How much can neutering calm a dog down?

3655 Views 13 Replies 13 Participants Last post by mustluvdogs66, Feb 6, 2020

flickz

Discussion Starter · Jan 31, 2020

Hi, I have a 9 month-old mini poodle/sheepdog mix. I read online that mini poodles and sheepdogs just need 2 20-minute walks per day, and have an "off" switch inside the house. However, even after he plays for an hour, he still has lots of energy and wants to play (and will bark and nip if I won't indulge him). I really just want to spend 40 minutes per day on walking, and not more.

Also, the nipping is a bit of a problem. When I have guests over, he nips them, and it can be painful. I've tried saying "no" in a calm but forceful manner, and I've tried yipping like a puppy, but neither works. He's not aggressive or angry, he just doesn't seem to understand that he's hurting people that he loves.

The dog has a great personality, I just wonder if these things will improve in the next 2 years of his life. Also, he has neutering coming up, and I wonder if that could be a big help. What do you guys think? At this point, I'm inclined to give him to a trusted friend who leads a very active lifestyle. However, if you think there's potential once he gets neutered for this to be a lot more manageable, maybe I should keep him.

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Knute

· #2 · Jan 31, 2020

IMHO, you've read some mythconceptions on the internet about dog walking time and "Off" switch.

My guess is the dog needs more walks for longer duration. I have a 14 lb mini-schnauzer, we walk a minimum of 3X/day for 30-40 minutes each walk. Yes, we go despite the weather.

We have bouts of indoor play that includes tug, chase, schnauzer fetch, ball chase...…. The "off" switch for my dog happens when he has burned off trapped energy. He is 3 1/2 years old and neutered.

My point, Your dog needs more exercise or activity to burn off the energy. Your dog is trying to play with you. 40 minutes of walk per day is not enough for a poodle/sheepdog mix, they are high intelligence and lots of energy.

I don't suspect neutering will "calm" the dog. If this is your rational about neutering, then you have another mythconception.

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