Q: Getting my dog neutered?

Answered by newratmom on 8/8/2005, 10:51 am

A: Getting my dog neutered?

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Getting him neutered will fix many things but not just getting him neutered, there will be work on your part too. Lets start first with the barking and biting anyone that is not family....
Has he been properly socialized? You can start with obidence classes. Not only do they teach you and your pet how to do simple commands but it is also a great socializing expierence with having other people and dogs there. Take him on trips with you to local pet supply stores that allow your pets to shop with you. Have treats by your door so when people come in, have them hand your dog a treat to show they are nice and not a threat to him. Neutering him will over time reduce the testosterone level, thus making him a bit calmer because he wont feel the need to be a rebelous teenager so to speak.
As for the weight, loosing the testostrone will slow down his metabolisim. He will only get overweight if you let him. After he is altered the vet could suggest a good quality dog food to feed and the amount needed for the size of your dog. Adjust the amount fed up or down depending on if he is gaining or loosing weight. After you find the amount he needs to stay at a stable weight, thats what you feed him.
Yes neutering him will help with the housebreaking. He will not feel the need to mark his sent on everything. Again this isnt an over night fix and will take some time. Crate training is a great method of house breaking and also a safe place for you dog to call his space. Leave him in the crate whenever you can not keep an eye on him. When he gets up from a sleep or upon leaving the crate, go outside for potty time. Lost of praise when he does a good job. Have a set schedule, he is a smaller dog so he has a smaller bladder and will need to go out more often. Take him out every few hours and again, when he goes, lots of praise. If he has an accident, clean it up with a paper towel and take him and the towel outside. Let him sniff the towel so he can smell his sent and the fact that it is outside. Routine is the key along with supervision. Look for his sign that he need to go out. Lots of sniffing in corners, take him out as soon as you notice his sign.
Neutering has many health bennifits too, you wil no longer have the risk of testicular cancer, the raging hormones will be gone, he wont feel the need to mark his space, he wont wonder off looking for the female in heat that could be 2 miles away and there wont be any unwanted puppies.
I hope this is of help

TCH


I have a 91/2 month old male mini dascdund and he barks
> and tries to bite anyone that is not in our family so
> getting him neutered will that fix the problem? I have heard
> if you do they will become overweight and not as active?
> Also we are having a hard time with the potty situation so
> will that have any affect on training him easier? He also
> likes to bite and lick himself and I was wondering in any
> way are these related?
>