Now, brace yourself for another twist in the puppy saga – they’re entering what we call a “fear phase.” From my experience, this is the time when frantic puppy parents reach out to me, convinced their once-joyful pup has turned into a tiny monster of aggression. But hold your horses – it’s just your puppy trying to navigate a world full of potential stressors! That happy-go-lucky bearded beauty might transform into a cautious creature, resembling a toddler glued to their mom’s leg, or it could morph into a snarling, barking beast that seems like it’s auditioning for a role in a horror movie. Standard Schnauzers, with their natural guarding instincts, may struggle to distinguish between what requires protection and what is merely a minor concern. They haven’t quite figured out what deserves protection versus what simply requires a stern look and a polite “no thanks.”

At six months, here’s what you might experience with your puppy.

• Teething Time: By the time they reach six months, most puppies are done teething, but they might still chew instinctively. We go through a lot of bully sticks in this phase!
• Changing Behaviors: Around this age, you might notice your puppy pushing limits, having mood swings, trying to be more independent, and showing a bit more interest in mating.
• Awkward Teenage Phase: Some pups can get a little nervous or shy when meeting new people, other dogs, or just going about their daily routines. Plus, older dogs can be less forgiving of those teenage antics and might respond with tougher corrections.
• Fear-Induced Aggression: Puppies might act defensively when they come across new experiences, unfamiliar faces, or other dogs.
• Growth Slump: Small to medium-sized puppies often hit a growth slowdown around six months. But don’t let that fool you, they’re still growing! Their leg growth plates are open, so it’s crucial to steer clear of long or intense workouts to avoid injury.
• Reaching Sexual Maturity: The old advice about spaying or neutering pets before they hit six months is finally becoming less popular. Waiting until they’re fifteen months allows them to benefit from their natural hormones during their growth phase. There is a wealth of information—and some misconceptions—surrounding early spay/neuter practices, but it’s important to recognize that the U.S. approaches this issue with a level of intensity that isn’t seen elsewhere, often equating it with responsible pet ownership.

It’s important to consider the timing of spaying or neutering dogs, as doing so too early can impact their growth and development. When these pups are altered early, they may not achieve their full size and weight, and their bones and ligaments might not develop as strongly as they could, exposing them to various joint disorders and orthopedic challenges later in life. There’s also evidence suggesting that sexually altered dogs may face a higher likelihood of developing hypothyroidism. There are, of course, benefits to spaying and neutering, but as conscientious breeders committed to the long-term health and well-being of our puppies, we strongly recommend waiting until they’re at least 15 months old. However, you must be ready for the extra responsibility that comes with it! Even if they still seem like puppies, most dogs hit sexual maturity around six to nine months, and their drive to mate can be out-of-this-world! The males especially can seem like they’re constantly auditioning for a role in a canine porno film, sometimes even using your pillows or the kids’ stuffed animals as their co-stars! So, brace yourself and be prepared for the phase ahead:

• • Males: During this period, it’s important to keep an eye on any sexually motivated behaviors like mounting, marking, or male-to-male posturing, and gently discourage them when needed. You won’t know if there’s a female in heat within a 3-mile radius, but he does! Be wary that this is when he may try to run off or escape and find it hard to concentrate on training exercises if in the presence of the powerful perfume of a female in heat. And forget about best buddies forever! Just like humans, one sultry siren can turn best pals into rivals faster than you can say “doggy drama!”
  • Females: When a female dog goes into heat, you can expect her to start bleeding for about one to two weeks. In the days leading up to this, you might observe some changes in her behavior – she could be panting more frequently, drinking extra water, and feeling a bit warm or itchy. It’s normal for her to act differently during this time; she may become a little irritable or, on the other hand, seem shy and cautious. You might notice her grooming herself more often as she tries to stay clean and relieve any discomfort around her vulva. Just a friendly reminder: even when the bleeding subsides, it doesn’t signal the end of her heat cycle! In fact, that’s when she’s ovulating and her desire to mate peaks. So, keep a watchful eye on her, even in your own backyard! Dogs can be surprisingly crafty and agile when it comes to getting around obstacles. For cleanliness, you may want to consider putting panties (a.k.a. bitches-britches) on her until the bleeding subsides.