We have the possibility of re homing a pup that has been returned to the breeder after only two weeks. We have only ever had bitches (currently have two) and he is a boy.  My question is therefore how do boys differ from girls and what advice would you give for successful integration.

Well there will be huge varieties between breeds/groups/individuals.... But in general....

We have always had a mixed 'pack', breed and sex wise. Our dogs have been more honest and predictable than our bitches. Our bitches have all had a certain sharpness to them and have always bossed the boys around. Our bitches have been cleverer and more manipulative. The boys you always know what they're thinking, they wear their heart on their sleeve. Work wise the bitches have had more potential, though my golden bitch has always been a lazy worker. I also find dogs to be more affectionate *ducks for cover*. Our dogs want to please us, our bitches want to find a way to make it look as though they're pleasing us to please themselves. But they are wonderful too! Still cuddly, clever, special girls.

Only now have we had the problem of both sexes being entire though. That takes some dedication and management. Our entire boys were quite stressed during her last season but they didn't fall out, but if you have entire bitches it's something you need to consider.

I wouldn't say you need to integrate a male puppy any differently to a female puppy. You'll just face different challenges as he ages. You will face the joys of adolescent males, and all the inappropriateness that comes with it you'll probably find your girls will keep him in check!

Lots of people will disagree with me, and obviously so much can vary between individuals and also different bloodlines, but I'm just telling my own personal experiences here. I've had 10 Goldens in my life -five dogs, five bitches. And I would never have another bitch of this breed if I was paid. I find the dogs are so much softer, easier to train, more loving etc etc. Of the five bitches, three were trouble makers and would start fights etc, two were lovely -but the trouble makers were serious trouble indeed. So a dog I'd go for in a heartbeat, and you have a breed extremely likely to accept a new pup if both girls are friendly with other dogs.  My current Golden (male, aged 12 now) used to love it when we had Malinois pups, he'd flop himself on his back and invite the entire litter to climb on him.

You know what they say...the girls love you but the boys are IN LOVE with you.

Loved all my boys....

Interesting replies and I think I would agree with Tectona.
I've always had female Goldens, although have had male dogs of other breeds in the past. Until recently I hadn't really thought about differences in the sexes between Goldens. A friend has one of the males from Isla's litter and we often meet up to give the dogs a good old rough and tumble together, neither play with any other dogs in quite the same way, the trust between them is nice to see.
Comparing the two, I would say that Isla is very quick to learn, notices everything going on around her, shows her brother where to go and what to do (in other words, bossy), is very cuddly but probably that is because it's what she wants. Her brother is much steadier and calmer, doesn't pick up on things so quickly, but has been a bit easier to train. Both dogs are very friendly and good natured and get on very well with each other and other dogs.

I have had both bitches and dogs, currently live with one of each, co-own another one of each who live with my parents and my parents have 2 other bitches and a dog.  Between us, we have had 5 dogs and 6 bitches (that is just the Goldies).  Our boys are gentle, affectionate, cuddly and real mummy's boys who are totally sensitive to our feelings.  Girls are great too but personally I love the nature of the boys and I love how they look - size, build and boys heads are to die for!   It is always our youngest boy who gets attention when we are out and about.  I would not advise anything special when integrating him, just the same as you would have done with another of the same sex.

Thank you for all your comments, it all feels very positive and I must admit a boy would be a lovely new departure for us. Will keep you posted!

Enjoy!

We have always had girls and then along came our current boy! I'd say I find he has been more affectionate,loving and eager to please.  I think the girls were more into my other half where as our boy seems happy with everyone!

I'd also say less moody maybe too

I much prefer males but wouldn't have more than one here with the girls. I have found the males more into me and want to be with me more so. Could be breed dependant but that's my experience and I do prefer males.

I'm very interested in the conclusion here.  I have both sexes, and if I could only keep one dog it would have to be male.  I love that they love me so much.  There is something special about boys.  I agree that the bitches boss the boys and I've never encountered a problem when adding a boy to the household.

I have to disagree with most people as I much prefer bitches, I find them more biddable and loving than males. I have only owned 2 male dogs (my current one was 12 this week) so I can not say it is scientific! I have owned horses, chinchillas and a load of small pets and always got on better with females, maybe its  man thing!

My current Mini Schnauzer bitch could be the dog that disproves my theory, she is stubborn, wilful and yappy ( traits of the breed but much worse than any of my others) and she has given me second thoughts about getting the breed again.

Your not alone I'd never choose to won a male, mainly as I don't like the male characteristics of leg cocking, posturing with other males (not a given but even if yours doesn't' other males may choose to).

At least bitches are only in season twice a year, not all the time

Also from my perspective, with limited facilities, and breeding, it makes sense to keep bitches, as you can always use the best males.

