My little boy is now nearly 15 months old. He has always been a very friendly and affectionate puppy- sometimes too friendly especially with other dogs.

However in the last few weeks there has been a noticeable change in behaviour that has us concerned. He has started to show signs of aggressive behaviour with other dogs- which is baffling, as these are all dogs that he knows and has played with since he was a puupy.

He is also trying to assert his dominance with me which I've put down as best I can by either excluding him from the room, or by walking away from him if we were playing, so he knows its unacceptable.

Could this be the start of the kevin years? if so should i take him to the vets and get him snipped? As we have a baby arriving in a few months, I want to ensure this is stopped straight away.

Actually I would say he is quite late into this stage :D  I would not rudh to get him castrated as inmany cases it won't really change3 anything as it takes time for any changes to come into effecxt anyway, and most of the time he would have grown out of it anyway.  Just be consistently firm with him and avoid any tense situations.  As soon as you spot any podturing move on, call him away etc.  some of it may not even be him but other dogs reactions to a now mature male that they feel needs putting in his place or is now a threat to theri positon, and of course he would like to find an elevated postion too.

Don't come on too heavy, as this may make him worse but be in control, and distract.  Keep interactions witrh other dogs short and sweet so that there is no time for anyone to need to make a point in canine terms.

Also what breed is he, as a certain amount of male to male aggro is typical in may breeds, and good training and avoidance of situations is best.

He is a sheltie- we deliberately picked this breed for its intelligence and gentle temprement, as having them snipped is something i've always avoided with my dogs. I've never see the need to put any of them through an operation without reason.

Hi Falcon,

Brainless' approach seems just right to me - it may not necessarily be your boy's fault if something "kicks off" during play ;)  Stay alert to possible hot spots or situations that may lead to inappropriate behaviour and try and avoid them if possible over the next few months - if it's a hormonal thing with him it will settle down soon and won't need much intervention by you except firm and consistent training and preventing the opportunities for him to get in trouble with other dogs :rolleyes: boys will be boys and all that!

Totally agree with you on not putting him through castration if this is unnecessary and apart from all the other reasons, being a Sheltie then castration would have a serious impact on his coat :(

"Kevin" stages are usually anywhere around 9-18 months depending on breed and are normally easily worked through.

Good luck, Teri :)