I have a variety of males and females that I work. My hound was nuetered when I got him unfortunatley. My Dutch is nuetered but my Lab (M) and my Mal (F) are intact. My female works okay through heat but instead of risking issues with her, I keep training minimal and concentrate on her conditioning work and playing fetch.
My males nuetered or not know when she is in season so I take them elsewhere to train AND exercise since all they want to do is hang around her kennel run or crate if I try it at home. I do do obedience work with the Dutch and Lab around the property and they mind well but seem a bit distracted by her.
She is just coming out of heat now so things are calming down a bit.
The two GSD pups I will keep intact. The female GSD is a contract dog so it will be up to the owner to alter her or not. The male is mine so I will make the decision when the time comes or he shows signs that it is needed in order for him to concentrate.

So, to answer your question, I prefer intact dogs. Some SAR groups require altering. If my bitch is in heat, then she stays home. I think that it is a matter of preference and I am lucky to where all my dogs work well no matter the sex or altering.

 Quote: carol boche

I have a variety of males and females that I work. My hound was nuetered when I got him unfortunatley.

"Unfortunately" because he's good enough to breed, or because you'd just prefer him that way? Even though you said you'd rather leave them intact, do you just wait, watch and see if their training is seriously effected enough to alter? Every dog is so different in the way they react to their hormones, I would think individual assesment would be the best determining factor.

 Quote: carol boche

I think that it is a matter of preference and I am lucky to where all my dogs work well no matter the sex or altering.

This is probably just testament to your great training and handling skills! - it's nice to know you can create a strong partnership with whatever type of dog you're given.

Thanks very much for the explanation.

~Natalya

I guess unfortunatley is my preference. Not sure if he is breeding stock quality as far as comfirmation goes, but his nose work is awesome. I have been told by other BH people that it is too bad he is nuetered. But I am a handler and not a breeder, so there are a few awesome breeders out there and I will leave that to them.

Yes, I usually wait to see how a dog is going to work after maturity before altering.

As far as my dogs and I working well together, it is hard work and I really enjoy it, but you also have to have the right dog for the job. Which means I like dogs that would drive a "pet" owner nuts.

I also spend alot of time with each of my dogs seperately and I allow certain ones to come out together and go for walks and play ball while I am there. They are never together when I cannot watch them as pack structure would be challenged.

That's awesome Carol, great work and dedication!!

I really enjoyed your explanations on training and searching tactics too. You really know your stuff


(Ok, could Max possibly look any cuter? I don't think so... What a teddy-bear dog lol)

Carol, do you have any more pictures of Max to share?

I haven't seen any full body pictures of him yet and was wondering what you meant about his conformation possibly not being up to par.

I'm also not used to seeing bloodhounds... so yeah, more photos of your Max please!!
(You can PM me if you don't want to post them here... hehe)

Geesh, I was just looking for some and realize that I do not have any that are not "working" pictures. Where his head is down and he is in tall grass or he is moving.....
I will take pics when I get home and download them tonight......in fact I will update all the dogs tonight.

Here you go Yuko.....please know I will post more, I was doing these by myself and it was a challenge....hee hee


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/bumper01/PIC_0060.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/bumper01/PIC_0056.jpg
ROCK

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/bumper01/PIC_0058.jpg
MARLEY

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/bumper01/PIC_0054.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/bumper01/PIC_0047.jpg
JESEA

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/bumper01/PIC_0039.jpg
CAYDEN

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/bumper01/PIC_0046.jpg
CODA

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/bumper01/PIC_0032.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/bumper01/PIC_0029.jpg
MAXIMUS

Carol, I'm not around bloodhounds alot so my opinion might not mean much. I have never seen one in that good of shape. He's a beast. Do ya'll do TTD? I'm afraid he would drag me all over the place.

Oh Carol, what beautiful dogs! Lucky you

I've never "met" a bloodhound but I agree with Michael...that is one BIG boy! How big is he and how difficult is it to hold on to such a large dog when he's following the scent?

Carol,

Just picked up on this thread, congrats to you and your team! Just wanted to say it is crazy brave what you do! Don't think we have non police-dogs allowed to follow the trail of a known criminal here in Western Canada! Must be a real adrenalin rush.

Cool pics:0)