No feeding changes will be needed although due to the hormonal changes, you may notice a mild change in appetite in your dog, but this is not something to be overly concerned about. Be aware that there may be some discharge from the vulva and blood so you might want to avoid taking her into certain areas (such as carpeted floors!) or it may mean that it’s not appropriate for her to do activities such as going into work with you if you have a Pets At Work policy.

As the physical signs of oestrus subside, you may notice that your dog starts to become clingy or restless due to the hormonal changes.

False pregnancy in dogs

False pregnancy in dogs is quite common, also known as a ‘pseudopregnancy’, or a ‘phantom pregnancy’, it’s a condition where her body feels like it is pregnant, even though she is not. If this occurs, it tends to happen about 10-12 weeks after the end of her season. She may display the following symptoms:

• Whining and will appear obviously distressed.
• Nesting – she’ll probably try and nest anywhere and everywhere.
• She may become possessive of objects or toys and might also carry these around like babies.
• Increased clinginess.
• Decreased appetite.
• Milk production.
• Mammary enlargement.
• Milky vaginal discharge.
• Anorexia.

Luckily, false pregnancy in dogs does pass (normally between 1-2 weeks), and usually no treatment is needed, although if she shows severe aggression or very obsessive nesting behaviour your vet may advise some medical management. You can help by removing the objects she is attempting to ‘nurse’ or nest with, and thereby stop the association she is having with mothering-style behaviour, and ensure you keep her busy and occupied with exercise, enrichment and activities. It is worth being aware that often once false pregnancy in dogs starts, she is very likely to have them each season.

Male dog puberty symptoms

Males do not have a season like bitches, and once sexually mature they can breed all the time, although are at their most fertile between around 12-18 months old.

Usually, the testicles in a male puppy will descend into the scrotum very shortly after birth but sometimes they may take over one month and, very rarely, up to 1 year (although usually they have descended by 3 months of age when you take your puppy for his second vaccine). Once the testicles descend and his testosterone levels begin to rise, the puppy will start to lift their leg to urinate. The increased hormones can sometimes lead to behavioural changes including aggression, but these are very variable and differ between individual dogs.

There’s no contest. No disagreement. It’s pretty much a universal opinion. Puppies are great. It’s hard not to love a warm, soft, wiggly baby dog that wants to give you all of its affection. But as wonderful as they are, puppies can also be a lot of work — and that work doesn’t necessarily get easier as they get older.

As puppies age, they grow more independent, and by 6-12 months you may notice your once obedient pup is developing some unwanted behaviors. Don’t worry, some simple training tips will help you both get through these growing pains.

1. Reward calm behaviors to manage over-excitement

Just like humans, willpower comes with time. Young dogs can get easily over-excited or aroused by other dogs, people, or situations because their impulse control isn’t fully developed yet. When that over-excitement is directed at another dog or person, it could turn into frustration or aggression.

Tip

1: Help manage that over-excitement by teaching your furry best friend to calm down. While playing, ask them to sit between rounds of fetch. Reward calm behavior, like relaxing or laying down, with petting and praise.

Tip

2: Have your young dog drag a leash from their collar so you can easily pull them away from overly-aroused play. If you need to use your hands to separate your dog from the source of their overstimulation, never walk in front of them — instead lift their hip and use a dragging or wheel barrow motion.

2. Use their favorite treats to associate fear with something good

Even the friendliest of pups may display some fear toward strangers as they get older. This fear can look like shyness (hiding or leaving the room) or growling or barking.

Tip

1: Don’t punish these behaviors. Dogs tend to overact when they can’t escape a situation. Punishment won’t teach them to be unafraid. Barking and growling are warning signs that your dog is uncomfortable. If you punish these natural behaviors they may stop communicating — and jump straight to biting or more aggressive behavior.

Tip

2: When your dog is at a comfortable distance from the source of their fear, give them a tasty treat and then remove the scary thing or person from their view. This counter conditioning teaches your dog to associate scary things with something they enjoy.

3. Teach proper leash manners with patience and CONSISTENCY

Taking your dog for a walk is meant to be a fun time for you both. You each get exercise while enjoying fresh air.

As your dog gets older, they get stronger and, at around 5 months, their eyesight gets better. This beautiful combo means your walks can get off track as they pull you to smell and see more interesting things and stuff to eat (like that tasty rabbit poop).

Tip: Train your dog to avoid pulling and distractions while on their leash with these tips from our trainers, and practice being consistent each time you venture out for a stroll. Consistency is key to ensure your dog learns what's expected of them, while still being able to enjoy themselves and your adventure.

4. Monitor safe play

As dogs get older, their social circles shrink. They enter sexual maturity around 7-9 months and social maturity at 1-3 years. With that maturity and wisdom, they may be less interested in playing or they might play more roughly when excited. That rough play may lead to aggressive habits.

Tip: Watch your dog for positive body language — an open, smiley mouth, wiggly body, play bowing, and back-and-forth motions. Remove your dog from play when their body language becomes stiff (even if their tail is still wagging) or aggressive and redirect them or separate them from play so they can calm down.

5. Don’t reward mouthing (unless you want them to play-bite for the rest of their life)

Mouthing or play biting is natural for puppies and young dogs who are exploring their world mouth-first. After 6 months of age, they’ll start to use their nose and eyes more. If mouthing persists, it’s being reinforced in some way.

Tip

1: Don’t reward mouthing! Otherwise your dog will think this is ok behavior because they get your love or attention. Refrain from petting or treating your dog when it play bites you. It’s best to remove your attention all together — stop eye contact and touch, and don’t say anything (even hearing your voice can be rewarding). Just end the game and walk away.

Tip

2: If your dog mouths you or someone else, redirect them to an appropriate chew toy or try to calm them down by asking them to sit or lie down. Or, maybe even give them a time out, placing them behind a closed door or baby gate. Walk away for 30 seconds or enough time to calm down. Reward them by letting them return to their previous activity.

6. Provide appropriate toys to manage chewing

Dogs often go through two chewing stages. The first is around 4 months when their adult teeth start to come in. The second phase starts around 7 months and can last until your dog is 13-14 months old.

Tip: In both phases, calm the chaos by supervising your pup, putting away your belongings and puppy-proofing your home, and providing plenty of chew toys.

7. You can teach an old dog new tricks

It’s easier to learn new skills than break old habits. But that doesn’t mean you can’t train a dog of any age to learn new tricks!

Puppies learn obedience skills quickly, but they can break down temporarily as they become adolescents. “Teenage” dogs are more independent and are more easily distracted as they explore new sights and smells — all of which are way more fun than listening to mom or dad. Just like humans, they haven’t developed impulse control yet and have a lot of big feelings. We’ve all been there.

Tip: Go to training classes and practice at home! This is a great time to keep up with training classes — or start — to keep working on skills to make a well-mannered dog.

Did you know AHS offers dog and puppy training?

Our team of expert trainers uses reward-based, positive reinforcement training methods to provide a variety of obedience and specialty courses for all skill levels. Plus, training fees support our ongoing care of animals in need.