Study reveals dogs go through puberty just like humans do


A study has revealed that dogs go through puberty just like humans do.
According to researchers at Newcastle University adolescent dogs can have changes in their mood just like teenagers can be moody or unpredictable.
“Generally teenagers that have a less secure relationship with their parents are those that are more likely to show more conflict behaviour towards their parents,” said Dr Lucy Asher, co-author of the research at Newcastle University. “That’s the same finding that we have [between adolescent dogs and their carers].”
Dr Lucy said that, like in human teenagers, dogs who have a less secure bond with their parents may “play up” to test their owners.
MORE: Study reveals you could be making your dog depressed if you do this (opens in new tab)
“Perhaps they are not misbehaving just because they are naughty, but it is just like in humans – the hormones are raging and there are things going on in the brain,” she continued.
“We know that there are hormonal changes and we know there is a big reorganisation of the brain that occurs around that time across mammals, so we are fairly confident that is something that is going on in dogs,” added Dr Lucy. However she said that until this study it was unclear how this age period related to canine behaviour.
Looking at behaviour of German shepherds, golden retrievers, labrador retrievers or crosses of the these breeds, Dr Asher said that the puberty transition occurs around six to nine years old.
Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, professor of psychology and cognitive neuroscience at the University of Cambridge backed up the study, adding, “In humans, adolescence is often associated with increased risk taking, peer influence and conflict with parents.
“This is probably due to multiple factors including hormonal changes, brain and cognitive development and changes in the social environment,” she continued.
MORE: Study reveals how dogs actually communicate with humans (opens in new tab)
“The [canine] research suggests certain behaviours that we associate with teenagers are not unique to humans.”
Like anyone needed another moody teenager in the house…
Aleesha is a digital shopping writer at woman&home—so whether you're looking for beauty, fashion, health or home buys, she knows what the best buys are at any moment. She earned an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London in 2017 and has since worked with a number of brands including Women's Health, Stylist and Goodto. A year on the w&h news team gained her invaluable insight into where to get the best lifestyle releases first—as well as an AOP awards nomination.
-
-
The best Fitbits to help you hit your health and wellness goals
Monitor your health and take your fitness regime to the next level with one of our top picks
By Grace Walsh • Published
-
How to apply foundation like a pro
Expert makeup artist and No7 Makeup Ambassador, Joy Adenuga, shares everything you need to apply foundation, from shade-matching to application techniques
By Stephanie Maylor • Published
-
Menopause needs an image rebrand—let’s celebrate rather than fear it
A convincing argument on why menopause can be a positive stage of a woman's life
By Michelle Hather • Published
-
Why our health editor will never use a sleep tracker
Could a tracker be ruining your sleep? Our health editor, Lucy Gornall, dives in...
By Lucy Gornall • Published
-
Dog and cat owners reveal one positive of lockdown for their pets
Our pets complete us...
By Debra Waters • Published
-
Vets warn why you shouldn't give homemade food to your pets
By Debra Waters • Published
-
Health expert reveals doing this one thing during lockdown could save your life
By Mariana Cerqueira • Published
-
Sex toy sales are booming during lockdown and here’s what we’re all stockpiling
It’s not just toilet roll that everyone’s after...
By Faye M Smith • Published