Behavior Tip of the Month
Passive Pooch
Question:
My unneutered male Golden Retriever is getting attacked at the dog park. I have no idea why. He never fights back or challenges the other dogs. Can you explain this?
Answer:
Think of a bull fight. The bull wants to attack the flaming red cape held by the matador. Through no fault of his own, your poor pacifist pooch may be playing the role of the cape. Why? Most likely because he's not neutered. Intact males emit a scent that invites some other males to attack them.
Have him neutered. Most likely the attacks will stop. Do this soon or he may start to fight back. If he becomes defensively aggressive, you will have even more problems.
There are many reasons why neutering is beneficial. Obviously it prevents unwanted puppies. However, it also prevents many behavior problems:
Escaping and roaming which results in death on streets and highways Mounting furniture and peoples' legs
Fighting with other male dogs
Lifting the leg (urinating) in the house
Dr. Nicholas Dodman of Tufts University Veterinary Center summarizes neutering in his book Dogs Behaving Badly: "Neutering is a relatively innocuous procedure that will produce a more content and less troublesome pet".
For all these reasons, be your dog's best friend and neuter him.
Best Friend Behavior Counseling and Training
San Diego, Ca.
619-460-6888
"Positively teaching pets and their people since 1977"
Do you have a question for Carole? You can reach her at this email address - cbschatz@webtv.net Perhaps she will use it in an upcoming article on this Web site.
The information contained on this site is in no way intended to replace that of proper veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment.
It is meant to provide resource, so that we can better understand canine health related issues.
