Neuter

Question
I have a mix cocker spaniel, and he is turning 3 years Feb. I am thinking about neutering him as I have a 1 yr old that is terrified only because my dog is EXTREMELY hyper. Will this help with in calming him, being friendly, and stop or reduce the barking. Once he starts barking no way to stop him and its frustrating. HELP!

Answer
There are many good reasons for neutering and one is that you're preventing a couple of types of cancer.  It's a simple operation for a male dog and yes, it probably will help calm him down a bit.

As for the barking - that's a training issue and I can give suggestions if you tell me when & why he barks.  I'd like you to snap his short leash on him and let him drag it around..when he begins to bark, say NO and pick up his leash and keep him with you.

What he does or doesn't do will tell me something.  A leashed dog is very often more submissive.

But I have a few tricks up my sleeve for barkers :)

One thing I'd ask is how much exercise he gets.  So much bad behavior is due to boredom and pent up energy.  he should be getting an hour's walk a day.  And that doesn't mean in the backyard.  Dogs need to "move" and be stimulated.
Delores