Ok, an update. We brought Eddy home this afternoon. My older girl is not best chuffed about the new little land shark and is being a bit aloof, but the younger one is the one putting him in his place and playing with him. So we will see how we go. He's nine weeks old so young enough to adapt and we are both retired so there's someone to supervise at all times. Puppy class will be on the agenda in the new year. He's being a typical pup and you need eyes in the back of your head, but we've done it before so we can do it again. He's tried to hump both of the girls, but they're both spayed so apart from p.........g them off it's not an issue. Leg cocking.. Well we'll see. Thanks again for all your input, it's much appreciated.
Jane

I have a male GR and couldn't wish for a better dog. If your new pup is half as great as my dog you will be over the moon with him

Thank you Harley, I hope you are right! It's all a bit new for him at the moment but so far all toilets have been outside so that's a good sign.

> He's tried to hump both of the girls, but they're both spayed so apart from p.........g them off it's not an issue

At this age it's purely excitement just like with human toddlers.

My boy never learnt to cocker his leg up until 6 months old! Only then outside and he almost fell over the first time so comical. Also as a boy the grass hasn't got brown marks on. When we had girls they left their mark. Enjoy puppy

Thank you so much! We're working shifts OH is doing lates and I'm doing earlies!

Well so far so good. I have changed the times of his meals so they are more evenly spread, poor little bugger was expected to go from 6pm to 6am without a meal, so he's now getting supper at 11pm followed by a trip outside and bed. The girls know the routine so he's copying them. He hasn't cried, I got got up at 3.20 and let them all out for a wee and then straight back to bed. That was it til just after seven. Out for a wee, breakfast, back out for poos, an hours playing and then nap time which is where they all are now. I have to say that I think they found him difficult because he was hungry in the night, which is entirely their own fault. He's just a typical pup and I think he will be great when he grows up and gets past the needle teeth stage.

That sounds wonderful, I'm quite envious.

Sounds as if he was hungry! I recall my boy had supper round 10. Love watching them sleep after playtime. I'm looking forward to our next addition next Spring (fingers crossed )

Agree when my pups are on 4 meals the last is about 10pm, then  they have a chance to pee and poo and bed at 11pm.

Breakfast at 8am, Lunch 12 - 19pm, dinner 5pm and super 10pm.

Then three meals breakfast a bit later, Dinner a little earlier and supper same time.

Once on two meals it's  then breakfast and then Dinner at 5pm.

When my pup was this age she had four meals a day, the last being about 9.30 to 10pm. Being a golden, she relished her food and ate all. Round about three months she began to naturally eat less of it and it gradually morphed into a couple of biscuits at bed time, which she still has to this day.

One week on and Eddy has settled in well. The older girl has thawed towards him and now condescends to play with him. He sleeps through (although I still get up to let them out in the night but the time is getting longer before they wake me up) and the number of indoor accidents can be counted on the fingers of one hand. I can't quite believe how straightforward it has been. Now I realise it's still early days and things could still kick off but I am cautiously optimistic. Eddy is booked into puppy classes in the new year. Cannot understand why his former owners gave him up.

Sounds great.

Do you know why his former owners gave him back?

They said, apparently, that they couldn't cope with him and (this is the killer) he didn't fit in with their lifestyle.
I suppose it's to their credit they realised and acted promptly before he got completely screwed up.

Good grief, you would have thought they would have realised that puppies take a lot of time and they need to change their lifestyle until at least the pup is older and can be left for a while.

But as you say, better that they realised AND sent him back to the breeders and not advertised him on one the awful selling websites.

My GR pup was a rescue at 9 weeks old and we were his 5th home in that short time. Previous owners all said they couldn't cope with a puppy - he has been the easiest dog to train and live with that I have ever had. He is now 10 years old and thoroughly enjoying life as I am enjoying his life with me.

Didn't fit into their lifestyle! I'm suprise and saddened for the reason given. Do people not realise a puppy is a huge commitment  and they just do not after one day,sleep,poo,play,be quiet on command! At least they gave the puppy up and realised early on. I'm suprise when people ask me about puppies they seem to have little idea they need 4 meals a day to start with and can't go on walks straight away! Or that they need someone with them for most of the time. I wonder if vets or schools should run "So you want to be a dog/cat/rabbit owner etc classes. Maybe after seeing the Vt's,hearing pet owners experience they might think twice?

Rozzietriever  great to hear your little chap is settling down

I wonder if vets or schools should run "So you want to be a dog/cat/rabbit owner etc classes.

What a great idea..........especially if they can get a couple of the most popular breed youngsters when they have passed the 'cute and fluffy' stage and are in the middle of the 'kevin/hooligan' stage

I wonder if vets or schools should run "So you want to be a dog/cat/rabbit owner etc classes.

What a great idea..........especially if they can get a couple of the most popular breed youngsters when they have passed the 'cute and fluffy' stage and are in the middle of the 'kevin/hooligan' stage

Exactly  tatty-ead!

Thanks for the good wishes everyone, it's already beginning to feel like he's always been here. He really is a sweet little chap, but no doubt hormones will kick in, in due course. I knew he felt at home when he wandered up behind me and bashed me on the leg with his nose for a fuss!