Hello Everyone!! I've got two Rotties both are males.Angus is 5mos old and Ugo is 11 mos. I've read Ed's articles about dog agressiveness. So far I have done all the right things I THINK anyway-seperate crates, individual training and play time,plus supervised play time together.I'm working on establishing myself as pack leader right now but I wonder as Angus gets older if I need to neuter him at 6mos just to be safe? I'm ordering Ed's videos,a prong collar, and a dominate dog collar.Is there anything else that you would mind suggesting that may help me? I sure would appreciate all the help I can get. Thank you !!

Hi Pat,

I'm fairly new here myself and don't have lots of experience under my belt, but what I can offer is how effective the marker training is. It is easy to learn (on your part) and is a positive, fun way to engage your dogs in the learning process. There are ebook articles on this site which explain it as well as a marker DVD. It is something you can easily integrate into your training which is non-confrontational with your big guys.

Other than that, I think you are doing the right thing in asking for more information on neutering your dog. Prior to finding Leerburg we had our GSD neutered at about 5 months... If I had read more information before doing so, I probably would have waited until around 2 years of age to allow his body to develop further. There are some very good, valid reasons for neutering at a younger age, so I'm not saying NO DON'T DO IT - I'm just saying do some more reading and weigh the information other folks will offer so you will be able to make a more informed decision than we made.

Welcome to the board!

Alyssa what I'm thinking of is down the road with Ugo.When he was given to me last month all he knew was the kennel.Ugo weighs 110 lbs and all I can see is when I go to take that leisurely walk in the woods is him seeing a squirrel or cat and here I am being dragged through a briar patch.
I just want to teach him not to pull before he starts so what else can I use with him besides a prong collar?
Thanks so much for your advice that helps a lot. I sure didn't want to neuter Angus so young.Most of all I just don't want to traumatize or hurt them in anyway.

I would work on basic obedience at home, with focus on good leash manners. I would also train either a "watch me" or a "hand touch" to redirect his focus in the event he sees a "fun to chase".
And yes, if he is pulling on walks, the prong would probably be a good investment. I just wouldn't use it for anything else until the obedience is learned.

Now that's a plan Alyssa !! MANY THANKS !!

Have you considered doing Schutzhund with these two?

Pat, I agree with Alyssa on the obedience. Being the size of Ugo, maybe the prong is not a bad idea - for walks only. I'm a big fan of positive training and corrections only for proofing. Walks can be tough though, but you'll be able to see if and when you'll need to use a prong.

I also say don't neuter your pup at 6 mos. Let him grow up and develop. One of my biggest regrets was spaying my girl at 6 mos. It was pre-Leerburg, and the vet kept advising it. Man, that was a stupid mistake, but never again.

Edited by Alex Corral (03/19/2009 04:08 PM)
Edit reason: Spelling

Thanks so much for your advice. I took Ugo to the vet yesterday with just a nylon collar and he did great.He really impressed me. Back when I got Dakota I had purchased a book,"Dog Training for Dummies" written by the Volkhards.All we have done is the very basics long down and sit mainly the long down and just that little has helped and just playing fetch with him.He sits on command so maybe I won't need to use the prong on walks but then better safe than sorry.
Maybe I shouldn't have read the aggressive dog articles so soon when I found this site. They really rattled me.
With all the female dogs that I've had,I've always waited until they went through their first real heat cycle.That's what my vet has always recommended.If you don't mind my asking,what breed is your dog and why did he want you to have her spayed so early?

My dog is a Boxer. Very sweet temperament and a great dog. The vet was just one of those vets that always insists on spaying/neutering since pets are 8 weeks. He also said he could not give her, her rabies vaccine at 6 mos until she was spayed. I think my dog could have matured with a bit more muscle mass, and I just think it's best to let them reach 18-24 mos and let all their hormones develop. I should've gone to another vet.