At around six months of age your puppy will be turning from a juvenile into an adolescent. This can bring about changes in body shape as growth slows down and the body starts to fill out. Long legged gangly puppies will adopt more elegant adult proportions over the next six months.

Bad Behavior

This is also the time that male puppies start to think about the opposite sex, albeit in a somewhat confused way. For some dogs, cushions, furnishings and even their owner's legs can provide an outlet for their frustrations and mounting behavior is common at this age. While annoying and embarrassing, this behavior will normally settle down again after a couple of months but some dogs will continue to mount objects after this time. Neutering your male dog is a good solution in the vast majority of cases. This routine operation involves removal of the testicles - the main source of the hormones that cause these behaviors.

Changing Habits

The other change you might notice as your male dog grows up is that he will start lifting his leg to urinate. This is quite normal but a small number of dogs may also start to mark their territory by lifting their leg and urinating on objects in the home. Aggression towards other male dogs may also occur during these 'teenage' years. Again, the vast majority of these types of problems are solved by neutering and many owners choose to have their male dogs neutered at around six months before any of these potential behaviors can be demonstrated.

Being Defensive

Some young male dogs may start to act to defend things that they feel are their own - this may be your home and garden, a treasured toy, or even the members of your family. While it is comforting to know that your dog wants to defend your home and family, such protective behavior can cause problems if your dog also starts to react aggressively. If your dog growls when approached while eating or playing with a toy, these should be taken as warning signs that the territorial instinct has become too well developed. There are a number of behavioral techniques that can be used to help these dogs and your vet can provide advice or may suggest a referral to a pet behaviorist. Territorial aggression is also sometimes helped by neutering.

True Love

There is one other type of behavior that you might notice that will only be demonstrated from time to time. If a female dog is 'in season' in the local area you may find that your male dog goes off his food, becomes sad and listless; or restless and anxious to roam. It is not uncommon for male dogs to make active attempts to escape to find the target of their devotion. This can result in dogs becoming involved in accidents or getting lost. Extra vigilance and a little pampering will help him through this troubled time. Of course, like teenagers, some male puppies are more difficult than others but thankfully most will scrape through adolescence with everyone's sanity more or less intact.

Hills Author Hills Author
Staff Author

One of our staff authors prepared this article for you

Related articles

Four Ways to Keep Your Adult Dog's Weight Ideal & Healthy

Obesity can cause serious canine health issues, but following these 4 steps to achieve and maintain a healthy weight for your adult dog can help.

Why Does My Dog Cover Their Face?

Are you wondering "Why does my dog hide their face?" Learn what your dog might be trying to tell you and whether you should be worried about the behavior.

Recognizing and Managing Dog Dementia

Learn the common signs of dog dementia & canine cognitive dysfunction, how it is diagnosed and possible treatments that can be taken to manage the disease.

Fostering a Puppy: A How-To Guide

First-time foster parents: Learn about the process of fostering a puppy or dog, including how to prepare, challenges & rewards that come with it.

Xylitol and Dogs: A Harmful Combination

The sweetener xylitol can be harmful to dogs. Discover which food products contain xylitol, signs your dog has consumed some, and what to do in that case.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Cold Weather

Discover important tips to keep your dog warm in cold winter temperatures. Learn how much time your dog can spend outside & what to do if he gets too cold.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe on Halloween

Keep your dog healthy this Halloween by following these safety tips. Taking the necessary precautions will keep your dog from harm.

Transportation and traveling

If you're planning on transporting or traveling with your puppy any time soon, you should consider following these helpful suggestions to keep them safe.

Why Do Small Dog Breeds Live Longer?

Learn why small dog breeds often live longer than large breeds, including the average life expectancy for each, and tips for helping your dog live longer.

Cardiomyopathy in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Learn the basics about cardiomyopathy in dogs, including types of this condition, breeds affected, symptoms dogs might show and how veterinarians treat it.

The Importance of Exercise for Your Puppy

Find out why exercising is so important to your puppy's overall healthy by reading through these 4 helpful facts.

Rehoming a Dog After the Loss of a Loved One

Rehoming a dog may seem overwhelming after the death of a loved one, but there are a few simple tips you can take to help make the adjustment.

A Quick and Easy Guide to Cleaning Dog Toys

Discover tips for cleaning your dog's favorite toys (both plush & chew toys) and why keeping them clean can be important for their health.

Dog Nipping & Puppy Play Biting

Discover why dog nipping is such a common behavior, even among the best behaved pups, as well as how to get your puppy to stop nipping.

Why Do Dogs Sniff Each Other's Butts?

Why do dogs sniff each other's butts? In short: It's their most effective option for a meet and greet. Learn more about this common dog behavior.

Why Is My Dog Eating Dirt?

Dogs eating dirt: it can be a random occurrence or a regular thing, so learn what to do if you notice this behavior and if you should visit the vet.

Common Health Issues in Puppies

While vaccinations can help guard your dog or puppy against a range of health problems, there are some common dog health problems that can't. Learn more.

Can Dogs Be Vegan?

Wondering if a vegan dog diet would work for your pup? Learn the health implications of vegan food for him and how to handle his diet if you are a vegan.

How to Make Your Own Dog Obstacle Course

Learn how to make a DIY dog obstacle course at home with items you already own. Follow these instructions and you & your pup will be training in no time!

Fact or Fiction: Can Dogs Smell Cancer?

Learn about dogs' ability to smell cancer in humans before even traditional screenings, including amazing real life stories demonstrating this ability.