when does puppy adolescence begin
Just like human children, our dogs go through that dreaded period of social development that strikes fear in the hearts of all parents â adolescence. This is a period where individuals will test boundaries and assert their independence. This is also the period when many dog owners give up, and many dogs end up at the shelter. People forget that this is a frustrating phase that their dog will eventually grow out of. Adolescence is an essential part of growing up, a period for developing the skills necessary to survive, and thrive, in the adult world. When does adolescence begin for your puppy? That depends on his size and breed. Small breed dogs mature more quickly than large breed dogs. Generally small dogs enter adolescence by about three-and-a-half to four months of age, giant breeds as late as six months. Small breed dogs reach social maturity by about one year, giant breed remain adolescent until roughly three.