Does having a male dog neutered help with aggresion problems?

Question

I have a 15 month old Lab who growls at us when he doesn't want to be touched. When people come to the door he freaks out! I don't know what to do?

Answer 1

First of all, call your vet and make an appointment for neutering..It really helps aggression.

But, your dog's major problem is not having a stronger pack leader, so he has decided that HE can be the boss...He is a teenager, and behaving just as many human teens.

Now, this is time consuming, but will really pay off in asserting yourself as the boss in your own home.

Pour into a bowl what kibble you would normally feed for the day, but put the bowl up.

Twice per day, sit down and feed him by hand...don't allow him to eat anything that you don't hand to him piece by piece..

If he acts even a little pushy, put the food up and try again later..
Only a few days of feeding him in this manner will really improve his manners...then you can begin putting his food down for him again....but, as soon as there is any aggression...start all over with hand feeding .

This conditioning will pay off big time with any and all of his behavior problems, and make him easier to train....It will also keep him much happier, to have his owner in the proper place as pack leader....Bet all family members involved with this, so he will learn that he is actually at the bottom of the pack...right below the children, where he belongs.

Answer 2

I don't think this neutering will help in this instance. It does aid in agression, because they are not so territorial when they are neutered. He should be anyways, so go ahead with that. But it is very, very odd behavior for a dog to growl at you, especially a 15 mo old lab. They are the friendliest creatures on the face of the earth. I have to wonder - is this new behavior? Have him checked out by a vet. Large breed dogs can grow so quickly that their joints and bones don't keep up with the rest of their body, and it causes extreme pain. Maybe that is why he doesn't want to be touched. As for other people, sounds like the guy needs some real socialization, as well as training. Enroll him in a group dog training class where he will be around other people as well as dogs, and will get some training as well. It certainly couldn't hurt.

Answer 3

Neutering would definately be a good first step. There are many benefits to neutering including medical and behavioural. Neutering will eliminate many of the hormones that are coursing though your little guys body right now. He wont feel as territorial, making him mark less and not wander around looking to expand his territory. This may be why he doesn't like people coming to the door. Also, he will be more receptive to your dominance over him. Look into classes designed for aggressive/dominant dogs. If he is unable to be taken to a class, see if your vet can recommend a trainer in your area that specializes in this behaviour. A good book to read for general training purposes (there is a section on aggression) is Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Killcommons.

Answer 4

It may help some so definately take care of that, but even more than nuetering, training will help him to learn he's not the leader of the household.

If he's natrually a dominant dog, he'll always be that way, but it's up to you to be the more dominant one and show him he can't treat you as subordinates.

Show him you're the leader by not letting him decide when he gets attention.... make him sit for food and walk through doorways after you.... keep him on the leash in the house when you're around so you can give him a quick yank for growling at you and praise him when he stops.

There are tons of websites out there about how to show dominance over your dog so once you've tried a few of these things, you will see the results with a much more respectful dog.

Answer 5

Getting him neutered will probably not have any effect, his aggression just sounds like part of his personality. My 2 year old Lab will slightly growl when he does not want to be petted (like when he's sleeping or eating), and he becomes Mr. Guard Dog when the doorbell rings. It's just part of their personalities. Ask your vet for a reference to a dog trainer who can help, if you really want to see a difference. As long as he's not biting or attacking, he's just fine. He may be a grumpy sleeper and just protects the ones he loves :)

Answer 6

Neutring won't curb aggression completely. If you want to minimize your dog''s aggression, just put him for aggression reduction behavior.

I will list some of the reasons why we believe in neutering dogs.

- For population control. There are too many dogs without homes. You just need to go to your local shelter to see how many.
- Males generally make much better pets when neutered.
- Males will usually lose the urge to roam. I have seen statistics that state that 90% of dogs that roam will stop after neutering.
- Dog's will be less likely to urine mark.
- Males are usually less aggressive towards other dogs (60% less according to statistics I have seen).
- They are less dominant with their own families.
- Prevents testicular cancer and prostate problems later in life.
- They are 70% less likely to mount other dogs or people.

Answer 7

I have found most dogs growl when they are scared. Be sure to crate train him. When company comes over let him know its his safe place. I have a female that goes directly to her crate and will not come out till everyone leaves. They can look inside and she is fine but if they say her name she growls. She means no one any harm but I am always concerned she is going to hurt herself trying to get away. Dogs are den animals they like to have their own den to escape too. The concerning part is that he growls at you. I would consult a bahavoralist and Im not talking about one making minumum wage at the local petstore.

Answer 8

Yes it does help. so do obedience classes for aggressive dogs. Getting him neutered is a good thing on several levels, behavior and health.

Answer 9

That dog should be neutered because passing on that kind of temperment would be a travesty!!!!!!!!

Neutering may help the problem, but you should also seek help from a professional trainer!!!!!!!!!

Whatever you do...DO NOT ALLOW THAT DOG TO REPRODUCE!!!!!!

Answer 10

The local pets mart should have aggression classes, try training him there. Getting him neutered will probably not have any effect.