Dog - anal gland issues

Question
Help!  My otherwise completely healthy and low maintenance male dog has overactive anal glands.  He expresses about 1-2x a month out of the clear blue - he's never startled or scared - and it's usually on the couch or the bed!  It's become an embarrassing problem.  

His vet says there is nothing wrong with him.  What I want to know is, can these glands be removed safely?  My vet said she doesn't recommend it.  I would never have a dog's ears cut for show, nor any other unnecessary surgery.  But this is my baby and he is always welcome on the furniture.  What do you recommend?  

By the way I'm going to the vet's tomorrow so she can show me how to express them myself - oh goody.  My prior dog only expressed himself twice in his life.  Is this a common problem?

Answer
some dogs just have overactive anal glands.

They express them everytime they defecate leaving 'their scent' behind.

You can express them weekly if you have to.

There is surgery for removal and cauterization, BUT it can ruin the spinchter muscle and make your dog incontinant. :(