Hi guys! My wee dog is now 5 months old and there are some signs of him starting to mature, such as marking when he's out on a walk (only on grass).

How old was your dog when you noticed signs of this? He's getting neutered as soon as he's allowed to, but I just find behaviour interesting to observe. I thought he was going to try to cock his leg earlier but instead decided to roll on the shrub

What breed is he? Big breeds mature far faster than small ones due to their differing lifespans, ie. A Newfie or Great Dane would be fully mature (mentally and physically) at around 8 months as it would likely only live to 8, whereas a yorkie or similar would take to around 2 years to reach the same maturity level and live to around 15 or so. A puppy is a dog under 1 year old, and generally reaches full maturity at around 18 months old. Most dogs are sexually mature at around 5-6 months and can be neutered then, though it varies in breeds and bigger breeds are usually left a bit longer. Puppies normally don't start to cock their legs until their about one (and some never get the hang of it!), so don't be puzzled if he keeps squatting for now!

Yes my question epulid be breed too. My jrt was about the same ages when we got all humpy with our toys but y saluki never did (he was 7 months when neutered). If things have dropped the. You could speak to the vet about neutering early, but it may just be the first signs of manhood

**would not epulid (wtf? iPad)

Thanks for the replies He's a chihuahua (here he is!). He's humped ever since we got him, but only one specific toy and he's now pretty much stopped humping altogether. I don't know if he enjoys the ergonomic shape of it or something (it's a turtle ) My wee boy is growing up *sniff*

I was so happy when my jr x cocked his leg for the first time to pee lol

Aww he's beautiful, I love Chihuahuas! You've got a little stunner there. He's a very small dog, so like the Yorkie example, won't by fully mature until he's about 2, but should be ok to castrate if his 'plums' have dropped. In some dogs, particularly small breeds, only one will drop (cryptorchidism), with the other retained inside the lower body, and it is thought the risk of testicular cancer is ten times more likely with dogs like this, so castration is definitely recommended.

Neutering may not stop him humping however, as humping isn't always about sex, but a way of showing dominance, which is why some bitches also do it. To a dog its natural, but to us it can be mortifying, especially if he starts his party trick in front of guests, so you really need to discourage him from doing it! If you catch him say 'no' firmly in a displeased tone and remove the toy, so he learns that you don't find that behaviour acceptable and it will get his toy taken away from him, and he should stop. Don't do what many people do, which is to laugh to cover their embarrassment, as he will take from this that you are pleased with what he's doing and be encouraged to continue his actions!