Understanding Your Dog’s Mood Swings
Ever wondered why your once well-behaved pup suddenly becomes a teenager on two (or four) paws? Or why your senior dog seems less interested in playing fetch? The answer might lie in their hormones.
Just like humans, dogs experience hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives, impacting their behaviour in surprising ways. As a Heywood dog trainer with a passion for helping dog owners understand their furry friends, I see this all the time.
Hormonal Rollercoasters:
- Puppy Power: Puberty brings a surge of hormones like testosterone and oestrogen, leading to territorial behaviours, mounting, and even rebellion. Consistent training and socialisation are key during this phase.
- Heat Cycle: Female dogs experience hormonal shifts during their heat cycle, causing restlessness, increased vocalisation, and changes in social dynamics.
- Golden Years: As dogs age, hormonal changes can result in decreased activity, less social interaction, and even cognitive decline.
Understanding the Science:
- Oxytocin: This “love hormone” strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
- Cortisol: The stress hormone, cortisol, can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression.
- Thyroid Hormones: Imbalances in thyroid hormones can cause changes in behaviour like hyperactivity, aggression, or depression.
Helping Your Dog Through It:
- Early Socialisation: Socialising your pup from a young age helps them adapt to hormonal changes later in life.
- Positive Training: Building self-confidence and desirable behaviours through positive reinforcement training can reduce the impact of hormonal fluctuations.
- Regular Vet Checks: Early detection and treatment of hormonal imbalances through veterinary care is crucial.
Heywood Dog Training: Your Partner in Understanding Your Dog
Understanding your dog’s hormones helps you create a nurturing environment throughout their life. At Simply Dog Behaviour I cover the Heywood area, I can help you navigate these changes and build a strong bond with your furry friend.
Contact me today for a training session and let’s work together to understand your dog’s behaviour, one wag at a time.