My dog is 18 months and he is getting neuter because of his agressive behavior, will this help fix the probl?

Question

My German Sheperd dog is very territorial and barks at everything and anything that walks past our fence. He also goes crazy and wants to attack every dog he comes accross with, specially small dogs. I run with him everyday for 45 mins to 1 hr to help him get rid of some of that energy, but still he is very active and will bark all day if I'd let him. I need him to calm down and not freak out every time he sees other dogs because when we go on a run I also take my baby in the stroller. He is very strong and sometimes I can't hold him down when I have one hand on the stroller already. He is getting neutered next week and I'm hoping that this will help him be less agressive. Will this work? or Will it make no difference since he is 18 months already? Please help!

Answer 1

You can't expect immediate results, until his testosterone is out of his system, but it should help in a few weeks..E-mail me for tips on how to make him less aggressive, and easier to control.

This device is amazing! It will give you complete control, and keep you and the baby much safer> http://www.cannyco.com/
Check out all the videos...I got mine on ebay, and it was only $13.
It took only 6 days to get to the west coast from UK.

first get a canny collar as you would have total control with this collar, be vigilant, and each time a dog approaches, while still far off, say..OhBoy! a dog!! and give him a treat..(such as a piece of moist cat treats, as they smell the best) and, as the dog draws nearer, continue with your upbeat conversation..no matter what his response, just keep him very close, with the help of the Canny collar, and continue offering him the treat and praise..After about 14 repetitions, he will begin to get close to your side, and expect the treat and praise..No Scolding..at all....scolding fuels the aggression, and praise genders peace..

Answer 2

Hi..well yes castrasion should calm him down but the true means of keeping him under control is alway a good training...

I bred Shepherds for over 22 years,trained,showed & worked them...I have also been a dog training instructor & had my own demo teams of GSDs & Border Collies...

I have never had an aggressive GSD apart from the ones that have been brought to me when their owners could no longer deal with there aggression...

I have trained them to quit all the aggression & never had a problem with them after that...

Most if not all dog behaviour problems are man made due to the lack of taking a dog to a local training center where you should socialise your dog from being a puppy & thus avoiding all these social problems your dog displays...

To have him castrated & not to address the issue & expecting that the problem will go away with just castrasion is a somewhat deluded concept...

All what you are doing is right apart from expecting the problem just to go away *Poooffff*...it might not happen like that & you should take the time to train him or at the very least consult a trainer for their advice *& or* some instruction...
Regards Jake

Answer 3

You'll definitely see a difference. Not right away since it takes a couple of months for the hormones to get out of their systems, but he will probably calm down quite a bit.

It may not stop the aggressiveness towards other dogs completely, however. A lot of the time, dogs who are barking aggressively at everything feel as if everything in their yard (including the house and YOU) are HIS. He feels dominant. I would strongly recommend watching a few episodes of The Dog Whisperer. He's dealt with many dogs with the same problem.

With neutering and training, you'll be able to get him under control. It's just going to take some work.

Good luck!

Answer 4

It will help, but it won't cure the behaviors alone without also training him. He is young enough that these behaviors have not become a habit he can't break, and neutering him will reduce his tendency to aggression and his urge to mark territory. It won't make him less energetic or more obedient, though - he'll just have to be trained, and be exercised a lot. I mean a LOT. Take him out and play hard fetch until he is absolutely exhausted. Do it twice a day, or three times. Wear that dog out. Make him work for you. Teach him to get your shoes, newspaper, his toys. Make him carry your bag and open the gate for you. Make him your lieutenant, your helper, and let that be the basis of your mutual respect and friendship - he's not a playmate. He's a worker, he NEEDS a job. A border collie who knows his job is a great pet, but without it they can be just trouble unlimited. And - I hate to say it - but with that sheltie mixed in, he's probably less intelligent and more stubborn than border collies usually are. I really agree with those who say you should invest in training. Not puppy classes, but some private sessions with a trainer. A "real biting" issue is not trivial.

Answer 5

Yes, neutering will definitely help, but it IS the nature of the German Shepherd to be very territorial. Barking at people and other dogs is very normal.

I would suggest more training so he doesn't pull you when he's out with you, and help curb the barking.

My dog kept chewing things up and we got him a soft muzzle to wear while we were gone during the day while he was a younger dog. They are also good for curbing barking, but they hate wearing them. They can drink water while wearing them.

Answer 6

It might help. If you can afford it I would consider as well a good obedience school. He will be socialized with other dogs and perhaps be guided on how to conduct himself. A spoilt dog is as bad as a spoilt child. They are both obnoxious but it is the fault of the owner of the dog and parent of the child. A pinch collar when used by a person who knows how to use the collar could aid you as well. There are also halties or kindness collars the first purchased from a pet store and the kindness from your vet. This collar looks like a muzzle but is not and it works on the premise that it is easier to guide your dogs head rather than chocking it's neck. I really would try obedience training to get you started to enable you to have a happy enjoyable relationship with your dog. You will also want him under proper control with your Dr. I own a boxer so I am familiar with over zealous dogs and if you have any further questions, please contact me.

Answer 7

I had my bloodhound neutered and went to group obedience training, but he still doesn't like strangers and he HATES other dogs except for little ones. I was told that it is his nature to be strong willed and that maybe private training would help, but I can't afford it. He's almost three years old now and a little more manageable, but it's still not safe to let people in the house unless he is confined.

Answer 8

It will but very slightly.
You also need to show him that YOU are the boss.

I used a choke chain AND a harness when walking my dog the harness gave me control of his body, while the choker taught him he cant control you.
A muzzle while walking might help too, That way he cant bark.
If he claws at it, Tug on the choker to make him stop.
If he shows aggression when walking make him stop and sit down.

Answer 9

Hiya Aaron
By getting your dog neutered it will take about 80% of the aggression out of him, i would also strongly advice you to take him to a dog training school, just to get him socialised to other dogs of all sizes, he will benefit to no end, and it will help you also, less stress...... :-)

Answer 10

He will no longer be a bit agressive, it will settle him right down and he will be a very loving dog!