Dogs balls chopped

[Sparks2]

I have a 8 month old hyper cocker spaniel. He can sometimes get prospective and lash out.

I was wondering if anyone knows the pros and cons for this and if anyone has had their dog neutered? Any information or replies would be appreciated.

The reason I am not necessarily worried is because this is common and he has only started this in the past month (we have tried to do something about it as soon as it started).

Behaviourists can still work despite the lockdown. Can you not get help via zoom classes for now?

Resource guarding is common but it's also incredibly dangerous - do you have children?

Resource guarding is common but it's also incredibly dangerous - do you have children?

I understand this, but this is not what my post is originally about. I simply asked the pros and cons of having your dog neutered and afterwards someone asked about his behaviour. I also do not have children.

I think people are concerned because you don't really appear to be taking it seriously - apologies of course if that's not the case.

My experience as a dog walker is that nervous or fearful dogs do better if they remain un-neutered as the lack of testosterone can make them more fearful and more likely to lash out. Resource guarding is common but can be incredibly scary and can escalate from a growl to a bite in seconds - you very rarely have a chance to de-escalate the situation once they've crossed that line.

The last thing you want to do is neuter a dog who is so scared they are willing to bite you.

@sunflowersandbuttercups

I think people are concerned because you don't really appear to be taking it seriously - apologies of course if that's not the case.

My experience as a dog walker is that nervous or fearful dogs do better if they remain un-neutered as the lack of testosterone can make them more fearful and more likely to lash out. Resource guarding is common but can be incredibly scary and can escalate from a growl to a bite in seconds - you very rarely have a chance to de-escalate the situation once they've crossed that line.

The last thing you want to do is neuter a dog who is so scared they are willing to bite you.

I appreciate that. That is the kind of feedback I was hoping for with my original post.

I would like to ask what I have said that makes you assume I am not taking this seriously? I have mentioned I am not too worried with it as I'm trying all I can to help the situation. This does not mean I think it's something to brush off.

Hi Sparks2, I think is just normal (cocker) puppy development. Adolescence starts around 6 months and can last up until they're 2. Apparently dog and human adolescence are similar so you've now got your very own Inbetweener

As previously posted, neutering will probably not help and may make him more fearful. Most vets do not recommend on it for dogs younger than 18m as they need to go through normal development.

Our working cocker is 18m and we've found periods of the last year quite challenging (really) and we're still going through it. I 've found that persevering with training and working on our bond with through games, grooming, etc is paying off. Also, don't give him (or yourself) a hard time when it proves more difficult. Remember teenagers are deaf, moody and difficult too, it's all hormones, so we're all allowed off days.

There's loads of good advice from respected (and qualified trainers) on the internet (e.g. Pippa Mattinson, Sarah Whiteread).

Good luck!

I would like to ask what I have said that makes you assume I am not taking this seriously? I have mentioned I am not too worried with it as I'm trying all I can to help the situation. This does not mean I think it's something to brush off.

Just the fact that you said you weren't too worried. I've seen resource guarding escalate from mild growling/grumbling to a bite requiring hospitalisation in seconds. It's a behaviour that, while relatively normal, really concerns me for that reason. It can escalate SO fast.

I'm glad you're getting help though! And don't let lockdown stop you from finding a behaviourist - many are still operating.

I have just joined this thread. I have had two bitches in the past and one dog. They all stayed entire. It is best not to spay or neuter unless medically necessary. It is always best to leave them as nature intended. The vets will always try to push this op (especially with bitches) as it is a very good earner for their practice. Both males and females will remain much healthier if let entire, they will not put on so much weight and their coats will not become over thick. If neutering of a male does become necessary, then at least leave it until the dog has matured as he will need his hormones so that his bones can develop properly. Neutering either a dog or a bitch does not help with problems of behaviour. The only way to stay on top of this is with constant training.

This paper has loads of info on age at neutering for different breeds, including cockers. It looks mostly at joint disorders and cancer, not at whether neutering affected the dog's temperament, though.