Amorous Otto

[Suzanne H]

I think my little boy is becoming a man - let's just say he got a bit amorous with me last night. Urgh.

I take it I'm right in assuming it's treated as any other sort of behaviour you don't want to see ie sharp no and ignore him.

As if having 2 testosteroned boys in the house wasn't enough - I'm getting a female next time.

[Janis]

SORRY SUZANNE, BUT I HAVE TWO SPAYED FEMALES AND THEY TOO STILL GET A LITTLE AMOROUS!

ESPECIALLY WITH ONE OF MY CATS! POOR GUY DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO THINK!

[marcella]

If he's getting amorous with you Suzanne then it's a dominance issue. Always say no and push him away and reinforce your authority in all other aspects too, he'll soon get the message. It's just because he's 'growing up' and he's just trying to see how far he can get, this is just one way of doing it!!!!

.............. oh and stop wearing his favourite perfume!

[Suzanne H]

Yeah I think that's right as he did it while I was kneeling down and he's always chanced his mitt with me if I was at a level with him. If I'm standing up or remain taller than him, he does as he's told.

I'm quite good at the pack stuff ie he eats after us, doesn't get on the bed/chair, make him sit for his tea, go out the house before him, move him if he's in my road, etc. But Ian's so obviously bigger and stronger than him and I'm not so I just need to make sure he never gets to test me.

[Nicola]

Will you be getting him neutered eventually, Suzanne?

[Suzanne H]

Yes, in the new year.

I know that isn't a cure all for randy/dominance issues though. Big bouncy teenage dogs just need to know who's boss.

Just need to get along to the classes to progress his training - just been manic at work of late and not getting home till 7.

[Susan]

Eeek, this is something I am not looking forward to! I will follow this advice if the Ruffian starts to try it on with me...although he's still too much of a baby I think!

[Nicola]

I, personally, think all dogs should be neutered, regardless of temperament, unless the dog is to be used for breeding.

[Phoebe]

I´m with you Nicola!
_________________
"It is possible to live without a dog, but it is not worth it."
Heinz Rühmann

[Nicola]

Neutered dogs can still be shown, spayed bitches cannot.

I know of a man who shows and breeds Finnish Lapphunds. One of his dogs is neutered and qualified for last years Crufts. This dog came Best of Breed in his class which was full of intact ogs.

[Karen]

I would say it is his age and definitely dominance, he is just becoming a lovely teenager, good luck though I would rather a dog teenager than a child teenager

[Suzanne H]

We won't be showing him - apparently his tail is a little low. Like we care, its where it should be

[Nicola]

[Suzanne H]

Yeah, he's docked.

As he's German (via Carluke) we gave him a German name, it was either that or Adolph

Actually he has a brother called Wolfgang, and another called Ethan.