Tuesday Training Byte: Spaying and Neutering doesn't fix training issues

Many behaviors are erroneously believed to be due to hormones. Often, it is a matter of understanding your dogs and his needs, and providing appropriate training. Here are a few examples:

Humping. Neutering does not fix this issue because humping is generally due to being overly aroused and either sex will engage it. Sometimes dogs that are highly excitable will get their owner's attention by humping. And it usually works! So then the behavior is reinforced. Redirect the dog calmly. Dogs need plenty of rest, especially puppies, so make sure to enforce nap and rest times.

Marking. Again, many people will rush to neuter their dog in an attempt to stop this annoying behavior. I have had intact males live their entire lives without marking in my house or other places outdoors. I do two things to prevent this behavior. I teach a "watch me" command so as I am walking my boy through the door of the Home Depot, I have his focus on me! If at any time I see him begin to put his head downwards- I get his attention looking back up at my face. A sniff usually precedes the "mark". Another command I teach is the "leave it". Rather than using a toy or treat to lure the dog away, I use the command and immediately mark the behavior of looking away from the object or spot with a "Yes!" followed by a tasty high-value treat. Practice leave it with food placed in a little bowl by the car tire, the gardenia bush, the lamp post, a chair and by the door way. Practice walking on leash around these items and be sure to reward the looking away. Also be sure to keep control of your dog that he doesn't manage to lunge and get the forbidden item. In the looking away and back toward you, your dog will be otherwise occupied and not put his nose down to sniff and then hike the leg.

Aggression. There are studies that show most dog bites are from neutered dogs. Also neutering does not fix a dog aggressive or dog reactive dog. Training with a canine behaviorist can help with this problem. This is a behavior that can take some time to work through. The aggression is not generally hormone driven. When properly trained and socialized, multiple intact dogs can live peacefully together whether they are intact females or intact males.

Jumping up and hyper behavior. Most healthy puppies can seem to be hyper. Training and scheduled nap periods will help. Make sure to provide ample mental and physical stimulation. Enroll your puppy in an AKC STAR Puppy class to work on training your puppy accepted behaviors. Spaying or neutering isn't the best way to correct a behavior problem.

Hormones reduce many health risks for your dog and keeping them intact can give you a healthier dog with more longevity, but training is a must. The shelter and rescue industry pushes spay and neutering when then problem is irresponsible ownership. Happy training!