[Ersi]

Why is my 9 months old, very well behaved dog, suddenly doing stuff he isnt
supposed to do and never did so far. Example : Sleeping on the sofa and ripping pillows. Somebody please give me a hint...

[Lara's mom]

Canine adolescence.

[Ersi]

thank you Lara's Mom. Canine adolescence is the only reason that would make sense...:-) But i ll keep an extra eye on her to see if and how often those "incidents" will happen again.
I was worried i am doing something wrong..

[cigwyllt]

Sorry - is your dog male or female? A male dog will try and push the boundaries when he reaches adolescence. If you are planning on having him neutered which is the responsible thing to do now is the time to do it.

If your dog is female should be entering her first season, she will be confused and emotional, a bit like a young girl experiencing her first period, and will be clingy and may be thinking of nesting - hence ripping up the soft furnishings.

[Ersi]

she is female...

[cigwyllt]

She is probably approaching her first season then. It won't necessarily happen in the next week or so but it will be affecting her. Watch out for swelling and for a blood stained discharge. Make sure you keep her away from any unneutered males from the time it starts for about a month.

[Ersi]

Thank you for the advice Cigwyllt.
Another issue.. I asked my Vet about the sterilizing procedure, when is a good time to have it. He said that it should be after she had at least two periods, and ideally, after she gives birth at least one time ( because after a pregnancy/birth) her inner organs will be in a much better position and it will be better for her..
I know its a controversial issue, but any opinion would be appreciated..

[Lara's mom]

I'm sure opinions on this subject vary widely. I have always been told by various vets that the best time to spay is BEFORE the first heat.