Will having a dog neutered stop dominance issues like peeing on my side of the bed only?

Question

Our scottie puppy (about 10 months old) has taken to peeing on my side of the bed. This morning he actually went poop too. He only does it on my side and not my husband's. My husband is a dog trainer and he says I just need to take him for more walks and work with him more to establish that I'm the pack leader.

We didn't have this issue with our other scottie (almost 4 yrs old) when we brought him into the household. I was able to establish really quickly with him that I'm the boss.

I've seen the following answer to other questions like this:
"{After Neutering} Your dog will be less likely to question that you are the master of your relationship. Other behavior issues .. would be decreased are .. territory (peeing on furniture, walls, perhaps decor items)."

My husband doesn't think neutering him will help. We neutered our other dog and that cut any of this issues in the bud? He said he probably wouldn't breed him so I'm not concerned with that.

Thoughts?

Answer 1

Castration & The Behavioural Effects
Many dog owners inadvertently conclude that canine castration is the magic solution to all their dog-behaviour problems. The decision to castrate is often taken as a desperate measure, rather than a well-thought-out and considered judgement based on the likely benefits.

The main reasons castrations are carried out are usually to either:

Prevent accidental mating and, consequently, unwanted puppies.
Address certain medical conditions including testicular cancer and diseases of the prostate gland.
Or/and to address behavioural problems.
This article looks specifically at the behavioural implications of castration and avoids both the medical and moral arguments surrounding this subject.

What exactly is castration?
Also known as neutering, castration is the surgical procedure which removes an animal's testicles (or testes). It is a routine minor operation carried out under general anaesthetic and does not normally require an overnight stay at the vet. Some stitching is required which is then usually removed after 7-10 days. Un-castrated dogs are often referred to as 'entire' males.

So what is the connection between castration and behaviour ?
The testes are responsible for the production of testosterone. As dogs grow, during their adolescence (6-18 months) the levels of this hormone increase such that secondary sex-related characteristics become more evident. These include mounting, leg lifting and higher levels of aggression. The hypothesis is that removal of the testes reduces the production of testosterone and hence sex related behaviour.

Does castration reduce dog aggression towards humans?
Of all dog behaviours, aggressiveness is the one that gives us the greatest concern. The reasons for aggression within dogs can be varied. Understanding these reasons, their causes and symptoms requires the experience of a trained behaviourist. The causes for aggression towards family members is usually the most difficult to determine. Often it is as a result of the dog attempting to gain a higher rank within its pack (which includes your family). This is known as dominance aggression and surveys have shown that this form of aggression is more common in entire males than castrated males. In such cases, your vet or behaviourist may recommend castration as part of a behaviour programme to tackle this form of aggression. They would also look at ways to help stabilise the ranking hierarchy within the home. See our article How to become the pack leader.

Territorial aggression is often the main cause of aggression towards visitors to your home. In the wild, territorial aggression by dogs stems from the need to protect mating and food resources. Hence, like dominance aggression, castration may also be part of a behaviour modification programme.

On the other hand, your dog's discomfort with a particular situation or circumstance may result in fear or nervous aggression. There can be a number of reasons for this, but lack of socialisation during ‘puppyhood’ is usually the main cause. In such cases, a behaviour modification programme is unlikely to include castration.

Does castration reduce dog aggression towards other dogs?
Aggression between dogs is most often either fear aggression or dominance aggression. Fear aggression may be the result of a previous experience of being attacked, or because they feel they are unable to escape a particular situation. In the latter case, dogs are more likely to display fear aggression whilst on lead as opposed to being off lead. As mentioned earlier, canine castration would not be a part of resolving aggression caused through fear.

Castration may be recommended where aggression between dogs is orientated towards other males and where fear aggression has been ruled out. Castration may reduce the desire to dominate and reduce overall aggression thresholds. Additionally, castrated dogs smell less masculine and are less likely to be the focus of aggressive intentions by other dogs. Aggression between dogs is discussed in more detail in our article Why is My Dog Aggressive to Other Dogs

Does castration stop mounting behaviour?
Mounting behaviour is discussed in more detail in our article Why is my dog mounting other dogs. Where this behaviour is portrayed against female dogs (or in some cases neutered dogs - see above), castration can be very effective.

Mounting behaviour against humans or other objects (e.g. pillows, large fluffy toys) can occur particularly as a dog enters puberty. If this behaviour continues into adulthood, then castration is likely to be recommended and is known to be very successful. If the mounting behaviour is as a result of dominance, other behaviour therapies may also need to be considered.

Does castration eliminate urine marking?
Our article Urine Marking in the house discusses this behaviour in more detail. Castration is known to help in cases urine marking, particularly where the marking is taking place inside the home. On its own, urine marking outside the home is generally not considered sufficient reasoning for castration.

Are there any behavioural side-effects of castration?
It is believed that castrated dogs smell different and can become the focus of attention from other males. This is particularly evident in recently castrated dogs.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that castration causes a dog to put on weight. It is true that after castration dogs can have an increased appetite and will eat more food if given. Hence the over weight is often due to over feeding rather than the effects of castration.

Castration does not affect an owner’s ability to train their dog. In fact many find castrated dogs are less distracted and easier to train

Any there any alternatives?
Some owners mistakenly believe that allowing their dog to mate will reduce their dog's frustrations and consequently ease behavioural problems. This is not the case and in many cases things can get worse as the dogs interest in females and sense of status increases further.

Hormone treatments prescribed by vets can be beneficial in tackling behaviour problems. They are normally in tablet or injection form and are a useful way of modifying behaviour while other behaviour improvement tactics are employed.

Hormone treatments are also a useful gauge as to the likely effects of castration.
www.eurobichons.com

Answer 2

HELLO, you say your husband is a trainer and yet you ignore his sound advice. No wonder you get peed and pooped on...you seem to tick off even the dog....seriously...your husband is right in the respect that THIS particular dog feels that you are the lowest thing in the pack if at all a part of it. EVERY animal is different than the next. No two will ever respond the same or have the same thoughts...Somehow you managed to fool the other dog into believing you were worthy of pack positioning...this one, however does not. You must establish yourself as alpha to him...leave his knuts alone unless you will never ever breed him. I say the dogs need the hormones to fully develop first then you can de-knut after a few years if he is a major "Marker" in the home. If you are ALPHA along with your husband no need to mark ...he will know where he stands.

Answer 3

Neutering can definitely help, though not completely solve, problems like yours.

I had a similar problem with my Pekingese. We had him neuterd at 2 1/2, and the inside marking has almost completely stopped. Our vet said that it would take at least 30 days to see a difference in any behaviors, though, so be prepared to wait for results!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Nope! My vet said it would but he didn't spend any time scrubbing around my easy chair nor by bed skirts afterwards! He also stayed bossy! Loved him dearly but we argued all the time who was the boss of MY house. :) That's why I prefer females. Don't bother putting your male dog through the agony unless you simply don't want puppies from him. Boys will be boys!!