Would neutering help my pitbulls aggressiveness?

Question

He's such a sweet dog...but he's really territorial (or however you spell it) He wouldn't hurt anyone in this house but people come in the yard that he doesn't know he gets really mean. He's bitten a couple of ppl and he had to go to quarantine (sp) and stuff. I just want to know if neutering him would help he's already 2 years old so I dont know if that would make a difference or not. Help!

Answer 1

It sure could help. So will training classes.

Really, there is no excuse to not have had your dog neutered at 6 months old. Some of the behavioural issues possibly could have been prevented by neutering him early. Get it taken care of now and hope for the best.

Answer 2

Neutering may help your dog's level of aggressiveness and territoriality. However, although a responsible step to take, neutering is NOT an all-encompassing solution to behavioral issues. I have adopted two male, adult dogs, both with certain behavioral issues, and I can tell you right off the bat that socialization is the key to eliminating and controlling aggressive behavior in dogs. Naturally some breeds will be protective in the home, but you can reinforce the desired behavior (ie friendliness toward strangers) by using positive reinforcement strategies. Have guests meet you outside with the dog. The guest should come bearing a treat (prearrange this of course) which he or she can feed to the dog upon meeting him. Once your dog is comfortable with people near his house, try this exercise inside. He should learn that strangers are a good experience. However, if the people he has bitten are intruders, I have no idea why your dog would be quarantined. Many dogs will defend their property, so I cannot imagine why yours would be put away if all he is doing is watching out for his area. However, if you have a shared yard or common area it is your responsibility as an owner to take every precaution to ensure he is not unsupervised where he can cause damage. Behavioral issues are NEVER the dog's fault; they are the owner's (or previous) owner's fault. Dog's react, they do not plan their behaviors. I cannot imagine why the dog was not managed in a way that would ensure his safety and others' safety. Owning a pitbull, or any other powerful breed, is a big responsibility. These dogs need proper socialization to understand their boundaries, proper leadership from their owners, and proper containment if they do develop an issue. If you feel you cannot handle your dog's problem on your own, please contact a behaviorist in your area. These professionals are best equipped to work with difficult dogs safely. Allowing your dog to commit agressive acts will end up killing him; he will eventually be put to sleep for biting one too many hands (or arms or faces) and it will be your fault for it happening. I am sorry if that sounds harsh, but I am a very strong believer in owner accountability. Too many dogs are euthanized because of lack of proper attention and dedication from their owners.

Answer 3

I am sure he is a sweetie-pie and I can also tell by your question that you love him and want to keep him. I would recommend neutering him, just be prepared that the surgery is not going to fix everything immediately. I am also wondering if you have him in a kennel outdoors or is he tied? If you tie him, you need to understand that that will leave him feeling at a disadvantage and he will become more and more aggressive. Pitbulls are naturally an agressive breed. They have been bred for years with the sole purpose being to create and establish them as the best fighting dogs in the world. In addition to neutering him, I would strongly suggest that you join in on an obedience class in your area. The charges are very reasonable, and the classes normally run for 10 weeks. Best of luck.

Answer 4

Neutering may/may not help. But i'd suggest it.

You also need a animal behaviorist/trainer. If your dog has bitten two people, you should count your blessings that you have not been sued. Dog owners are liable for damages that their dogs cause. And after two bites, he should have been put down.

It is not a normal for a dog to attack and bite, only if it is threatened. I put you at fault for not rectifying this sooner. If you think your dog is a danger, YOU should be responsible enough to take every precaution. First, Muzzle him, whenever he is outside the house. This will only bother him for awhile...but your trainer will recommend it immediately for any training sessions.

You need a certified trainer/behaviourist, with an expertise in dog aggression. You have to take all the necessary steps now. You have no choice, because you will not be lucky the third bite. Someone will sue you, or worse, someone will die.

Answer 5

No. Neutering only stops the dog from running off to find a female that is in heat.
Your dog needs Basic Obedience Training. Serious Basic Obedience Training. He has to learn that he does not own the property, you do. To do that you must elevate your status and in doing that you elevate the status of other people who come in contact with your pet. Even the most loving dog will bite his/her owner if they feel that pack protocol has been violated. You need to learn to be a strong and dominant leader and to apply proper rules or you will lose your dog. Society is very intolerant of biters and are especially focused on Pits.
Be sure to look for a trainer that specializes in aggression problems or you will be wasting your money.
Good Luck.

Answer 6

Neutering won't hurt. It can help especially if it is really territorial aggression causing this.

socializing and training your dog can help, too. But at this point, you can't take him anywhere to socialize him because of his past. And I wouldn't want to come to his territory to meet him.

You need to consult a behaviorist. Not the fake kind like the Dog Whisperer, but someone who has studied behaviorism in dogs and specializes in aggression. someone who has achieved an advanced degree in dog behavior.

Answer 7

Yes, there is a good chance that neutering will help, regardless of age. Also, he needs to be getting regular rabies shots so that he doesn't have to go through quarantine again (dogs are quarantined to check for rabies, but only if owners aren't keeping up on the dog's rabies shots.).

Answer 8

It does help calm them down, not a huge amount, but helpful I would think. You definately need to get control, I think if he acts out again, he will be put down, at least put in the vicious category and you may be required to carry insurance in case he continues to be territorial. I think you should get quality obediance classes going right now, he has to understand that his behavior is not acceptable and is dangerous, and you need to be able to control him, no matter the situation. If you are unable to get the classes, I think it best you surrender him to someone who can handle him, and know he will be safe. You also can try giving him Bak Flower, it is natural and safe. You can purchase it at the vet's office, or in a health food store. You give him several tablespoons per day, it's for irritability, calming purposes. Safe for people as well, know any cranky ones? Try this for at least a two month period, our dog saw results within two weeks, not as stubborn, ready to sit and behave better. Good luck, make some changes to save him from disaster.

Answer 9

neutering will definetly calm down your dog, they will stop with the territorial issues.

however, sometimes neutering doesnt work (for unknown reasons) dogs may end up still aggressive, in this case you may have to take it in for training

Answer 10

Neutering will definetly calm down your dog, they will stop with the territorial issues as well.