Savage Labradoodle

[mingming]

Ming is a 3 year old male, he is entire, and I do not want to have him castrated, he is a happy dog.

The problem is that despite very good whistle recall, he has taken to attacking other dogs. Not in a manner to cause injury but chasing and snapping. Obviously bad news. He even does it when muzzled.

Have to accept he picked up a small terrier by the neck, so muzzle bought

I'm not convinced castration at his stage is the answer

Any suggestions? Anyone tried the electronic collars?

[bexVN]

Get him castrated. It it not going to make things worse unless you think it is fear aggression (not likely). It will either do nothing or it will help. But training swell, find a trainer that can help.

I cannot and will not condone the use of shock collars except in the remotest chance where absolutely nothing else has worked and under the guidance of a top notch behaviourist. This is not a route I would advise.

[Jasandjules]

Do you know/can you think of a trigger? i.e. was he attacked at all?

Also, is it only males he attacked or females too?

Was he well socialised with dogs as a pup?

[mingming]

He has been to training, for a couple of years and is generally obedient and intelligent, this is a recent manifestation. I disapprove of castration and am looking for other solutions.

[mingming]

Yes well socialised brought up with 2 bulldogs and a spaniel, submissive particularly to the bhes, now he is the only dog as the others have died, last one 2 years ago, he was the ongoing replacement as it were

[mingming]

Would a companion dog improve matters. I'm concerned to get the right answers as my wife favours the knife.

[bexVN]

You could try a temporary castration. Either an injection or an implant. If they work you then have your answer.

I'm not going to bore you with the health benefits of neutering as I'm sure you've heard them all before, all I will say is as a fully mature dog there will be very negatives should this end up being a necessary route.

I would see if your vets know a good behaviourist and get some advice on what to do. They may be able to observe him in action.

[ClassicMercs]

I think whilst things are in limbo my advise would be not only walk the dog on a lead, or somewhere you know there are no other dogs (we have a mate with a field which is secure and controlled). Safe for all concerned until you can highlight the cause.

Our Irish Setter is fairly similar and only started being so at around 4 - after the previous 'top dog' of the family got too old. Whilst I hear what BEX says, personally I won't be getting any 'snips' as the negative with setters is a ruined coat - by far his best feature.

[mingming]

Thanks so much, I will try what you say. He is a lovely dog, and I'm not going to do a knee jerk reaction. I'm waiting for my vet' s reaction on Facebook! My immediate thought is avoid mutilation.

As a puppy he had repeated full knock outs because he had injuries racing through hedges and getting bad cuts on barbed wire. Would that be a factor I wonder?

[bexVN]

No really don't think so. Even if there was you'd have seen signs a long time ago.

[BlackVanDyke]

Castration really isn't mutilation - you can even get him falsies if you don't want the way he looks to change - need to remember that we've brought dogs into an environment where it's impossible for them to behave naturally without there being negative consequences, if his hormonal drive is telling him he has to seek punch-ups with other male dogs then frankly trying any kind of behavioural intervention is going to fall somewhere on the pointless -> unfair continuum.

[m4tti]

Test the castration theory.... Consult your vet regarding hormone implants. They will create the same hormone levels as castration temporarily so you can assess the potential impact.