). The delayed development of this part of the brain is similar to human adolescence and can lead to poor decision making and difficulty controlling emotions in dogs going through second puberty. Genetics play a role as well, with some breeds being more prone to behavior issues and fearfulness during this hormonal shift.
(1) https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2020/06/18/do-dogs-going-through-puberty-behave-like-stroppy-teenagers/
(2) https://takealead.com.au/has-your-dog-hit-puberty/
(3) https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2020/06/18/do-dogs-going-through-puberty-behave-like-stroppy-teenagers/
Is it Common?
Secondary puberty is quite common in dogs, affecting significant percentages across breeds and sizes. Studies show that around 60-70% of dogs experience the behaviors and changes associated with a second pubertal phase (vethelpdirect.com).
Some research indicates certain breeds may be more prone to a prominent second puberty. Herding breeds like border collies and German shepherds seem especially affected, likely due to their tendency for neotenic behaviors retention from puppyhood (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Additionally, larger breed dogs over 50 pounds appear more susceptible than smaller dogs. Experts theorize their longer developmental trajectory contributes to a more drawn-out process of physical and sexual maturation, compared to faster developing small breeds (bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com).
So while secondary puberty manifests differently across breeds, the majority of adolescent dogs will undergo noticeable behavior and hormonal shifts reminiscent of a second puberty phase.
Risk Factors
Certain dogs are at higher risk of experiencing second puberty than others. According to research, intact (unneutered) dogs have a much greater likelihood of going through a second adolescence compared to neutered dogs [1]. This is because neutering prevents the production of sex hormones that drive many of the changes seen in puberty.
In terms of breed, large and giant breeds tend to be more prone to second puberty than smaller dogs. Their growth plates take longer to close, delaying the completion of normal adolescence. Herding breeds like Collies and Shepherds are also more likely to undergo a second teenage phase [2].
So in summary, intact male dogs past 1 year old, large/giant breeds, and herding breed dogs seem to be at highest risk for experiencing a second round of adolescence.
Health Concerns
Second puberty in dogs can lead to some concerning behavioral changes that affect their health and wellbeing. Some of the most notable issues include:
Increased aggression leading to bites – The hormonal fluctuations of this stage can cause dogs to become more irritable and short-tempered. This may result in growling, snapping, or biting when provoked. Owners should be cautious and avoid triggers that agitate the dog during this time.[1]
Running away/getting lost – Adolescent dogs may suddenly wander or run off as they test boundaries. Their recall skills often worsen too. This poses dangers of getting lost, injured, or killed.[2]
Anxiety and destructive behaviors – Dogs may develop separation anxiety, fearfulness, or compulsive habits like chewing items. Their boredom and stress culminates in damage to property.[3]
Treatment Options
There are a few main treatment options to help dogs manage the effects of second puberty:
Increased exercise and structured outlets – Providing plenty of exercise through walks, runs, playing fetch, or access to a backyard can help dogs burn off excess energy. Enrolling in obedience classes, agility training, or other structured activities can also provide an outlet. This helps curb behavioral issues.
Neutering/spaying – Neutering male dogs and spaying female dogs is an effective way to minimize the hormone changes and negative effects of second puberty. This can reduce roaming, aggression, anxiety and other problematic behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medication – In more severe cases, a veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety medication or other drugs to help a dog cope with the effects of hormonal changes. This can ease anxiety, restlessness and reactivity.
Prevention
There are some steps owners can take to help prevent or reduce the intensity of the second puberty in dogs:
Early spay/neuter is recommended by many veterinarians to prevent the hormonal changes associated with second puberty. Spaying or neutering before the first heat cycle for females or around 6 months of age for males may help. Source
Proper socialization and training from an early age can prevent behavior problems later on. Puppies should be exposed to new sights, sounds, people, other animals, etc. in a positive way. Ongoing obedience training creates a well-behaved dog. Source
Providing mental stimulation through interactive toys, food puzzles, training sessions, and more physical and mental exercise can prevent boredom and anxiety. A tired, well-stimulated dog is less likely to act out. Source
Outlook
Second puberty is usually temporary. With proper care and management from owners, dogs typically come through this phase well. According to vethelpdirect.com, the changes seen during second puberty usually resolve after several heat cycles.
Some dogs may only experience one additional heat cycle during second puberty before returning to normal. Other dogs may go through a few extra cycles over several months before their hormones rebalance. As long as dogs are monitored, any concerning symptoms are addressed, and their needs are met, the prognosis is very good.
Second puberty does not mean a dog will have ongoing estrus issues or that any serious medical conditions are imminent. With a watchful and caring owner, regular veterinary checkups, and patience during this transitional time, most dogs fully return to their normal selves before too long.
