[Tivelo]

I have several friends who own un-neutered male dogs. While discussing how much they like to fight other uncut males, I pointed out that show dogs, aren't generally neutered, yet you don't see male show dogs fighting each other all the time. Thus it's a matter of lack of proper training rather than an inevitable fact that uncut males will fight other uncut males.

Later I realized that I don't know for sure if show dogs are always uncut. Can someone verify that for me?

[poodleholic]

Dogs showing in the conformation ring must be intact.

[lovemygreys]

Yep...both dogs and bitches must be intact to show.

[Shalva]

yep AND that having been said i have three intact males in this house who do not fight.

the only dogs that may be shown spayed/neutered are veterans...... dogs over age 7
S

[Tivelo]

Thanks for confirming my beliefs. Now then, how does one stop a dog from being aggressive toward other intact males? Is it really difficult, or are my friends just "bad" dog owners? I have half a dozen friends who can't let their dogs hang out because of this. Is there a good thread on this subject?

Thanks for your time,
~Tiv

PS~ Shalva, I'm a Michigander too....high five!

[TooneyDogs]

The appropriate threads are many; Socialization, Possessiveness (of the owner), Territory and some of the threads incorrectly titled Aggression (towards other dogs). Dog aggressiveness in it's true form is fairly rare.
A dog that is truly dog aggressive does not bark, snarl or growl in warning (no social warning is given because the dog is not social). What we see most often is a fearful dog that thinks it has to defend itself with alot of bluff and bluster which leads to a fight and that is not aggression. Or, the dog that has been allowed to become a bully through lack of training and discipline. Some macho guys like this in their dogs and the dog has been 'taught' to be that way. While the guys might be somewhat deliberate in that approach. And, both guys and gals can create problems inadvertantly by wanting the dog to defend them at percieved threats. The problem is, the dog is never taught to distinguish between the peeping tom, the MIL or the child next door. Well, maybe getting 2 out of 3 right is OK.....

[nlkeple]

Intact males can and do get along with other intact males with the right training/socializing/handling/etc.

However that being said having them fixed can help make the training/socializing, etc easier. So if your friends are having a hard time it may be something they might want to at least consider.

But please don't get the idea that simply having a dog neutered will solve all of its problems, because this is not the case, but there are times when the extra 'manly' hormones complicate things.

There are a lot of good threads under the training topic that may be of help, you could try looking through there.

[wvasko]

Originally Posted by Tivelo

Thanks for confirming my beliefs. Now then, how does one stop a dog from being aggressive toward other intact males? Is it really difficult, or are my friends just "bad" dog owners? I have half a dozen friends who can't let their dogs hang out because of this. Is there a good thread on this subject?

Thanks for your time,
~Tiv

PS~ Shalva, I'm a Michigander too....high five!

You probably are not going to like my answer but the good news is that you do not have to take my instructions. You have to become the pack leader, Yes I said leader not feeder. The dog training trend now is positive motivation (food reward) constant food/biscuit/whatever type of FOOD REWARD). Amazing things can be done with positive reward systems, but there are times when discipline is needed. The dog must learn there are consequences from his pack leader when he attempts to get into a fight. A prong collar used properly could help solve the problem. Notice I said used properly, but I may get some negative feedback on this post.

[clipclop]

Discipline can come in many forms- leaving the room.. a sharp shhh... or "off"... witholding affection...etc.