I got stopped again today by a guy who has spoken to me a number of times over the years about his problems.  When he saw my red and white collie he thought that she was a 'Welsh sheep dog' like his. I dropped some info about Welsh sheep dogs through his door for him and some articles about training.   He has had numerous problems with the dog and I was surprised he was still struggling on.  He can't afford training or paying for advice - he doesn't have a computer nor can he actually use one (I suggested going to local library) but he does seem to ask all and sundry for advice.  I reiterated what I have told him before - your dog will need consistant training of the right sort - it means time and commitment.  His dog lunges at passing cars, children on scooters - everything - as mine will if I let her.  His neighbours have complained.   His latest problem is the dog (5 years old male entire) is barking at 3 ish in the morning and waking him up when he has to get up at 5.30 to go to his cleaning job.  I asked him had anything changed - the neighbour now has a dog now which has just had it's first season!!   He says someone in Pets at home had told him that unless the dog excercises it's natural process a couple of times a year then it's behaviour will be bad - it should be neutered.  I told him that was tosh but I am not an expert.  He has been to the vet and was told for future health reasons the dog should be neutered.  It is not an agression issue but I said that I doubt it will make any difference to his behaviour problems - only training can do that.  He can't afford to have it neutered anyway he says. 

The dog had also done something it had never done before - damaged the kitchen door trying to get out.  It is now left in the living room and seems OK. 

He has bought one issue of a dog's magazine with an article about collies - in the mag he saw an advert for a stud dog - another Welsh sheep dog.  I told him absolutely don't go there and getting his dog neutered might be a good idea if there is a bitch next door and the owners are not doing anything about it.  If both animals are in the gardens there is a good chance his dog will get in next door even if there is a fence around.  I promised to find out some info and drop it into his place - I shouldn't really get involved - I just can't help being a sucker having seen this really handsome dog of his.  Any answers re neutering would be welcome please - and I am sure there is some charity that helps with paying for this if you are on low income? 

I hope the complaining neighbour is not the one with the in season bitch, as they ought to realise it is her presence and condition likely causing the issue if it is new.

I do hope that I am not reading that the dog is left outside unattended to bark at night?

A word with the bitch owning neighbour to perhaps let him know when she is in season so they can contain/distract him more during the crucial week would ease things too.

No the complaining neighbour is one that has taken objection to the dog barking in the garden at aeroplanes etc.  Apparently has threatened (obviously wasn't serious because this was a few years ago) to open the garden gate and let the dog loose allegedly.  This neighbour hasn't complained it seems because their dog also barks.  The barking at 3 in the morning is in the house.  Who knows - I just wish this guy didn't keep stopping me and asking me to solve his problems in a few minutes chat - this is really a case of don't blame the dog.  I feel sorry for the dog and I can't just tell him to go away.   I don't think things are going to change so I must hold back and not feed him advice -

It doesn't sound to me that neutering would alter anything except the ability to sire puppies.  If the dog has a nice nature, why would you want to remove his testosterone and encourage fear aggresssion?

I think he just wants an easy way out of behaviour problems - I have been worrying about this since I saw him.  I am torn between trying offer him advice - which I don't think he is good at taking in, and avoiding him in case he becomes a nuisance bothering me because he is rather a sad character and a bit lonely.  I am berating myself for judging him on the few times he has stopped and talked to me.  Perhaps I have him all wrong and he is just trying his best.  When he mentioned the stud dog advert I was horrified that his thoughts were going down the line of offering his dog (no papers or anything) as a stud because that could earn him a few bob and seemingly sort out the dogs problems - because an assistant in Pets at Home had told him so.  What did I think of them he asked - I said nothing they are shop assistants - I wouldn't dream of expecting anyone there to give me advice on anything except what the shop sold. 
This dog is his companion - you can see he really loves his dog but he can't handle it.  I was going to drop the details of a local training class into his letterbox along with some ideas of things he can do to play with his dog at home to use his brain but am thinking better of it.  But I think it will only encourage him to look out for me again.   

Would he read/take on board,a simple training book?I suppose the dog has plenty of exercise,as a well exercised dog would be easier to handle?sounds like the sort of dog that would really take to some training/games.Still,at least its seems clear he is loved,and the owner doesnt appear to want to give up on him.I think Ceejay,if I were you I would put the training class details through his door,if he s lonely,could be a good thing for them both.