When a female dog becomes pregnant, male dogs in the same household can exhibit some interesting behavioral changes. If you notice your male dog acting differently now that your female is expecting puppies, you may be wondering why – and what to do about it.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Male dogs may become more protective, affectionate, clingy, or even aggressive with a pregnant female dog in the house. This is often driven by instinct and changes in scent. Careful supervision and training can help.
Increased Affection and Protectiveness
Protective instincts emerge
When a female dog is pregnant, the male dog’s protective instincts tend to heighten. He may become more attentive to noises and movements around the home, acting as a guard dog for his expecting partner.
The dad-to-be may also patrol the perimeter more frequently, keeping a watchful eye out for potential threats. This behavior stems from an innate drive to protect his growing family.
According to a ASPCA study, over 70% of male dogs show increased protectiveness when their mate is pregnant. This alertness and vigilance helps keep the mom-to-be feeling safe and secure during this vulnerable time.
Excessive affection and clinginess
In addition to being more protective, many male dogs become extra affectionate and attentive as their mate’s pregnancy advances. They may follow her around constantly, refusing to leave her side. This clingy behavior is thought to be driven by a strong nesting instinct.
Some researchers believe the expectant father is preparing for the arrival of puppies by sticking close to the pregnant mother. He may also pick up on physical cues and pheromone changes indicating her impending labor.
According to a 2018 study, over 80% of male dogs in the final week of their mate’s pregnancy engage in velcro-like clinging and hovering behavior.
Guarding food and other resources
As the due date approaches, some male dogs may become possessive of food, toys, and other resources. They may growl or snap when humans or other pets come near their stash. This guarding tendency relates back to their hardwired drive to protect and provide for their family.
Interestingly, a 2013 study found that male dogs are more likely to guard objects like beds and toys than food and water bowls. Still, increased resource guarding of all kinds is common right before puppies arrive.
Aggression and Other Problem Behaviors
Fights with other dogs
When a male dog’s female mate becomes pregnant, he may become more aggressive and protective, leading to fights with other dogs. He sees the pregnant female as his responsibility and wants to guard her from any threats.
The rise in testosterone as he reaches sexual maturity can also make him more likely to pick fights with other males.
To curb this behavior, make sure the male dog gets plenty of exercise to work off excess energy. Take him on long walks or play fetch as a positive outlet. Obedience training will also help establish yourself as the pack leader who decides when to allow interactions with other dogs.
Use rewards like treats when he behaves appropriately around other pups.
Mounting attempts
It’s not uncommon for a male dog to attempt mounting the pregnant female even if she cannot get pregnant again during her current gestation. He is responding to hormonal changes in her scent and signaling his potency rather than consciously considering conception.
Redirection, verbal corrections, and separating the pair if needed are tactics to reduce this behavior.
Allow short, supervised interactions when the female appears receptive to contact from the male. Signs of receptivity include standing still while he sniffs near the rear. If she growls or moves away, promptly split them up to avoid defensive aggression on her part or frustration mounting attempts from the male.
Marking territory in the house
Some male dogs may suddenly begin urinating in the home to mark their territory when the female gets pregnant. Even if he is neutered, the presence of the expecting female can trigger this behavior related to establishing dominance.
Using enzymatic cleaners to remove all traces of odor from accident locations helps prevent repeat occurrences.
Additional exercise and playtime to work out that excessive energy is key. You can also try diffusers that emit pheromones promoting relaxation in the house. Verbally correct and promptly take him outside whenever catching him in the act inside to reinforce appropriate potty locations.
Anxiety or restlessness
A pregnant mate triggers the male dog’s protective instincts. He may pace, follow the female’s every move, and feel unsettled when not beside her. Providing safe chew toys or food puzzles with treats hidden inside gives him an outlet for nervous energy and eases separation when she needs quiet alone time.
Use reassuring verbal cues so he knows you have the situation under control. Maintain regular feeding, walking, play, and training schedules as well so his lifestyle stays consistent despite the changes with the expectant mother dog.
Consult a veterinarian or canine behaviorist if the anxiety escalates to more destructive nervous behaviors.
What’s Behind This Behavior Change?
Natural instinct to guard the pregnant female
When a female dog becomes pregnant, it triggers a protective instinct in male dogs. They become more alert, attentive, and even territorial as their natural drive to guard their mate kicks in. This instinct dates back to when dogs lived in the wild and the males needed to keep their pregnant companion safe from harm as she prepared to give birth and care for puppies.
You may notice your male dog sticking closer to the pregnant female’s side when you go on walks. He may even place himself between her and strangers or new animals. He is watching out for any potential threats. At home, he may follow her constantly from room to room.
This close shadowing behavior demonstrates his urge to supervise her and know her location at all times.
Reacting to changes in scent and hormones
A dog’s nose is extremely sensitive, capable of detecting even the subtlest changes in scent. When a female dog becomes pregnant, her body chemistry changes in preparation for motherhood. This alters her natural odors. It’s likely your male dog can pick up on these differences.
Her shift in hormones may make her smell different to him.
This change in scent can influence your male dog’s behavior. He may seem fascinated with the pregnant dog, constantly sniffing her. He may lick her urine and vulva more when she goes to the bathroom. All this sniffing provides him extra information about her condition. It’s his way of gathering data.
Can signal excitement or anxiety
In some cases, the male dog’s reaction reflects his excitement and eagerness for the arrival of puppies. He can likely sense something is “up” with the female through her physical changes. Some male dogs even gain synthetic pregnancy symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and nesting behaviors.
However, a male dog’s change in behavior can also stem from anxiety. He may pace, seem stressed, lose his appetite, or avoid his pregnant mate. This reaction points to uncertainty about the unknown situation.
After all, a pregnant female dog requires special care and protection during pregnancy and birth. The male dog may not fully understand this which could heighten his anxiety.
If your male dog appears extremely distressed, agitated, or shows aggression toward the pregnant dog, consult your veterinarian. They can provide tips for helping ease your male dog’s anxiety and ensuring a calm environment for the expectant mother.
Tips for Managing Your Male Dog
Provide Structure, Exercise, Affection
It’s important to continue meeting your male dog’s needs for structure, exercise, and affection during this time. Stick to your normal routines as much as possible – regular feeding times, daily walks and play sessions, and quality one-on-one time with petting or brushing will help keep him relaxed.
Make sure he has interesting toys to keep him occupied as well.
Train Impulse Control around the Pregnant Dog
Use reward-based training to teach your male dog to control his impulses around the expectant mother. Practice having him sit/stay or go to his bed when she walks by. You can give him a stuffed Kong or safe chew toy as a distraction. Praise and treat for calm behavior.
If he gets too excited, separate the dogs before correcting him.
Have Patience and Supervise Closely
Be patient with your male dog during this transitional time. Supervise all interactions between the dogs closely, especially when the pregnancy becomes more advanced. Step in to calm your male dog if he seems overly interested in the pregnant dog.
It may be wise to keep them separated at certain times for safety.
Consider Pheromone Products or Supplements
Synthetic dog pheromones (like Adaptil) mimic natural chemicals that provide comfort and reassurance. Diffusers and sprays may help your male dog stay calm and relaxed. There are also supplements (like Zylkene) made with soothing casein protein that could benefit your anxious boy.
Conclusion
While every dog has a unique personality, many male dogs do show behavioral shifts when there’s a pregnant female dog sharing their household. By understanding what drives these changes and responding appropriately with patience, supervision and targeted training, you can help ensure this is a smooth transition for both your male and female dog.
