Canine age to start flirting?

[AllosKisser]

General questions for the forum: I have read a few threads before I signed up, but I am still confused as to when you should introduce the idea that intimacy is a thing they can do with us.

I have also read other threads, and would love to see a proper thread for this topic as it seems to be by breed/size? I have read elsewhere that some breeds take 3+ years to mature mentally. Oh, and sex of the dog into account. Do females typically mature faster than males, or? That one came from Reddit.

Personal details for this thread: Let me first say that 1. I am a female, AFAB, and I have a male dog.
2. He is intact, an american shepard mix, 1 year and 4 months old, and this is a medium breed maxing at about 40lbs and I am 175lbs. Because I thought about it, I won't lie, I do think he could reach me if I used a cushion to level myself if the time comes.
and most importantly 3. I don't have this kind of connection with my boy, I can tell he is still young and goofy.
I havent tried anything but I do encourage him to "manage" himself in appropriate ways/scenarios. He runs to our room, into his crate and yearning-yips. I bring out his mount and scooch him back to place it properly for him. Dont want him to bump his head or arms on anything being too excited. He will also mount plushies. All this only in our room.
I also made sure in a platonic way that he is comfortable with touches and manuevering, and he seems to have the idea down that the vets office is for handsy stuff. So all in all he is a very good minded boy! I couldn't have asked for a better first dog(that I am in charge of fully.)

But, he has tried to mount my arm a few times and I practically melted inside.

I can, as I must, wait to ask him how he likes me.
So, at what age should we explore our relationship?

 

[DingoJay]

First, "still young and goofy" tells me he is probably still too young to start doing sexy things. If he does things on his own, that's OK, that's how he learns how things work.

I'm a male who likes male dogs, and I freely admit that I made mistakes with one of my boys in the past. I started playing with him sexually when he was quite young and ended up with a dog who was aggressive with other males, marking in the house and other bad behavior. It got to the point that I had to have him neutered because he was picking fights with the other dog and challenging me with everything I wanted him to do or not do.

There is no specific age when he will be ready, but you will start to notice that he is behaving more like a "Real Dog" and less like a puppy. Every dog is different. By American shepherd, I suspect you mean a smaller Aussie type. That's a working, herding type dog with tons of energy who needs some type of job. If you could get him into some type of obedience classes and work with him every day it could make a big difference. Once he gets that down, maybe some herding practice, but if you're in the city that might be hard to find.

It will take some time and lots of patience, as well as plenty of exercise, but if you end up with a polite, well behaved dog who is up for some naughty fun "after hours" it's definitely worth the work and the wait. Good luck with him.

 

[arne33]

Sounds to me like you will have to practice some patience and wait for 8-12 months before you can start dating...

 

[AllosKisser]

First, "still young and goofy" tells me he is probably still too young to start doing sexy things. If he does things on his own, that's OK, that's how he learns how things work.

I'm a male who likes male dogs, and I freely admit that I made mistakes with one of my boys in the past. I started playing with him sexually when he was quite young and ended up with a dog who was aggressive with other males, marking in the house and other bad behavior. It got to the point that I had to have him neutered because he was picking fights with the other dog and challenging me with everything I wanted him to do or not do.

There is no specific age when he will be ready, but you will start to notice that he is behaving more like a "Real Dog" and less like a puppy. Every dog is different. By American shepherd, I suspect you mean a smaller Aussie type. That's a working, herding type dog with tons of energy who needs some type of job. If you could get him into some type of obedience classes and work with him every day it could make a big difference. Once he gets that down, maybe some herding practice, but if you're in the city that might be hard to find.

It will take some time and lots of patience, as well as plenty of exercise, but if you end up with a polite, well behaved dog who is up for some naughty fun "after hours" it's definitely worth the work and the wait. Good luck with him.

Thank you so much for the reply, yes he's a smaller aussie. The breeder and akc use two different terms. I plan on doing agility with him first to build a team relationship on something easier. I think when we move next we will have the herding oppurtunity! I cant wait to see that.

So giving him a structure around "playing by himself" was a good move?
I was worried about him developing aggressive behaviour as you mentioned.
So far he's been good with other dogs meeting me and my family on shorter(40+ minute) walks. He will selectively walk between us when I pet other dogs. So I try not to interact with dogs we dont know as to not put their humans in an uncomfortable training situation.
And since we got him he didnt like our family hugging or kissing each other, or me holding other animals. He will bark and/or whine. Again I try to control variables, but we have rall trees so I end of nursing young critters.
He is also leash reactive ever since our first trainer helped us get him over his fear of other dogs. A switch flipped lol, now he LOVES dogs. They matter more than whoever is handeling him.
Other than these nothing else has cropped up thankfully.

My uncle says I'm expecting him to become a little soldier, like the malinois handlers show off(goals, I love those crazy dogs, but I'm worried they'll get hurt and show no signs.) I dont, I believe structure earns freedom. He comes back 9/10? Can leave-it on the stinkiest scent trail? He gets to go off leash at the river meets. That simple.(I actually spent $125 on a fenced sniff spot of a couple acres as a demonstration. He barely listened, didnt stay near us, and if he caught a scent he was off into the trees. I made the kiddos chase after him as I trailed behind in case he outpaced them. Their momma was happy they passed out in the car.)

