Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A couple weeks ago someone attempted to break into our home. They popped open the screen door with something, which made a very loud noise, alerting our dogs and us. Our intact male Australian Cattle Dog (2 years old) immediatly went on the defensive and charged the door, barking and growling, and the person fled.

However, I think Ruger has suffered because of it. Ever since that night his demeanor has changed. For the first few days he was very jumpy and on edge. We did not blame him, as we were too. Then he did a flip, and has started to become a bit aggressive with his attitude and actions.

What can we do to help him? I don't want him to live in fear or worry like this. And I certainly don't want him to spiral down this path of aggressive behavior.

Thanks.

Neutering him could make a huge, good difference. It would also be very good to take him to a good, well-run dog training class. Help him get his balance and be reminded that the world is not always dangerous.

He is the age that male behavior can begin to get extreme. The biggest group of dogs that commit serious bites and even in extreme cases kill humans are 3 year old intact males. So, have him neutered, and get into a good class with him. Good socialization with friendly people, too. Give him a more balanced view of the world.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

The class idea doesn't sound bad, just to get him having some positive expierences again. The only problem there though is that no classes around here (at least that I know of) will accept him cause they don't have shots, just rabies. I may be able to find some place though, but I'd probably just have a friend of mine who's a cert. Trainer for PetsMart do it at her home. Also places may outright refuse him if we're coming to work out aggression issues. But it's worth a browse just to see what else is around I may not know about.

The neutering thing ain't happening though. And I'd be interested where you found this statistic... There is so much contradicting things out there about neutering it's pathetic: they're behavior/personality won't change, they will change, they won't change if they've already hit puberty. Yes, so easy to know which one is true... In all honesty I think they're all right and it just depends on the dog. But it's safe to say this behavior change is linked to the break-in, which started him getting weird, NOT the fact he has his balls. Those have been there for 2 1/2 years and they ain't gonna change him now, IMO.