Hello fellow dog lovers.  Couple of things really and probably only after some reassurance I expect.  My normally very well behaved, clever little (well not so anymore) lab has really been pushing it lately.  Hoping for you clever lot to help.  Instance - got a landrover so always picked him up to put him in the back - getting really heavy/big now so trying to help him in, this seemed to be working but now everytime I go to help him he just lays down and looks at me - tried the treats, fav toy, happy happy encoragement the lot!!!! He has always been a real full on lad, very excitable.  Next thing, normal mouthing lab behaviour and always managed to stop the out of hand mouthing but when at classes very difficult to stop him grabbing hold of my sleeve and the like - any suggestions welcomed - by OH say I need to be more atuhoritive - I thought I was.  My trainer keeps saying I should have his jewels removed (the chop) why do people feel its some sort of answer to a better balanced dog!!!!  Comments on this would be appreciated.  Last but not least - he's so clever and needs stimulating all the time really, but then my last lab was too what sort of games/challenges do you peeps do with your dogs!!! Also occupying him sometimes when he at work with me - any ideas apart from the norm - kongs, treat balls, chews!!! Something to keep him stimulated. My man will find his fav ball on rope in undergrowth and doesn't even see where it landed.  Oh there is more - do I need to go back to basics of retrieve he's decided bringing it back to me is not as good fun, and keeping it is better!!! 

You don't say how old he is but would think he lays down because either he does not want to be picked up or he does not like the car. Is he able to jump in that may work better. Most of the rest sounds like a pup reaching the teenage stage, if he is that sort of age then that would be the problem I think. IMO castrating him will have no effect at all and may well extend the teenage stage. Others will tell you it will cure it. Sorry it is up to you but I think to castrate if it is his age would be a shame.

"Advice for 8 month old male lab! " :D

Yes just noticed that - never read titles I like the surprise :)

Thanks for the replies as I thought "teenage stage" (oh joy!!!) Little angel this morning.  Jackie - yeah he can jump in and does now and again, but it is quite high and was worried a bit about him being young and straining himself. I appreciate your IMO remark in relation to castration, must admit I am torn in the respect I just don't know what to do, I am confident in my trainer (she is also a behaviourist with at lot of experience).  Anyway I have shed loads of patience and preserverance and not forgetting love so we'll stick with it of course, like I say absolute angel this morning.  What's your personal experience in castration/non-castration???  Have you ever tried anyother treatment?

"What's your personal experience in castration?" None I'm pleased to say but I've had my dog done... :-)

Hi Mel,
Regarding castration; in my personal experience castrated dogs seem to be more contented/relaxed.
They don`t have to be looking out for a mate and mark 24/7. I have been on both sides of the fence; both with my own dogs - all males - and my job for the last 7 years.
I don`t recomend it as a quick fix for any behaviour problems a dog might have - nothing beats training- but to take the frustration out of the male dogs life who is only allowed to look - smell - but not touch.

Further; if a dog is not suitable to reproduce - which the majority are - there is also the responsibilty to ensure he can`t father any unwanted litters. And it`s easy to say he won`t because I don`t let him out of my sight/ can`t escape, we all know how determent they get when there is a potential mate nearby.
My own dog - years ago - actually managed to chew a hole in a door big enough for him to get through - he was a big lad - and follow his instincts!

Then there is the possibility of prostate cancer - a very real possibility!
Again my own dog - and quite a few a met later - had to have an emergency castration due to this.
He was entire for 8 years of his life and it nearly cost him his life. ( he lived till he was 13.5 after this)

Well, I could go on but think I rambled enough.
As I said before this is my personal opinion and I am sure you get many more from those who are against neutering.
It will give you a lot to think about and make your mind up about what is best for your boy.

Good luck.
Cara

Hi Cara,
Just pointing out that there is evidence that suggests that malignant prostate cancer is more prevalent in castrated dogs than in entire ones. Not all cancers (tumours) are malignant.
:)

Have to say my experience of castrating a dog is so bad & sad that I still can't bring myself to go into details of the whole sad story, still blame myself although at the time I was doing what everyone advised including my vet.

Jackie - Sorry to bring sadness to you by asking the question!! (((hug)))) 

I won't make any decision lightly and certainly won't be doing anything until I feel no other option and all other things tried.  But have to say I had consider that maybe it would be better for my lad to not have the high urges when there is no need!!!  Thinking on and taking my time.  With my girl I decided it was the right thing to go live in the sticks and used to have to return my neighrbours dogs to their home regularly, also I wouldn't have dreamed of breeding from her (or any to be honest leave that to thoses who know) so I did decided to have her sprayed.  But my lad............ who knows!!!!!

Thanks for the replies