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Topic Dog Boards / Behaviour / hormonal male
- By pottydog [gb] Date 31.03.08 21:15 UTC
my entire male is just over 18months + is becoming a nuisance with other dogs when hes on his lead
if we approach another dog/another dog approaches us the heckles go up + hes tending to make alot of noise/growling/barking aimed at the other dog
hes walked on a halti at the mo because hes growing into a big lad + hes too much dog to be pulling
could this be just due to his hormones?? i know hes approaching maturity + am hoping this will settle down
i work him at obedience + hes fine with the other dogs in his class + fine off his lead although i tend not to let him get too close to other dogs off his lead as i dont want him to have the opportunity to get into a fight
can anyone offer any advise??
i almost wonder if its an 'oi look at me' thing cause if a dog starts at him first he ignores them???
- By Gunner [gb] Date 01.04.08 15:20 UTC
Hi Pottydog
I think a bit more info may be required please:

1.  How long has this behaviour been going on?
2.  Is it just hackles up and noise or does he lunge at the other dogs as well?
3.  Does he do this to ALL dogs regardless of their sex or just to other entire males?
4.  What happens when he does get up close with other dogs and they are both off leash?

I don't know what breed you have but it could be that at 18 months he's not really sure of himself and is trying to push things with other male dogs.  It could be that he's a bit fearful and trying to get in first.....has he been attacked in the past?  If the behaviour only happens on leash it could be due to the fact that you are meeting another dog head on which is very confrontational for dogs.  (They wouldn't choose to meet like this if loose, but by keeping them on a leash we are restricting/limiting their options as far as body language goes.)  It could be that you are getting a bit tense and anticipating things and that tension is going down the leash.  It could be...........well, I guess there are a multitude of possibilities, some of which I've alluded to above.  Some more info may help, but this may be one of those situations where it is really difficult/impossible to suss what is going on without actually seeing the dog in action and that your best course of action may be to get hold of good behaviourist.  
- By pottydog [gb] Date 01.04.08 19:11 UTC
hi, thanks for you reply
it has only just started,in fact it only happened yesterday, it does appear to be male dogs but im not sure if they are neutered or not
i do find myself tensing now as other dogs approach so i do wonder as you suggest that maybe he is picking up on that - i'll have to try + relax + see if that helps
he hasnt had any bad experiences in the past on or off the lead but ive shownhim up till a few months ago + he started getting quite stressed out by being at the shows surrounded by lots of dogs - i think it must all be related
if things get worse or dont settle down i'll def be in touch with behaviourist - im hoping either he was just having 'off day' of his raging hormones are just too much
these males!! i miss my bitch :)
thanks again for you advise :)
Topic Dog Boards / Behaviour / hormonal male

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