Hi,

I have a an entire dog (16 month Cocker Spaniel) who is a very good-natured and well balanced animal. Being of good pedigree, good health and nature and consistently receiving compliments on his looks and behaviour we have given some thought to stud him in future, once he matures into a full adult, him still being a relative teenager now.

As per usual we're doing the rounds this Christmas staying with family at various times. However, my parents' bitch (3 years Golden Labrador) is just entering season. Ordinarily the pair of them happily play and socialise together and sleep in the same room. Obviously this would present problems at this time and provide plenty of opportunity to incur an unwanted pregnancy.

I've been informed that a Tardak injection can be used as a contraceptive method, suppressing my dog's libido and biological ability to mate.
I have a number of concerns;
1. Will the injection actually act as a reliable contraceptive method?
2. What will the short-term affects on my dog's behaviour be whilst the drug is in effect?
3. Are there any long term behavioural affects to using Tardak?
4. Will the one time use of Tardak have any standing on breeders' interest in using our dog as a stud in future?

What would anyone else do in the same situation?

Many thanks in advance

As far as I am aware Tardak may supress libido, but it is not a contraceptive and the presence of a bitch ready for mating may well be enough to override it's effects.

Even castrated males will mate in season bitches, especially if the bitch is playful/flirtatious and keen to be mated..

If he were my boy I wouldn't take him to the house of an in season bitch.  She is likely to be very persistent about getting to him - she'd probably bother any visiting dog (male,female or neutered!) - and he is likely to find it stressful.  To say nothing of the pressure it puts on you and your parents to manage dogs, doorways, feeding times and walks etc.

I'd either ask a friend to have him, or book him into kennels whilst you visit.  If neither of those things are possible I'd be inclined to give the visit a miss and see them as soon as possible after Christmas instead.

There is no way that I would take an entire dog to stay with an in season bitch - Tardak is not a contraceptive.

The next question - if he should be used at stud?  This maybe a good start. :)
http://www.champdogsforum.co.uk/board/topic/55104.html

Many thanks Brainless, "dogs a babe" and WestCoast for your quick and helpful responses.
I've just come from the vets where they agreed Tardak shouldn't be used for such purpose.
They did inform me of the Suprelorin implant, however, it won't take affect in time.
So I'm currently arranging to view some local kennels to board him for a few days instead.

Thank you also WestCoast for the pointer to the starter post on considering to stud a dog, it's much appreciated.

A Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!

One of my in season retrievers started flirting with my daughters friend, because she could smell her male dog on her clothes! Luckily as the child was only 8, she didn't notice.

One of my entire dogs once started flirting with a friend's daughter who was having her period. That was embarrassing.

I would also not take my entire male dog to visit a house with an in season bitch, it's just not worth the stress and hassle to all of us. It's tricky enough to juggle when my own bitch comes into season and I have to send him to stay with friends while she's at her peak time - she is far worse at hassling him than vice versa!

Regarding offering your Cocker at stud, they are a very overbred breed and although the vast level of pet breeding that goes on has led to a lot of very poor quality pedigrees and dogs, there is also no shortage of dogs like yours with good pedigrees, looks and temperaments out there. Your dog will need something to set him apart if he is to be considered by serious, reputable breeders and to objectively prove that he is of really good breed type and has something to offer the breed. If he is a show Cocker is he being shown with consistent good results? Or if he's a working Cocker is he being worked regularly and performing well at this and/or being competed in tests or trials to prove that he is fit for purpose? Cockers also require several health tests before breeding should be considered, the minimum being DNA testing for PRA and FN plus a one-off gonioscopy and an annual BVA eye test. 

I have found Tardak as useful as a chocolate teapot, absolute waste of money.