I have a 1 year old cocker spaniel who is so lively that he does not pay any attention, has recently started to try to wander and chase cattle and jumps on everyone he sees.  I have tried training him and he reacts well - but in the wrong circumstances he totally disregards any instruction.  He is exercised regularly and has a 6 months old playmate - also a cocker spaniel but very gentle and obedient.  Someone told me that I should consider having him neutored as it would make him a lot more placid.  I've also been told that it can entend his life span if he is not having sex. I don't intend breeding from him. Any suggestions - or is this too radical a treatment for the problem.

<<it would make him a lot more placid>> Would not put your money on it ;)

Your lad is going through the Kevin stage similarly to the teenage rebellion in children, keep on with the training and grit your teeth, he will come out of it the other side, and with a bit of luck so will you.

Don't think having sex shortens your life :D but just because he can does not mean he has to, that is up to you and you should make sure he can't stray or become a nuisance to people with bitches.

The fact that you are letting him off lead when you know he will chase cattle worries me, please don't do it. You should never allow an dog to worry farm stock or interfere with the enjoyment of other people or their dogs, so if he is not behaving continue with the training and only let him of lead where he can not cause trouble.

Hi Guest, I think you have just been blessed with a very lively Cocker and neutering is pretty much unlikely to change that.  The "having sex" bit is not going to shortern his life, I think what was being suggested is that intact dogs may be more at risk of testicular cancer (I do not have any facts to support this and suggest you do your own research to weigh up the pros and cons).

If anything, neutering, especially before he reaches maturity could mean that he retains his puppyish behaviour for the rest of his life, so something else for you to consider!

I too am concerned about your mentioning your dog wanders and possibly worries cattle.  You are at very high risk of having your dog shot on sight by the farmer.  He is allowed by law to shoot any dog he "believes" to be worrying his stock...this is a subjective opinion, and the cattle do not even have to be running or looking distressed, it is enough for your dog just to be in the same field as them.  Recent case law has proved this.  Currently farmers are very vigilant because of imminent births of livestock...please please please keep your dog under control.  You will have no comeback if your dog is shot and you could be subject to costs and fines also because I believe it is a Strict Liability offence (must go and check my law books again on this one! :-))

Re.your dog jumping all over people, oh the joys of happy and excitable breeds!  I know, I have 3 Staffs who given the opportunity would do just that.  There is no easy solution to this other than lots of firm and consistent training so the dog does not see jumping up as rewarding, which he invariably does now.  Perhaps join a training club or invest in a dog trainer to assist you or a very good training book.

Good luck with your Cocker, he sounds like a normal, lively Cocker going through the "Kevin" stage as JackieH suggests!

Hi guest I have a cocker spaniel who is 4 and a half he was neutered a few years ago and it din't make the slightest bit of difference to his behaviour.I have found a change of diet and just growing up has 'calmed him' down so no personally I wouldn't recommend it.
Good luck with your little boy!
Edith