Apologies if I have the wrong section here.

I have two Cockers, Jimmy aged 2 and Misty who is almost 10 months. Neither is neutered and I await Misty's first season wary of the obvious problems that are in store, this could be about to happen any time in the next few months.

Jimmy had a Tardak injection yesterday (I didn't want to risk waiting for the seson to start) and the vet advised me to bring him in every 4 weeks for a top up to see him past Misty's season. The vet said Tardak cannot be guaranteed to suppress his urges 100%, I was wondering if any of you have used this (on your dogs obviously, not personally ) and what have your experiences been ? Did it seem reliable ? Did you still need to send the male away for the period when the bitch was showing signs of welcoming advances ? Any horror stories of a Tardaked boy fathering a litter ?

I'm reluctant to have Jimmy castrated , partly due to the change in coat that will result and partly as I'm concerned about him attracting the unwanted attentions of other male dogs. I've seen the way some neutered males become sexually attractive to entire dogs. Although Jimmy is on the whole pretty good with other dogs he's not keen on the persistent sniffers that don't leave him alone. I worry that castration could ruin his life if such a thing was to happen. Does anyone have any evidence/experience of how common "feminisation" is after the op and does it wear off in time ? He is quite a tentative and shy boy sometimes and I fear that castration may even undermine his confidence.

I haven't ruled out castration but it bothers me that choosing this may be out of convenience for myself rather than what is best for Jimmy. The layout of where I live makes it imposible to keep the two dogs apart and sending him away every season is just not practical really, although if need be I could accomadate a week away in Misty's fertile period. I was surprised how cheap the Tardak injection was (£11), so this is an option for every season as I'm assured that prolonged use is not detrimental to his health. However it's only really worth it if it is reliable. Having Misty spayed is not an option at present.

As you can see I'm weighing up the options so would be interested in any advice or personal experiences that may help me . Thanks.

It does help but I would not rely on it to stop a mating you will still need to keep then seperate but it will help him not to feel so much stress.

Hello there.
I have used Tardak on my 2 males on several occasions and I have had no adverse effects.  The dogs have still "chatted" the bitch up, but they have never attempted to mount her or have become nasty with eachother.  I would suggest using Tardak and then putting your bitch in kennels, or even the dog for the most important days, better to be safe than sorry!  I would not reccommend this as a permanent solution, and of course if you keep both un-neutered you will come upon this problem every six months or so.
Dawn.

Even castration does not stop the urge necessarily in some dogs!  I have had two dogs castrated, neither were "feminised" in any way, or bothered by the attentions of other male dogs if that helps.  It did not alter their guarding, hunting or working ability but it did reduce the leg cocking and dribbling at both ends quite considerably :D

Dawn,I have  a question I hope you may help with. I am getting an afghan boy, having a girl already. the girl has infrequent seasons, much like her mum. I was thinking of either suppressing her season, or using tardak on him. With affies , neutering/spaying alters the coat growth pattern. Do you know if chemical suppressors have a similar effect?

No I don't believe they do.  I have also had a bitch's season stopped and she was fine too.  I have Border Terriers, their coats can change too if neutered, but Tardak doesn't seem to have any effect on it, probably because it doesn't last long enough and there is no permanent hormonal change.
Dawn.

Thanks for your replies everyone. From peoples' experiences it would seem that Tardak isn't the cure all that I hoped it might be..... if only life were that easy !

I think I'll see the first season out with Jimmy on Tardak and then I'll be in a  better position to judge what is best for the future. It's looking like castration may be for the best unfortunately, poor thing..... unless I can convince my sister to take him in twice a year.

Shame there doesn't appear to be any info out there about how common neutered males attracting the attention of entire ones is. I'm sure I once read a study where approx 20 out of 90 owners noticed this happening  in the first 6 months post op, but the figure  did gradually decline in time. Unfortunately I can't find this survey again despite several google searches.

yes if your vet uses delvosteron make sure it is injected out of site as it turns the hair white and causes a patch of calcification under the skin - it also affects performance so is not used in working dogs or racing greyhounds they use a drug called durateston which is injected monthly and has far less side affects also if you are planning to breed off the bitch do not use any suppression as it can alter the heat cycle.ps this was in answer to a question further up!!!!