DogTeen: Unleashing the Teenage Rebellion in Pups!

As dogs enter their teenage years, their hormone levels undergo significant changes, which in turn lead to considerable shifts in their behavior. They become increasingly preoccupied with other dogs and the scents around them. Sometimes, even in a short span of time, they may start to urinate indoors, particularly in female dogs that are in heat for the first time, or even in those that were previously very clean. Additionally, as their confidence grows, some puppies may test the boundaries of their initial good behavior, and if not properly guided by their owners, they might even challenge their human companions. For puppies with behavioral issues, an overabundance of confidence can lead them to act more aggressively or to use an offensive approach to deal with perceived threats, rather than opting to flee.

Strict Supervision of Estrous Dogs

Driven by their desire for romance, some dogs may attempt to "elope." To minimize such occurrences, pet owners can take preemptive measures by understanding the behavior of dogs in heat.

During estrus, dogs experience notable changes in their physiological functions and behavior, becoming less settled, more restless, and having difficulty concentrating, even to the point of losing their appetite. When taking them for walks, owners must not only keep a tight grip on the leash but also maintain a safe distance from other dogs. It's best to avoid peak "dog walking hours" to reduce potential encounters.

Male Dogs in Their Teenage Years

Male dogs become particularly interested in females, often following them around and even licking their urine. They may engage in "humping" behaviors, such as mounting toys or other dogs. They may also start to assume the posture of lifting their leg to urinate. They become bolder, more impulsive, and eager to challenge other dogs, with a strong sense of territoriality. They are energetic and may be prone to fighting with other male dogs.

Female Dogs in Their Teenage Years

Females can become extremely emotional during this time, with frequent urination and other physiological changes, including the onset of their "period." If the flow is light, it may be licked away. Before estrus, they show no interest in male dogs, but once in heat, they become highly attracted to the opposite sex. Their appetite may decrease, so it's advisable to offer wet food (canned food) to increase their intake during this period.

Other Symptoms of Adolescence

During their teenage phase, dogs may exhibit a decrease in learning ability, shown by a lack of appetite and a tendency to be easily distracted. Their emotions can be easily influenced by external factors, leading to stress and various behavioral issues, such as barking. They may also ignore their owners, be unresponsive to calls, or even attempt to escape.

Male Dogs' Territorial Instincts

During the mating season, male dogs display a marked tendency to mark their territory by urinating extensively. This is a form of boundarysetting, where they leave their urine in certain areas to assert dominance. The higher and more frequently they urinate, the larger their perceived territory. As a result, most male dogs in heat will lift their legs to urinate as high as possible to claim a larger area of land.