Aggression

[crooky]

Hi My 18 month old Boxer dog occassionally fights with other male dogs no matter how big or small they are - but dogs that he is freinds with including males he plays with ok no problems.

He is actually worse if i put him on the lead... today was one of those days this morning whilst walking back home (on his lead) we passed the a house which is a regular growl and bark point, they have a male dog not sure of breed - that barks at us every morning - its like world war III.

But tonight i left Harvey off the lead to run in the fields as he usually does - i spotted a very large black german sheperd which was coming towards us - again my dog Harvey attacked and hurt this other dog which only wanted to say hello and play (its tale was wagging).

So the question is what should i do !!! is it his hormones and should he be castrated? i've been trying to put it off until he was fully mature.

Thanks Paul.

 

[Matt S]

Why do you want to wait until he is fully mature before you have him neutered?
There really is no valid reason to do so.
Apart from the health benefits, of which there are many including helping to prevent prostate problems & eliminating the chances of testicular cancer, there are many behavioral benefits.

Taken from
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_canine_neuter.html

WHAT BEHAVIORAL CHANGES CAN BE EXPECTED AFTER NEUTER?
The only behavior changes that are observed after neutering relate to behaviors influenced by male hormones. Playfulness, friendliness, and socialization with humans are not changed. The behaviors that change are far less desirable. The interest in roaming is eliminated in 90% of neutered dogs. Aggressive behavior against other male dogs is eliminated in 60% of neutered dogs. Urine marking is eliminated in 50% of neutered male dogs. Inappropriate mounting is eliminated in 70% of neutered dogs

I'm not saying that neutering him will definately solve your problem, but as I said previously there is no vaild reason not to have your boy neutered.
(IMO.....the only male dogs that shouldn't be neutered are those shown in conformation, or used for breeding purposes by reputable breeders.)

For the moment I feel it may be wise not to let him off the lead when there is a chance he may hurt other dogs. The last thing you would want is for Harvey to find himself in some serious trouble because of his issues with other male dogs.
Hopefully someone with a lot more behavioral expertise will give you some of their valuable advice.

 

[Kathi Barrett]

Hi paul;
I just posted the same problem! My Baxter is 2 this month and just started to be aggressive with other males in an open "playgroup" with other dogs. He is intact as well and I wonder is castrating him actually going to change his behavior that much? I too chose to wait til he was fully grown to castrate and now the problems are starting to come out.
Keep checking here for our answers!

Good luck with Harvey


Kathi, Baxter,Tyson and Chloe

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Keep the dog on lead until he is trained. Take the dog to obedience class and that will help socialize him and help YOU have more control over your dog.

I also suggest a copy of "The Dog Listener" by Jan Fennell to help you with your relationship with the dog. He's being overly protective of you and you don't need or want this. Get this book and study it carefully.

In the meantime, try and associate other things, good things with other dogs. When you see another dog approaching on your walk or pass a known "trouble" dog, start feeding your dog treats, reassuring him and praising him for his non-aggressive response to the other dog. Put yourself BETWEEN your dog and the other dog as you pass. If need be, curve away from the other dog and keep moving past it, again feeding treats to your dog for his good behavior. Reassociating the other dog with treats and walking away rather than fighting.

Get a copy of the book and good luck.