Im just looking into the possibilty of testosterone replacement for my German Shepherd. He will be 3 years old in April and was castrated when he was a year old. This was a decision I made which a regret immensley. He was perfect with no problems ie dominance, scent marking, sniffing etc. I was told that if I was not going to breed then I should have him castrated and along with advice from dog training club I went and had him done.

As he go older he got worse, his confidence dropped and he was anxious with other dogs. So much now that he goes for them before they can get him.

I am 100% certain that all this came about because he was castrated. I have researched fear aggression throughly and I feel deeply saddend that I made him like this.

I came across some mention of testoserone replacement and I am trying to find out more.

Any ideas would be useful

Thanks
D
x

Have you asked your vet about what is available?

The reason I asked about availability is because I think testosterone cannot be given as a tablet like other HRT and it is given as a patch, implant or injections two or three times a week! So not sure how that would work out for a canine :)

Actually there does seem to be some testosterone derivatives available orally but not sure if they have all the same qualities of the actual hormone.  This is why I think you should start by discussing it with your vet.

And the injections aren't given quite as often as I thought.

To be honest I wouldn't think that would make any difference at this late stage...I think training and re-sociallising might be the answer? Whatever you do you need expert advice, either from your Vet, or from a Bahaviour Specialist. All the best and hope you find a solution, Dawn

I have exactly the same problem with my springer. Unfortunately though the habit is now quite ingrained and apparently testosterone replacement may make little or no difference to him now according to a vet.