male dog behavior

Question
we have two male german shorthairs. One is 11 years old, and from what I understand too old to be neutered now.  His son is 3 years old, and we will be getting him neutered, but haven't yet.  Lately they have been very aggressive with each other.  They are always wrapping their necks, like they are challenging each other, and growling excessively.  Will neutering the younger male take care of the problem, or is there anything else that you can suggest.  Thankyou

Answer
Hi, Christy,

It's been my experience that, generally speaking, there's usually tension whenever two intact males meet each other, but once they get to know each other they usually find ways to work things out. Since your dogs aren't meeting for the first time, they should have reached some sort of detente by now. Neutering won't necessarily make that happen. It will certainly reduce some of the tension between them, but studies have shown that normal levels of testosterone in men promote calm behavior, while lowered levels increase tendencies toward depression and anger. The studies didn't involve men who were castrated (who would be quite justified in feeling depressed and angry!) but men whose testes had naturally low levels of testosterone.) Also, studies on dogs show that neutered dogs tend to be more aggressive than intact dogs.

I can't say for sure, but my feeling is that neutering one or the other of your dogs might make matters worse. I could be wrong about that, of course. There's no way to know for sure.

Here's what I'd dog if they were my dogs:

I'd stop using all corrections and scolding for any wrongdoings. Punishment and reprimands are perceived by a dog as acts of aggression. This fosters more aggression in them. In fact, they often learn aggression from us!

I'd make sure they got plenty of hard, vigorous playful exercise every day, preferably at separate times, but not necessarily. If they don't act possessive over toys I might play fetch with them at the same time, but otherwise I'd do private play sessions, or take them to a dog park where they could run around with other dogs. I'd definitely play tug-of-war with each dog separately, always let the dog win, and praise him for winning. I'd play with each dog to the point that they're ready to quit on their own.

I'd teach them the "Trick-or-Treat" game: http://www.tiny.cc/TrickorTreat Once they'd learned that I'd play a game where I'd have them sit and give each dog a handful of treats, one at a time, taking turns.

I'd also take them on long walks together on-leash, preferably in as naturally a setting as possible. Moving in-synch, the way wolves do when they travel, fosters feelings of unity and camaraderie. (It's one reason military units have their soldiers march together.)

If after a couple of months of doing this the aggression between them didn't disappear, or at least lessen considerably, then (and only then) would I consider neutering one of them.

That's my perspective.

I hope this helps. If not, let me know.

LCK