When do you neuter a pup going into Therapy training?

[jaden]

Originally Posted by JoJo

For you to keep your dog neutered past the 12 month stage could be a problem if you truly want to do therapy work. I think it would set you back in the training progress. Jaden, that statement IS NOT a slam against you, I'm just stating the obvious.

Are you saying neuter him now or wait until after 12 months?

[JoJo]

Reading this forum has opened up my eyes to many things that I can continually train both dogs in. If he does not pass for the therapy training the first time, so be it. We won't give it but I am sure we will both become better for it.

Jaden, Welcome to RDN.

Are you saying neuter him now or wait until after 12 months?

As Gina stated, wait and see how he's doing in the manner department. He would be just starting to go into his teen years. They do get testy and pushy at that age. They are coming into their own. That is why you should also examine yourself in the "leadership" department. Ask yourself if you are in charge and not him. Will you be more aware of dog behavior? (Not saying that you are expected to be an expert. There are many of us who can't claim that deed, myself on top of that list!) Can you keep him confined to his own yard/home? Would you be able to handle him if he smells a bitch in heat? Accidents do happen ya know. Bottom line really is that it will have to be your decision. The main thing right now is to get him and yourself in a good obedience class where both of you will learn. It's a great way of bonding also.

[jaden]

I have to say after reading this forum, I have made some mistakes in his training. I am so used to my older dog responding to me immediately that it was frustrating when he would not. Now I have learned some tricks from other members. I take him on a run for about 15 min and then both dogs together on a walk so that it wears him out alittle first. He's more receptive to my commands and not so worried about wanting to play with Jaden the whole time. We practice commands about 5 times a day now in a room all by ourselves instead of twice a day in the middle of the house with all the chaos from the kids (which was really distracting)

Just common sense things I should have known but did not have to do with Jaden. He is much more head strong and will take more time and classes than my girl did. Like I said, if we do not pass the test the first time we will continue in other classes the facility has to offer, such as agility, tracking, etc..and he can become a well rounded pooch and then we will try again!

[TrinaJ]

I dont really know anything at all about theropy dogs, but wouldn't it be wise to first get your dog the initial working title of CD or CDX before going into theropy training? Just a suggestion....

Good luck with everything!!!

Trina

[jaden]

I'm just going by what the training facility advised me. He is in Dog Basics for 6 weeks, Basics II for 6 weeks and then his CGC class for 6 weeks. They have agility training, tracking, etc..but I did not read anything on their web about what you mentioned. I have until April 1st to check out different schools. I'm treating it the same as when my son started day care! Check out everything and narrow it down to the best school.

[brunie's mom]

You do have to get the CGC on your dog first. The dog has to be very well behaved in all situations and very well trained.
Don't rush trying to get him to pass for therapy....it takes a mature dog to be able to get through a therapy test.

Rottweilers are a slow to mature breed...they need time to get out of the goofy stage.

Gina

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by jaden

I have an 8-month old male that is starting his obedience training at WAGS Canine Training University April 1st. I plan on getting him ready for his CGC test and eventually having him trained for therapy work.

My question is when would be the best time to neuter him? I have never had a male dog and I have looked through the forum and found many different ages if you are concerned about size, etc. I am not concerned if he does not get as big as most male Rott's (unless there is a health issue when they do not) but I am concerned that not having him neutered will cause issue's with his training since I have read that male Rott's are more temperamental when not neutered.

My vet advised asap but admitted she only gives this to advice to hamper unwanted pups. My neighbor advised 18 months from what her vet told her, anything earlier would would limit his growth potentional. I read on the forum between 12-18 months due to bone cancer. The training facility I am taking him to said it was up to my discretion but un-neutered dogs do have a tendency to have a short attention span with females around.

If I waited until 18 months would this hinder his training or cause problems if he becomes TDI certified? Or would the training itself take care of any issues un-neutered dogs may have?

Thanks in advance for any advice

Rhonda

I have an intact (he was intact until 2 weeks ago at nearly age 8) male who passed his TDI with flying colors at over 2 years of age.

It's not the neutering that prevents behavioral problems, it's lack of training and proper management of the dog that creates most behavioral problems. People like to use the excuse that testicles create problems, when it's people who create most of the problems.