Assertive Dogs Training - How to Train an Assertive Un-neutered Dog

Whether for breeding purposes, or other reasons, not every dog is spayed (removal of female reproductive organs) or neutered (removal of male organs). These dogs will often react differently, due to unaltered hormones, than those dogs that have had their sex organs removed.

When exposed to a female in heat, males with normal levels of testosterone tend to seek alpha leader status and will often ignore commands. Licking behavior increases, the male will gently head butt a female in the neck, and eventually try to mount.

They’ll often display pacing behavior and rapid breathing, sometimes not eating for two or more days if separated from the female. After hours of not drinking they still often refuse water.

Around two times per year, unaltered females will experience a menstrual cycle. Behavior during the duration (roughly three weeks) includes an increased tendency to wander and a greater willingness to accept attention from strange dogs. Normally passive females may dig under a fence and display their hind parts with tails lifted to males of almost any breed.

Obtaining obedience during these times is difficult, but not impossible if you’ve set yourself up as alpha leader. In this role you have a say in who mates who when. Even excited males will obey up to a point if you’re especially assertive during these times.

Unneutered males, even outside of mating periods, will generally display signs of pushing towards dominance, especially in the first year or two. To counter this, simply refuse to accept anything less than alpha status. There are several alternatives to being harsh though.

Most dogs love to play, so distracting an assertive male with a tennis ball, a short rope or other favorite toy lowers tension for both owner and pet. You control the ball, you hand out or take away the toy, and you ensure compliance with your wishes by leash, treat and firm voice command. These things all help remind the dog that you're in charge.

Assertive males tend to try and pull ahead when leash training or walking. Keeping the leash a couple of inches behind you can be used to counter this habit. If the dog strains at the leash, initiate a sharp, firm jerk to the right (NOT back) accompanied by a strong 'HEEL', assuming the dog walks on your left and the leash is held in your left hand, as is usually the case. Where needed, reverse the directions.

Dogs have strong neck muscles so this technique will not injure them unless your dog is very small. The idea is to put them slightly off balance and to control, not to punish.

Extra calm, focus and patience is required for unneutered dogs. The advantage is they’re less likely to be fearful in stressful situations and more willing to take risks, so taking your companion out and about with you will normally be a far easier task.

         

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