Good reason/time to neuter?

[sherafunk]

Hi all,

My puppy's around 7 months and on a couple of recent play dates he's humped other dogs and started growling while humping (on top of other dog while other dog is on its back). These are the only times I've heard him growl...and most of the time he just plays very sweetly with the other dogs. He is very friendly with dogs and humans and extremely obedient. He has been in obedience training consistently and will be for some time to come.

I spoke with my trainer about his behavior--my instinct is to pull him off the other dog--she agreed and said to also give him a time out. She also said that this behavior is a tip-off that it's probably time to neuter him.

I would like to keep him intact longer (she said she's never heard of anything that says neutering affects bones/development)...but I have mixed feelings. Of course I want to do what is best for my dog and for us..I am a first-time dog owner, and I understand that this may also affect when I neuter. I am not concerned about him siring a litter--if I'm not home, he's in his crate (indoors). If he's outside, he's either on leash or in my fenced, gated yard with my supervision.

So, I'm deferring to all you experienced ones...do you agree with my trainer? Good time to neuter considering his behavior?

[TR Young]

Please use the search function and enter 'neutering' or 'neuter' in the text field.

In answer to the title of your thread, I agree with you trainer; it is a good time to get him neutered. A good reason? Accidents happen, and even though you are not worried/concerned about him siring a litter, something beyond your control could possibly happen, and there is that unwanted litter of pups.

[sherafunk]

I have already done a search for neutering on this site...many of the links don't work anymore. Also, I would like to know if his growling on other dogs alone is a good reason to neuter. I did not see forums on that subject. I do appreciate your concern and respect it--which is why I take all precautions and give him no freedom outside the house.

[TR Young]

Hm.... I just did a search on 'neuter' and came up with a ton of good links...

here are just a few.

http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/beh...ghlight=neuter

http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/gen...ghlight=neuter

http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/vet...t=early+neuter

http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/gen...t=early+neuter

http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/vet...t=early+neuter

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Canine Sports Productions: Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete

[fbkeays]

Actually the humping and growling will not be affected by the neutering. What your dog is doing is telling the other dogs that he is top dog. It is rude behavior and the ONLY way that behavior is going to stop is if you make it VERY plain that you don't find it acceptable. Plain and simple. Neutered males exhibit the exact same behavior, unless trained not too.
Don't blame your dogs balls on his bad behavior. Your dog will exhibit behavior that is acceptable to you. The fact that he has done this humping/growling thing more then once is because you did not clearly let your dog know that behavior will not be tolerated.
Neuter your dog when YOU think is the right time, not anyone elses idea of the right time. Behavior is what you want it to be. Neutering does not solve any behavior problem. Once a dog gets away with a behavior, the dog will continue doing that behavior until trained not too. Neutering him before the behavior may or not have prevented it. But neutering has no magical powers to change behavior.
A neutered dog will still exert dominace. A neutered dog will still seek out bitches in heat. A neutered dog will still mark. A neutered dog will still ........ (fill in the blank).

[sherafunk]

Thanks for your response...the other posts on neutering didn't answer my question, which is why I've posted here. I'm learning...about my dog, and about other dogs...yes, intact males can be very well behaved, neutered dogs can be..jerks. Now that I understand the situation a little better I'll make sure he KNOWS I don't like that behavior the next time I see it, rather than just to pull him away, then let him keep playing. Thank you.

[TR Young]

Sorry I didn't answer both the questions, but those particular posts were pretty good reasons as to why to neuter.

[Stubby]

Unless there's a serious problem with behaviour (and I don't see what you are describing as serious, just undesirable, and very easily corrected) I would leave him intact.

Male Rott's that are neutered to soon often do not fill out as well. I believe this has to do with the removal of testosterone. How long would I let it go? give or take a few months, I'd say up to 2 years.. But, thats just my opinion.
As for the humping, tell the dog in no uncertain terms to "knock it off" and be done with it.

[spidey]

The only behaviour which has been shown to be reliably, commonly, improved by neutering is dog aggression, and even then, neutering isn't a cure for the problem, it's just one element. As others have said, the problem here is that you need to keep in mind that your dog is being trained pretty well every second of every day, whether you are aware of it or not. By not reacting at all to this behaviour, you have both told your dog that it is acceptable AND you have allowed your dog to reinforce the behaviour by continuing to do it.

I've told this story here before but my friend's dog, who was neutered at six months, humps everything in sight. My dog, who was intact until very recently, doesn't hump. The difference? I discouraged the behaviour and my friend did not. In other words: TRAINING made the difference, not the presence or absence of testicles.

I'm not opposed to neutering dogs (although I do think that putting it off until at least 24 months of age is preferable (for health and maturity reasons) if you're going to do it, assuming you're a responsible dog owner, which I certainly hope you are if you have a Rottweiler), but people need to stop thinking that neutering is some kind of magic cure for all kinds of behavioural issues, it rarely makes a problem worse, but it also doesn't magically fix other problems.

[sherafunk]

Thank you for your thoughtful and helpful responses. I plan for him to have to have some play time this weekend...I actually kind of HOPE he does the growling thing again, so I can correct it right away this time, give him a time out, and then see how he does. Will keep you posted!! thanks.

[plato23]

Just as far as the growth of the dog goes, I know this example may not be EXACTLY accurate, and forgive the bluntness of it but.

What would happen if you cut a 15 year old boys balls off? Same difference really =P

[newbrunswick]

Now I know why guys get so jittery when talking about neutering!

[chuck2969]

Originally Posted by Stubby

Unless there's a serious problem with behaviour (and I don't see what you are describing as serious, just undesirable, and very easily corrected) I would leave him intact.

Male Rott's that are neutered to soon often do not fill out as well. I believe this has to do with the removal of testosterone.

I absolutely agree. You will only hinder his development and make him susceptible to a host of physical problems. At least wait until he's physically mature before you consider neutering him. This link to an article written by a vet is very informative.showdogsupersite.com/kenlclub/breedvet/neutr.html

[fbkeays]

Here is a link to another article on the reasons to wait to neuter. http://www.showdogsupersite.com/kenl...ionindogs.html

[GypsysMom]

Originally Posted by fbkeays

Actually the humping and growling will not be affected by the neutering. What your dog is doing is telling the other dogs that he is top dog. It is rude behavior and the ONLY way that behavior is going to stop is if you make it VERY plain that you don't find it acceptable. Plain and simple. Neutered males exhibit the exact same behavior, unless trained not too.
Don't blame your dogs balls on his bad behavior. Your dog will exhibit behavior that is acceptable to you. The fact that he has done this humping/growling thing more then once is because you did not clearly let your dog know that behavior will not be tolerated.
Neuter your dog when YOU think is the right time, not anyone elses idea of the right time. Behavior is what you want it to be. Neutering does not solve any behavior problem. Once a dog gets away with a behavior, the dog will continue doing that behavior until trained not too. Neutering him before the behavior may or not have prevented it. But neutering has no magical powers to change behavior.
A neutered dog will still exert dominace. A neutered dog will still seek out bitches in heat. A neutered dog will still mark. A neutered dog will still ........ (fill in the blank).

I agree my male was neutered at 18months, that was a yr ago he still "humps" my female and I simply say "knock it off" he has never growled though, Gypsy used to be the humper with him she has since stopped doing this, Chopper also still marks when out on walks and in different places, not as much as he used to but he still does.. Good Luck