Does Neutering A Dog Make a Difference To His Character/Behaviour?

Question

I know it's "meant" to, but does it really? My GSD is 8 months old and he's started getting a bit too boystrous for my liking. He get's over excited and tries nipping us, and whereas he used to respond to my every command, he now sits there testing me before he does what I've asked of him. So I'm thinking neutering is the next step, but I want to make sure it will actually help before embarking on it this early, as I'd ideally like to wait until he's fully grown.

And yes, we do go to training, before anyone says it.

Answer 1

You are doing exactly the right things with him. Stand your ground and keep up the training and you'll bring him through his adolescence as a well adjusted dog. Step up the practice sessions, keep things reward based so that he is motivated and be firm and consistent. Never lose your calm as he will have exposed a weakness. If he tries to ignore you, ignore him for a gooe 15 minutes. His is obviously very intelligent and is trying to suss you out - prove yourself a worthy leader and he'll trust you for life! Dogs never stop testing the leader ship in their pack, you will need to lead from the front to keep the order!
Neutering certainly improves their behaviour and reduces that determined rebellious streak. However you can't expect it to change any established behaviour traits or bad habits - only training will do that. Neutering makes it easier to train the dog.
Although they do get naughty and frustrating during this age theyreally do grow out of it! Keep him busy working for you until he is 1.5 years and he'll be a dream!

Answer 2

Neutering will certainly help to calm him down in the long run and will prevent problems as he gets older.
8 months is old enough - usually you can neuter a dog from about 6 months as they are sexually developed enough at this stage; it's actually better to do it a bit earlier as the older the dog gets the more behaviour becomes learned and therefore harder to stop.
8 months old sounds about right for him to be getting a bit hyper - he's developing his character and testing you to ascertain who's going to be the dominant one in the relationship. Try staring him out, sounds mad but it does work, and ignoring him when he plays up, literally just turn your back or walk away. Don't reward bad behaviour with attention!
I'm sure you know most of this if you're taking him to training classes - good luck and I wish you happiness with your dog!

Answer 3

Neutering him will help with aggression dominance and hormones, etc. just as everyone said. But it isn't a miracle cure for what's happening to him right now. Imagine that he's a teenage boy - he's at that age where he is testing you - it's normal, but you have to stick to your guns! I train and teach obedience and most dogs go through this period of wondering what they can get away with. If you allow him to, then of course you are giving him the idea that he always can.

When I neutered my male Doberman, it mainly fixed his girl crazy problem. And it cut down on him thinking he was the biggest badest thing on the block. But it didn't change his personality like everyone thinks, it didn't "ruin him". He is still happy, friendly, active, and yes still likes the girls - just not uncontrollably. And he still thinks he's pretty big and bad around other large males every now and then and he's nine years old.
Good luck with your training

Answer 4

I few months ago I rescued an unneutered male pit bull from the side of the highway. He was hyperactive, always restless and whining, never could sit still, and peed all over the furniture. He tested positive for heartworms so I couldn't get him neutered until he finished treatment, 2 months later. Finally, I got him neutered, and in another month he calmed down considerably. No more wild rampages through the house, restless whining, or peeing inside. His dominant aggressive behavior towards my other dogs vanished as well.

Answer 5

Neutering a dog is normally carried out to prevent it breeding or to stop inappropriate mating behaviour. It may have no effect on the behaviour you describe which would be best addressed by attending some obedience classes.

Answer 6

I don't think so -- judging by my 2 dogs. Both were neutered when they were less than 12 months old -- and they are now 5 years old.

In our experience, it is better to neuter when they are younger -- they have to wear the "collar" after the operation and it is quite uncomfortable.

Also, in our experience -- it might cause problems in old age. Our first dog was not neutered and he developed a small lump near his anal.

You can read more about this on http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/neutering.html

Answer 7

I think it is more of a battle of wills between you and your dog at the moment, trying to determine who is going to be the dominant male or partner in the relationship. As your going to training classes, your instructor, can resolve the matter very easily.
We never had our G.P. operational dogs neutered as a rule, but if there were any problems we had our vet give them tardac, which is a chemical form of castration which wears off after about 28 days and them it was decided what to do next.
I think a spray bottle of water and firmer commands and gentle persuation and a change in the domination factor, ie; you go first, in through doors, making it sit, stay and wait and let the dog follow your lead,will result in full satisfaction and good results.

Answer 8

German Shepherds are notorious for getting to this age and 'acting up' I have a 7 month old b1tch who is doing exactly the same at the moment, I have kept GSD's for over 30 years now and can't remember one of them who wasn't like this, Don't take any crap out of him, he is taking the pi$$, castrating him will help calm any hormonal/dominant dog type problems but it won't happen overnight and can sometimes take longer than 6 months to take any kind of effect, it is a good thing though to get it done now but don't expect miracles straight away. Keep up the training taking a firmer hand with him, you need to reinforce the fact that YOU are boss and he isn't, He will get over this 'testing' time and settle down and be a loyal and trusted friend!

Answer 9

neutering will not miraculously make a dog well behaved. All it will do is stop testosterone related problems like male aggression, running off looking for females etc. You may have a dominant dog who will always challenge you. You simply need to be 100% with his training and be consistant. If you tell him to do something then insist he does it. Don't one day think "oh I can't be bothered" then the next day insist. Has your trainer not got any advice for you as to how to reinforce your status as pack leader? Things like never allowing on your bed or furniture, never allowing it to go through doors first, always feeding the dog after you have eaten etc.

Answer 10

Although dogs shouldn't be attributed with having human characteristics, they are intelligent enough to be able to understand the concept of, and execute, certain actions that their owners require of them - if these actions are asked in a way that dogs find rewarding. So, with this rule in mind, owners have to be clever as well and find a way of training their dog that actually works quickly and efficiently. The eBook I wrote explains how to achieve this ideal - how to speak “dog” so that you’re able to communicate effectively with your four-legged friend.
As with any training, the best time to start is as soon as you get your new pet. The fundamentals for successful housetraining are:

- Crate training is very important so it should be mastered.
- A schedule is required for feeding and exercising.
- Be vigilant and patient throughout the training period.

House training is most likely every dog owner’s top concern. And it should begin as soon as possible. That's the very first day your dog comes into your home. If you've adopted a new furry friend and spend months in the home without aiding him/her achieve success when it comes to training then s/he’s going to set a precedence that you now need to change. So, concentrate on prevention as opposed to cure. House training comes down to one
rather simple skill - being a good dog time manager. And this means managing your pup's time so that you let them have as few chances as possible to make house training blunders.

If you want a free copy of my ebook just send an email to: [e-mail]

I'll send you immediately the book and some tips on how to live better with your dog.