Neutering - Does it change dog's behaviour?

Paradigm

Caroline_a wrote: »

It's interesting that most male horses are gelded but yet there is still this reluctance to get dogs neutered...

The reason that horses are gelded is that for much of the time they are left unsupervised in a field, there is no owner control.

hethmar

And I seem to remember you need a licence for a stallion?

Peanuckle

We've taken on a friend's dog as they couldn't find a home in time for their emigration BUT he's a 5 year old entire male and "talks" by growling constantly. Our other two dogs (7yo male and 2 yo female, both neutered) are taking this as aggression when I don't think there is an aggressive bone in him, he's just nervous of them. They share the house quiet happily until he starts "talking" too loudly and they then react which creates a continuous circle of barking. I'd prefer to get him done as it removes so many potential health problems but will it have any effect on his behaviour as he's a lot older?

Paradigm

hethmar wrote: »

And I seem to remember you need a licence for a stallion?

Pass It's my OH that's the horsey type.

Paradigm

Peanuckle wrote: »

I'd prefer to get him done as it removes so many potential health problems

It doesn't, the only definate is there will be no unwanted puppies & that can be easily sorted by proper control anyway.

Peanuckle wrote: »

but will it have any effect on his behaviour as he's a lot older?

Yes & no! It will change his behaviour due to the lack of testosterone but it won't change "learned" behaviour, at 5 years old it will make little difference if he is, say, dog aggressive.

crazyguy

I got my dog done and she was worse after it as she dry humped everthing in sight for months after.

Peanuckle

Paradigm wrote: »

It doesn't, the only definate is there will be no unwanted puppies & that can be easily sorted by proper control anyway.

I'd say it'd definitely remove the chance of testicular cancer for a start

Yes & no! It will change his behaviour due to the lack of testosterone but it won't change "learned" behaviour, at 5 years old it will make little difference if he is, say, dog aggressive.

he's not dog aggressive but he is feeling more than a little threatened and acting up in order to get in first if you know what I mean.

All 3 have been fine all week, playing, sleeping and eating together without an issue at all, but something has kicked off today and they're all on edge and snappy It could be simply the fact that the house has been busier but I'll see what they're like after the weekend.

Paradigm

Peanuckle wrote: »

I'd say it'd definitely remove the chance of testicular cancer for a start

Fair comment. But the risk of testicular cancer is very low in dogs & definately not a reason to castrate.

Peanuckle wrote: »

he's not dog aggressive but he is feeling more than a little threatened and acting up in order to get in first if you know what I mean.

I know exactly what you mean, strange envoironment + 2 resident dogs... he's bound to be on edge.

Peanuckle wrote: »

All 3 have been fine all week, playing, sleeping and eating together without an issue at all, but something has kicked off today and they're all on edge and snappy It could be simply the fact that the house has been busier but I'll see what they're like after the weekend.

To be fair you're doing well, my 2 wouldn't tolerate another dog in the house! Look at it from your dogs POV. they'll be on edge too!

renegade

Sounds like the new dog is trying to establish himself as the leader of the pack, you are probably going to have problems with your 7yr old dog who has been the leader dog in the household.
I don't think castration will change the situation.

hethmar

Paradigm wrote: »

Pass It's my OH that's the horsey type.

I only remember because decades ago I came home from work and found my OH unloading a pony that he had bought outside a slaughter house. He had seen it being led in as he drove by, stopped and paid the guy a bit more money for the pony than the slaughterman offered Luckily we lived in the country then with a paddock for the pony BUT I remember horsey mates telling me about castration and I also remember the vet doing it in the field with OH holding up poor pony's back leg as I sat on his neck (the pony's neck that is!). Vet passed goolies to me, saying bury them so the dogs dont get them. Then there was a thump, me and vet look round and OH had fainted.

Poor old pony, he was a lovely animal, he thought he was a dog.