Dog Training Made Simple
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Hopefully before you buy your puppy you will have looked into the pros and cons of having a dog or a bitch. A male can be inclined to be more dominant and possibly aggressive, this applies to all types of dogs not just supposed dangerous breeds, however, with the correct socialisation, and I advise if your dog is only going to be a pet and not a breeding animal, that neutering at an early age, 6 to 10 months, is good prevention for the problems associated with male dogs.Now all you men out there, and some women cringe at the word 'CASTRATION'
Do not worry your boy is not going to miss his manhood, nor is he going to start swinging a handbag and wearing too much mascara.
Having done some research into bite statistics to fight breed specific legislation, some interesting facts emerged, bites were not breed related but sex related, did you know that un-neutered male dogs are responsible for 87% of all bites, highest victim ratio, male children between the ages of 8-12 years with girls of the same age only a couple of % behind, younger children and the elderly were next most likely victims. Breeds of dogs responsible were coincidental to their popularity at the time. Sorry in English, if a breed is very popular then the chances of getting bitten by one of that breed is higher because there are more of them and just as likely there will be more unsuitable owners taking on a dog, just because they saw one on an advert or in a film and think they would like one.
I would at this point like to clear up some myths regarding castration, it will NOT CURE, if the dog is older, any of the following, unless combined with behavioural re-training.
- Trying to have sex with you, family members, visitors, other dogs, male or female, or any other animal or even inanimate objects.
This behaviour is usually an act of WAR, NOT LOVE! Your dog is doing it for a couple of reasons, either to insult the other party involved to try and start a fight, or is doing it to try and get your attention by being as naughty as possible (and grab our attention it certainly does). - Being aggressive to you, other dogs or other animals.
This is the way of dictating who or what can or cannot come near, either out of dominance or fear. Who's in charge here? - Doing their toilet in the house, this is down to any of the following reasons.
- POOR HOUSE TRAINING
- ATTENTION SEEKING
- STRESS DUE TO SEPARATION
- TERRITORY MARKING
- OR A FOOD ALLERGY
- OR OTHER MEDICAL REASON (SEE YOUR VET)
To sum up,
If your dog, (or bitch) is showing any of the above behaviours neutering is not going to change its mind.
A couple of other points to take into account.
After a male has been castrated, it can take up to six months for all hormonal activity to cease.
Some bitches can become aggressive, due to becoming more 'male' and if neutered before having a first season can become incontinent.