Do dogs also go through puberty?
London (UK) - As children slowly grow up and enter puberty, it can be stressful for parents. But what about dogs?

Even four-legged friends go through phases where they become rebellious and no longer listen to their foster parents, i.e. their master or mistress.
A study has now made this finding official, reported the British news channel BBC.
According to the study, puberty in dogs begins at the age of six to eight months. The researchers examined 69 animals before (five months old) and during (eight months old) this teenage phase.
The scientists also asked 285 dog owners about their experiences. The questionnaires confirmed the findings of the previous study.
How puberty affects dogs

According to the BBC, the four-legged friends become somewhat sluggish when they reach adolescence. It is said that even the simplest commands, such as "sit", take a while for the dog to react.
But, as with humans, puberty doesn't just affect the parents.
When the young dog meets new human acquaintances, it usually behaves more calmly than before. Suddenly, the animals behave much better and reconsider their behavior.
"What we found is evidence that dogs are less obedient to their owners, and this applies specifically to their owners, but not to other people," explains zoologist Naomi Harvey.
"This is due to hormonal fluctuations and the remodeling of the brain into an adult brain," Harvey continues in the study.
What happens after the dog teenage years?

According to the study, puberty should not last "forever". An animal is only in this phase for a few months.
"This is a very important time in a dog's life," says animal behavior researcher Lucy Asher, who led the study.
However, this time is not only important for the pet. Dog owners also need to adjust and realize that their pups won't stay small and cute forever, according to the study.
"But as with human teenagers, owners need to be aware that their dog is going through a difficult phase and that it will pass," Asher continues.
According to the animal behaviorist, dogs should not be punished unnecessarily during this time. Instead, they should be rewarded when they have done something right. That way, the dog is more likely to remain obedient and not become a naughty pet.
"The dog is not behaving badly on purpose. It's biology," Asher emphasizes in the study.