9 replies to this topic

[tomatosandwich]

I'm feeling really frustrated and worried. We decided (based on advice from the breeder and double-checked on here) to delay neutering Divot until he was at least 10 months old. When he turned 10 mos., I made the appointment. The vet had to cancel due to some problem at the clinic (the vet moved to a new building and there were some issues apparently). We rescheduled for 6 weeks later. Due to a death in the family, I had to cancel the appointment. So he was rescheduled again for last week. Weather here put the power out the day of the surgery! Ugh! They are trying to get him in a.s.a.p now.

Here's my worry. The last month and a half he has really become a leg lifter and has been trying to do naughty things to my lab's leg. He also, for the first time, lifted and peed inside the pet store!

Please tell me that it's too late to stop him from being a marker! Is it too late for me to get the behavior benefits of neutering? Is all hope lost? (To be clear, he's getting neutered regardless. I'm just looking for some hope.) He's now 13 months old.

[pindrop]

Unfortunately I can't help you in this instance as I have had only female dogs. Hopefully someone will come along and put all your fears to rest.
You know how you don't realize how times flies but are brought back to reality when you see children suddenly growing up - well when you mentioned that Divot is now 13 months - I'm seeing my life flash before my eyes.

[pkcrossley]

of course it's not too late. keep enforcing good habits now, and after the surgery, and he will straighten out. all dogs can be taught new tricks. in some ways this age is better --you can be sure his parts have completely matured before the surgery. premature neutering is a much bigger problem than later neutering.

[tomatosandwich]

pk--thank you so much for your positive response! I needed to hear that more than you know!

Pindrop--I can always count on your support. Thank you!

Good news--the vet called with an open slot today due to a cancellation. I took it, so Divot's big day is tomorrow. Now I'm nervous about that, lol!

[Tami]

We got Fearghus neutered at 9 mos and it made an immediate difference in his humping behavior. He still lifts his leg to mark bushes etc on our walks and squats when he's mostly just relieving himself. So far he's been really good at not doing that in our house. However the last time we were at my father's house, Fearghus marked the curtains. We yelled no the moment we saw him go for it but it was too late. We're not there often since it's a 5 1/2 hour drive for us, but you can be sure that the next time we go I'll be watching him like a hawk.

[Tuesday]

Nope, not too late. Murphy is almost 4 and still hasn't been neutered. We went through a rough patch about a year or so ago, but with the help of tethering, a red satin belly band and lots of watering the bushes outside we are free from any marking/accidents.

We will be getting him neutered this Spring sometime though. He's old enough to have all of his instincts, and I do want to guard against any health issues as he ages.

Don't feel bad at all. May dogs go through life without being neutered and they and their owner live long lives with no marked up furniture!

Good Luck to Divot on his surgery ( I just saw the update).

[tomatosandwich]

Thank you, Tuesday. It's nice to hear that male dogs can be good companions without being neutered young.

[pindrop]

Tomatosandwich - how is Divot doing since his surgery? I do hope everything went well and he is recovering.

[Sue G]

Has Divot had his surgery yet?

I don't know how normal my dog is, but I got Ozzy at one year old not neutered so he was a little over one before he was neutered. He was annoying with the humping when I got him...not everything, but he had his favorites (including my older brother who is NOT a dog guy to begin with ). He also attempted a few times to mark furniture. I was scared to death that he was just a bad dog and he wouldn't stop, but after his surgery he NEVER tried to hump anything again! I still have to watch him when I take him to unknown houses for marking, but he's much better about that too. The jury's still out about whether he's a bad dog or not, but those 2 behaviors virtually disappeared after I had him neutered thank goodness.

[tomatosandwich]

Thanks for sharing that info, Sue! Yes, Divot was neutered a little over a week ago. I haven't seen him hump anything since either! I hope it's a permanent change!