neutering for 2 fighting males-urgent decision - Page 1

Hi Everyone,

Just some advice please. I have three months ago purchased a very nice showline male(18 months old) which has joined my other 2 gsd, 1 male(16 months) and a female. Despite attempts to supervise them, they are only just about tolerating each other and already have picked a few fights(one of the males coming out worse a couple of times, requiring a couple of stitches on both occasions.)  Obviously the ideal would be to separate them constantly, however this is not always possible in my given circumstances. so the question is do I neuter them both to stand the best chance of some peace(obviously still needing supervision) or do you think neutering one(maybe the younger one that mainly instigates most of the frackas?).  Things will obviously get worse as the female comes into heat soon as well. Any experience?

Many thanks

neuter and spay all

Honestly, I wouldn't count on either scenario to solve the fighting problem. In my experience, once 2 dogs "get it in" for one another, the only thing you can do is prevent them from having at one together. When your female comes into season, you are going to have an even worse problem.  Sometimes having 2 dogs of the same sex works out, sometimes not. If you can't keep them separted 24/7, I don't know what else to suggest. You are going to have some vet bills and keep your first aid kit handy.

Kind of unusual behavior for males, usually they will duke it out a little to establish their pack order and then be done with it.  I doubt if neutering would provide a solution.  Intensive training might help let them know that YOU are the leader.

Since you're open to the neuter option, do both males.  You may still have problems but it may, just may, tone them down a bit.  Our intact males, one at a time, can be in the same yard as our neutered males.  There are still issues at times just not as often.  Good luck, like Blitzen said, keep the first aid kit handy.

What do you do when the female goes into heat?? They will ALL have to be separated then for a month.. so my advice would be to get used to it!! If you have kennels outdoors, use them or crates indoors......

I don't think neutering will sove all of the problems.. I think this is a management issue ...... I'm assuming the first 2 got along ok and then you just threw the 2nd male in with the 2 who already had a relationship worked out......

They may never have gotten along but you will never know .. always a good idea to acclimate the newcomer and by that I mean, no privilege... learn the house rules so to speak.. using a crate, feeding out of my hand

Please tell me you don't free feed !

I'm with Blitzen though, think you better put your vet on speed dial ......

I am kinda inclined to do the male I have had the longest as it is him who pretty much always starts it(and funny enough he is the one who gets it worse in the end!-I suppose he doesnt get the hint the other male is more powerful than him!!). and he has always been kinda aggresive with other dogs.  the new male seems more docile and trys to avoid the confrontation but is forced into it and has to defend himself. So maybe try one neutering first and see. 

i would not count on spaying/neutering to deter dogs from fighting.  it prevents them from reproducing, but as far as i can see, that's it.  the only way to keep dogs from fighting is to keep them separated.  period.

pjp

Dkiah,

the male and female grew up together from puppies so they got on reasonably well, although they too have regular spats, but no blood! And no I dont free feed! I honestly think it is the male I've had from a puppy who is the problem(he's the one who usually starts the spats with the female as well).

ziegenfarm, although I am not an expert,the literature is full with suggestions that castration does help with dog aggression, so i am hoping this helps a little at the very least. I think toning down the hormones a couple of rungs should help calm down  the tempers.

both of the boys are at that ugly teenage 'aint i tough' stage.  whether or not you neuter them, expect the spats to continue at least for a while.