I know this sort of question has been debated many times on this forum (and I apologise for having to start it up again) but I could do with some unbiased views here. My dobe is 11months old - I'm not a novice to the breed - but I am experiencing problems with him constantly trying to mount other dogs (bitches and males) which is problematic in itself. Its causing problems when I take him out, also a pain in the neck when I take him to his training lessons as he just wont concentrate as he's far more interested in trying to bonk everything in sight. He is a very big dog, not aggresive but has a dominant personality. He gets quite excited around my little girl and her friends and starts to get frisky which cannot be tolerated due to his size and weight. He is exercised (physically and mentally) and boundaries have been set so he doesnt get too big for his boots. My vet advises castration (no suprise there) but so does his trainer who is a very sensible and knowledgable 'dog man' who has also owned dobes. I know neutering cannot replace good training and will not iron out every little quirk but the fact that it could make a difference is beginning to sway me.
I also have to think of my sanity and that of my daughter! Has anyone on the forum experienced similar and maybe could give me abit of advice. I would be grateful!
He is from european lines (so more full on than most)and I recognise this, but the mounting problem is becoming unbearable.

Hi.  Adolescent dogs have many times more testosterone in their blood than adult dogs.  So, his testosterone levels WILL drop as he matures. 

My advice would be - if you can stick this out for another 5-8 or so months, you should really try to do so.  Chances are that this behaviour will stop then of its own accord and without castration. 

Edited to say:  Using a head collar or a halti in class may help you to control him better there.

I know exactly what you are going through, Idõ is 14 months and thinks anything remotely dog-like is a potential partner! He never tries with people, maybe when he was 3 or 4 months old but he knows now to differentiate between dogs and humans :D

We go to 2 classes a week, ringcraft and obedience and he is far worse at the obedience class as it is much larger and we have quite alot of neutered dogs coming...these are the ones that he finds irresistable! He is quite a big lad, about 30kg and strong and I have trouble with his advances towards other dogs.

I find I have to firm with him, like his breeder said to me, he can't help being attracted to a bitch in season but anything else(neutered dogs/bitches and not in season bitches) then he needs to learn to control himself, so I try as I can to guide him!  I taught him the 'watch me' command which is very usful for getting his attention back onto me, I use some super tasty treats for this and practice it with different distractions, both at class, on walks and at home.

It has been mentioned on here that neutering may help, but it might have become a learned behaviour with your boy and as such castration might not make alot of difference. That choice, is of course, yours to make and you have to do what you think is best. I'm not having Idõ castrated but he is shown and I feel his hormones are at their peak at the moment and with time and training he will settle down..even if only a bit!

Emily

If you are not going to breed from him then I would have him nuetered.  It will probaly help but it does take a few weeks to see any difference.  At least then you can concentrate on the training and changing the learn't behaviour.
One good thing about getting them done early before this does become learned behaviour.  Some dogs do settle down after adolescence without castration but not all and by then the behaviour is very ingrained.
Everyone has different ideas but you must do whats right for you, your situation and your sanity.

Bev

Vets generaly say it will take up to 6 months to make any difference, but which time if not castrated whe is likely to ahve calmed down anyway as the testosterone levels fall to adult levels.

A dog I bred was castrated at 5 months for humping, and eh still does it at 7 years old, but not people any more, but that was training.

I agree with Brainless.  At age 15 we all know what teenage boys are getting up to in their bedrooms.  This is the doggy equivalent.  But teenage boys grow out of it (to a large extent :)  ) and so will most dogs. 

I believe he needs the hormones produced in his testicles to mature fully, physically and mentally.  If you neuter him before he is fully mature, you run the risk of him remaining a puppy physically or mentally.

[link]http://www.gsdhelpline.com/castration.htm[/link] this may help.

I found this article interesting.

Many thanks for all your comments and advice, all very helpful. I can see both sides of the argument (debate would be a better term I think). My dobe does wear a dog matic when walking and training but this has little effect as he is so strong and has this 'bull at a gate' attitude which I know has alot to do with his age and his raging hormones- I loved the comparison of teenage boys in their bedrooms
I want what is best for him and the rest of the family. My OH is firmly in favour of having him castrated and most of the training is left to me (which I accept) although the rest of the family know they have roles to play and must be firm but fair with him. A large dobe flexing his unwanted advances isnt the easiest of things to endure! I certainly know it isnt a quick fix and thats not what I'm looking for. Things are just so difficult at the moment - I know theres a fab dog waiting to get out but our home is abit like world war 3 some days! I am still undecided I have to admit, and if I do decide to castrate, I dont want to have it done until he has matured more (and maybe then I wont need to???) I also do the 'watch me' ..... getting him to focus isnt always that easy though....

Hi Milomum,

My first male (many moons ago) presented me with similar problems at the teenage stage too - thankfully he did outgrow it - but I know how stressful it can be.  Fortunately we took advice from more experienced owners than ourselves and by the time he was around 18 months he was much, much calmer and by two years his brain eventually kicked in too.  Problem totally solved by good old Mother Nature.  He was quickly to become the most obedient, reliable and mum-orientated dog I've ever had the privilege to share my life with :)

If you're loathe to leave things too long for practical purposes, could you discuss Tardak with your vet?  This may give some indication as to how he behaves with some of that raging testosterone temporarily suppressed and help you towards a decision.

Just a few thoughts ;)  regards, Teri

Hmm yes, I have thought of Tardak... that may be an option. Thanks for your very reassuring reply. Its nice to know someone else has been through it and survived!!! Do you still have all your own hair by the way? LOL

>Do you still have all your own hair by the way? LOL

Yep, the clumps torn out in despair eventually filled in again :D   a teensy weensy silver tinge on some it has to be said - but only in a certain light ;)