4 1/2 month old puppy having two major things happen?

Question

I wrote earlier about my problems with my nearly 5 month olf female brussels griffon. I am setting her up for Obedience school starting 12/23/06 because she is so out of control , destroying everything and leaking and pooing all over. My husband wanted to get rid of her and even though my patience is thin I wanted to give her a chance. At the same time I need to get her spayed. I set up an appointment for the 27th of December. 3 days before her next class. I know she needs down time but I also heard if you spay the dog there behavior gets better and of course is better for them health wise. Is this wise for her too be doing two things at once. Should I just skip on class and return on the 6th of January. I shouldnt put off the surgery because then she would be almost 7 months.

Advice only. No preaching. Thank you for your respect

Answer 1

I would absolutely go ahead and have her spayed first, especially if she has not gone into heat yet. An in-heat spay is more difficult to perform, and most clinics will charge you more because of that.

When you get her spayed, you will be cautioned to keep her quiet and calm for about two weeks while she heals. I would ask your vet their opinion, but I personally would put off the obedience until after that two week period. In the meanwhile, I would make an appointment with a vet or trainer versed in behavior to see what these problems are stemming from. During those two weeks you can work on the problem. It is important to try to stop that behavior now, as the longer you wait the harder it will be to break her of it.

Answer 2

Leave the pup at home and go to the class by yourself. Most of the time, the first night is information. When I teach I always tell students to come to class even if you can't bring the dog.

There are also several great books out on obedience training small dogs. I recommend that you get one and do a little reading. It will save many a headache from bending over constantly to teach the sit or down. There are tricks you can use.

Brussels-a fun breed, have one myself. But don't let a little dog get the best of you. Did you know that there are more bites by toy breeds then the big dogs? But no one usually reports them. Toys actually mature mentally faster then larger dogs. Sexually also. Spaying is a great idea but it doesn't guarantee a personality change. That requires training and persistance on your part. Treat her as you would a big dog. If you don't like the action, don't allow it to happen. We tend to let little dogs get away with more and it will only make for more work untraining.

Good luck!

Answer 3

It takes an incredible amount of patience to train a puppy. Not everybody has that kind of patience, to the point that such animals end up being abused.

I wouldn't recommend you taking the puppy to obedience school and also having her spayed. It is going to be incredibly stressful for her... and for both of you. It is best that you do one thing at a time.

As far as spaying her, you have to wait until she's 6 months old before you do so.

Ultimately, unless you're getting the dog for breeding purposes, (and this could be advice for the next dog) it is best that you get a dog that is no less than 18 months old. They are already trained, and you could save their life if you buy them from the shelter, with their shots and vet care already taken care of.

If you find that despite these efforts you can't muster the patience, maybe a compromise solution would be to return the dog and get an older one as recommended. You would have the companionship of a dog.... but the stress level would go down considerably.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Answer 4

I also agree with Miriam. The puppy shouldn't go to class, too exciting with all the other puppies around, but you should go. During my puppy class, we always had homework to do, so you can keep your puppy at the same level as the other "students." I wouldn't put off having her spayed, by 7 months, there is a possibility she could be in her first heat cycle. By the way, I feel your pain and really admire that you want to give her a second chance. Too many pups end up in shelters because they are hard to train.

Answer 5

If I were you I'd put off the surgery until her classes are complete.That way-Should she end up with an infection or something she won't be behind the rest of the class while you're dealing with her health.
In the meantime it sounds to me as tho her issues may be curbed with exercise.LOTS OF IT.
Is there a place close-by where you can take her daily for a run off-leash for at least 45 minutes BEFORE you leave her alone for the day?And at least a 30 minute walk when you come home?
It's alot of work in an already hectic life but remember that a tired dog sleeps-it does'nt destroy things.

Answer 6

I actually just called the vet and asked them the same thing today, because I have a 5 1/2 month old puppy that needs to be spayed and I was tod that it is a one-day operation, and that some dogs might be tired or droopy for 1-2 days but, but most pups are fine. She explained that it is a very small incision, not much scar tissue or pain. But she also said that the give them painkillers before coming off ansethia. SO that seems to contradict itself, maybe preventative painkillers I dont know. But I was coming to ask a question myself, so I will go ask that question now.....maybe you can help me out........Good luck with the pup, happy holidays.

Answer 7

She will be fine. Don't worry she will still be "out of control , destroying everything and leaking and pooing all over" within 24 hours of her being spayed.

Its great you are getting her spayed the earlier the better for the dogs health. Have fun in puppy class.

Answer 8

I think you should skip the class first and have her spray first because when she's sprayed she will behave better and will concentrate on the class, and it takes time for her to heal even though it only takes 3-5 days but she needs time to really heal so just reschedule the class.
Good luck!

Answer 9

I agree with Miriam. Let her have a few days to recover and heal. But you can go to the class.. even if its just to sit back and watch then work with her on th ethings you learned when you get home.

Answer 10

I agree with Miriam. You go to the class to see what you can learn. Do explain that your dog just had surgery and that she will attend the next class. I am sure they will understand!