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Obsessed Male Dog w/ Female

19 11:25:42

Question
QUESTION: I hope you can help.....I have 2 Chihuahua's 1 male (2yrs) and 1 female (9 mths). My female is having her 1st heat, my Male as turned absolutely insane, whining, snapping at me, not eating. We wanted to breed then once (not now) then have 1 of them spayed/ neutered. But is there anything I can do now to try and calm him some? I have had no sleep trying to deal with him. He is so stressed out, is there anything I can do, and how long does this last? Thanks

ANSWER: Unfortunately there's nothing you can do but wait it out. They start this behavior just before the female comes into heat and it will continue until after she goes out (about three weeks later). The worst part is that even after you have her spayed. and hopefully him neutered, he's still going to be very male oriented. In order to prevent a dog from having all the hormonal issues you need to neuter them prior to six months of age. Your male will also probably begin to mark territory very soon as well, which will mean in the house. Not fun. This is typical behavior for a male around a female in heat.  You'll have this behavior to deal with every time she comes in heat, every six months and at this point probably some of it is going to carry over into when she isn't. Which is why it's just so much easier and less expensive to buy a pup rather than raising a litter :).
Sorry I can't be of more help but this is one  instinct that is pretty much impossible to fight.
Good luck
Diane

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well she as already been in heat for some time....she has already had the bleeding and the white/ clear drip, she is just a little swollen now, are you says that it is still going to be 21 days, or should it be ending soon. He has been marking but strangly enough I kinda have that under control. But I am still worried about him not eating. Do you think it will help to put them in seperat rooms or does it matter. Thanks for you advice.

ANSWER: Good luck with the housecleaning and I hope it helps.Let me know if he's still behaving so obsessively and we'll see what we can come up with to help break his attention :)
Diane

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The Cleaning did help some, at least he will come when called now, as before he wouldn't, he is still whining some, but will stop after some time. After cleaning I picked him up and he didn't snap at me, so he is still a little crazy, but doing better, tonight I am going to take him on a walk to really try and distract him, he usually loves that so we will see.....Thank You

Answer
Great! Congratulations on working so hard to keep your dog healthy and happy! I think you're going to manage this very well. At least next time you'll know what to expect. Next time when she comes in season, you might want to try doggie panties. They don't help a LOT but anything that even helps a bit when you have a male this extreme is usually worthwhile. :)
Diane