I'm having a hard time finding a trainer that meets my standards. One woman I thought was fine apparently dramatically gestured "No!" to my aunt while I rummaged through his veterinary files, because I said I will be keeping him intact.
Like I get it, I have to repeat basics a lot, but that isn't a problem for me. I'm just repeating until we can get a proper trainer, and when he is dog minded, then real training begins so he can have the freedom he craves now.

In my head, I made the mistake of comparing him to the Doggy-U woman's labrador puppy. I think he is still intact? And he behaves better as a teenager than Allos does. But she is a trainer of many years. And a labrador is less... whatever makes my boy less biddable. And my boy's litter was neglected because no profit in a mixed breed I guess... I wasnt expecting early scent introduction or anything, but at least teach them to sit, expose them to your home appliance noises, a fricken TV???

I'm sure my boy here will turn out balnced enough, but teenaged life has felt longer than so many months its actually been. 10/10 challenge, will definitely do it again when I can afford another prospect.

 

[AllosKisser]

Sounds to me like you will have to practice some patience and wait for 8-12 months before you can start dating...

That I can do! I'm in no rush, but sometimes he makes me blush and I have to go to bed early. Ill be happy if after another year and so, he just lets me watch him have fun.

 

[K9EXP]

Well, every dog is different. However, I think ”it” could happen any day now as he is old enough in terms of physical development. If he met a bitch in heat (I’m referring to a dog ), I’m quite sure he’d mount already.

But take your time and let him spark his interest. He will sense your arousal for sure. He just needs to learn it’s ok to do something about it

I have some experience with younger dogs and their first times. I’m happy to elaborate via DM in case you’re interested.

 

[AllosKisser]

Well, every dog is different. However, I think ”it” could happen any day now as he is old enough in terms of physical development. If he met a bitch in heat (I’m referring to a dog ), I’m quite sure he’d mount already.

But take your time and let him spark his interest. He will sense your arousal for sure. He just needs to learn it’s ok to do something about it

I have some experience with younger dogs and their first times. I’m happy to elaborate via DM in case you’re interested.

He has met both an older bitch in heat, about 9 years old, and a young dog more recently going into heat. He was a perfect gentleman both times. He has only mounted males and been mounted because he's intact I guess.
I would like to wait until he is surely of clear mind from puppy puberty to expand on these rules as I outlined prior.

I can hope things go a certain way, he's a little charmer, but I am happy he's in my life. I keep him fit and he helps me stay active.

 

[DingoJay]

Usually, mounting other males has nothing to do with sex. It's more likely a dominance thing. It's also rude and could potentially start a fight if he keeps it up. If you can discourage him from doing that, that would be good. Of course, having had male dogs for a very long time, I have to admit that it's easier said than done. He might outgrow it, but he will probably be put into his place a time or two by an older dog.

 

[thepuppygirl]

First, "still young and goofy" tells me he is probably still too young to start doing sexy things. If he does things on his own, that's OK, that's how he learns how things work.

I'm a male who likes male dogs, and I freely admit that I made mistakes with one of my boys in the past. I started playing with him sexually when he was quite young and ended up with a dog who was aggressive with other males, marking in the house and other bad behavior. It got to the point that I had to have him neutered because he was picking fights with the other dog and challenging me with everything I wanted him to do or not do.

There is no specific age when he will be ready, but you will start to notice that he is behaving more like a "Real Dog" and less like a puppy. Every dog is different. By American shepherd, I suspect you mean a smaller Aussie type. That's a working, herding type dog with tons of energy who needs some type of job. If you could get him into some type of obedience classes and work with him every day it could make a big difference. Once he gets that down, maybe some herding practice, but if you're in the city that might be hard to find.

It will take some time and lots of patience, as well as plenty of exercise, but if you end up with a polite, well behaved dog who is up for some naughty fun "after hours" it's definitely worth the work and the wait. Good luck with him.

that’s nice to know tbh

 

[RINGTIGHT]

First, "still young and goofy" tells me he is probably still too young to start doing sexy things. If he does things on his own, that's OK, that's how he learns how things work.

I'm a male who likes male dogs, and I freely admit that I made mistakes with one of my boys in the past. I started playing with him sexually when he was quite young and ended up with a dog who was aggressive with other males, marking in the house and other bad behavior. It got to the point that I had to have him neutered because he was picking fights with the other dog and challenging me with everything I wanted him to do or not do.

There is no specific age when he will be ready, but you will start to notice that he is behaving more like a "Real Dog" and less like a puppy. Every dog is different. By American shepherd, I suspect you mean a smaller Aussie type. That's a working, herding type dog with tons of energy who needs some type of job. If you could get him into some type of obedience classes and work with him every day it could make a big difference. Once he gets that down, maybe some herding practice, but if you're in the city that might be hard to find.

It will take some time and lots of patience, as well as plenty of exercise, but if you end up with a polite, well behaved dog who is up for some naughty fun "after hours" it's definitely worth the work and the wait. Good luck with him.

Having started very young with mine, he has never developed bad behavior with his peers, workingline German shepherd

 

[lablvr]

I have one doing it incredibly young on his own. He was offered a hand which he took advantage of and enjoyed very much.

I have not seen one do it this young before. But he is showing interest when I am doing my own thing. wanting to lick and then trying to mount up. He won't be allowed to go beyond a hand until he is older and can handle it.