Neutering

Question
Hi Labman

I have two lovely Golden Retriever males, who are both just over a year old. Our breeder recommended I have them neutered when they are at least a year, and I am looking to discuss this with my vet early this year.

However, I'm a little concerned for one of them. He's been getting quite boisterous and excited, and barks like crazy when he either sees new people in our home or a dog during his walk. With the former, he barks and barks and tries to jump up at the person - it's by all means not aggression and we know he's just trying to greet everyone - but it's not quite desirable behaviour.  When round other dogs, he again barks but he also whimpers and tries very hard to stay looking at the dog as I lead him away.

I have read and heard that neutering effectively calms down a dog and while this will be extremely helpful, I have also heard that neutering can have an adverse effect and cause a golden to be even more noisy and borderline aggressive.  Could you clear this up for me?  I'm hoping that neutering will make the 'seeing another dog while on a walk' situation more bearable, but would it also calm him around people?

I have tried various methods of training him, but he effectively drowns out my voice!  He's also immune to the pet corrector, temporarily forgets the command 'down' when he's in this particular phase and actually relishes the attention when I try to get him to stop making so much noise!

It's so strange as my other golden is the complete opposite - he never barks, isn't half as interested in other dogs, and the most harmful thing he's ever done to a person is lick them too much!  Any help or suggestions will be gratefully received!  Thank you for your time.

Answer
A lot of dog lore is people generalizing from a few, or even one case.  Anything biological will vary.  The general consensus is that neutering males calms them down.  I am sure there are exceptions.  I would go ahead.  I find the arguments for waiting weak and uncertain.  So does the AVMA, although we know where their bias might be, http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/spay-neuter/spay-neuter_brochure.asp

For help with modern, effective, positive training methods, go to www.apdt.com