Melissa Hoyer Webboard User Reg: 05-09-2005
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Loc: SE Michigan
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So, Vigo, is now 7 months. In the past, I have always had spayed females. He is my first male and my first dog that I want to leave intact until maturity.
Other than expressing some interest in my 8 yr old female GSD who is prone to skin fold irritation in her genital area, he hasn't been acting like "stud-y" at all, including with my other female. I am wondering if Grace's irritation makes him extra interested though he is likely to get a nose full of Gold Bond powder (used to keep moisture down) if he sticks it where the sun doesn't shine!
I would love some advice on how to get him to stop bothering her (they are together on a very limited basis, but this is something I would love to put the kibosh on!) This isn't a play for dominance either, just to be clear.
Other tips for what to expect living with an intact male as we head forward would be much appreciated. I am looking forward to another learning experience with this situation and I really want to leave him intact for as long as possible.
Brad Higgs Webboard User Reg: 06-13-2010
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Loc: Western Australia
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I've never really had any probs with intact males (rottie and staffy at the same time) except the occasional stupid periods when the girls were in season and the seemed to forget everything and focus only on the girls and occasional scrap around this time but no serious fighting. After stories I've heard might just've been lucky?
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
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Loc: Upper Left hand corner, USA
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I use "leave it" or "Leave her butt alone Bodie!" Followed by the normal reward when they do leave it. It's been a few weeks since I've had to say anything to him so I think this method works.
Basically you have to make yourself more interesting/important than taking the license and registration of that tail.
Melissa Hoyer Webboard User Reg: 05-09-2005
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Loc: SE Michigan
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Brad - you must be doing something right! And it's good to hear that you aren't having problems. I have two females that get along wonderfully and I am hopeful that I can integrate my new guy into the pack nicely. Good training, clear expectations, and lots of exercise have worked so far...hoping it stays the same for the pup too.
If you're leaving him intact for purposes of reproduction, you may want to be careful about punishing his "interest".
Sniffing is normal. If he starts following one everywhere she goes, crying/vocalizing to the point it makes you crazy, etc....it means the female needs a trip to the vet, as she has some sort of infection. (I always knew when my old spayed girl had a UTI, as my male would fall madly in love...she had cushings, so it was not uncommon).
Otherwise, a simple "off" or "leave it" should usually do the trick.
Reg: 12-23-2008
Posts: 252
Loc: Toronto, ON, Canada
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I left my male intact untill 2 years of age. He has always been interested in the females genitals. A little sniffing is normal and she tolerates it well, but when he is getting to intrusive or she looked irritated than use the "leave it" command and then block him from returning, if he is being particularly belligerent then i leash and attach the leash to my belt so he can't sneak back and start bothering her again.
John Lister Webboard User Reg: 11-12-2002
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Loc: VA, USA
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Quote: Melissa Hoyer
Other tips for what to expect living with an intact male as we head forward would be much appreciated. I am looking forward to another learning experience with this situation and I really want to leave him intact for as long as possible.
I have a rule with my family and friends about this.. Ignore the dog unless all 4 paws are on the ground.. So he knows that he does not get attention unless all 4 paws are on the ground.. This worked well with my last GSD male too. it also helps with jumping up on people.
Melissa Hoyer Webboard User Reg: 05-09-2005
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Loc: SE Michigan
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Quote: tracyroche
If you're leaving him intact for purposes of reproduction, you may want to be careful about punishing his "interest".
Tracy - Nope, not planning on breeding. Just want to give him all the opportunities that I can to live a long, healthy life...raw diet, minimal vaccinations, and let him keep his manhood until he is developed/mature.
Thank you everyone. Sounds like with more training, I can accomplish this feat. Definitely want to get things sorted before he hits the butt head teenage times!
And John, yes...we are believers of "four on the floor" here.
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Advice for living with an intact male
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