TESTOSTERONE ????

[BIGDOG]

I NEVER DID SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I had a 5yr old,male, Fawn dane.He was rescued from the humane society.Once in our home he fit like he was there forever.Learned fast and didnt have an aggressive bone in his body,real lover boy! He got along with our female beautifully.We live in country. we own 6 acres,however there is a house close on one side of us.They own a small breed male dog.Our male dane would never cross boundries, until one day he observed the neighbors dog in our yard. Long story short it was all I could do to keep my dog from getting to the small one.I asked the vet about this he stated it was due to testosterone. He said males would always act like that to other unknown males! I dont buy this..I understand dogs NEED to be socialized and this probably was the problem with this situation or was it territorial?? I never attempted to put him near another male for fear.If in the future I get a male pup,if I socialize them, do you think I will have this problem???

[Carol]

You could. Two of the same sex don't get along usually as well as one of each sex.

[witzn]

Especially if his reaction was before he was even near the other dog, I would think it has more to do with guarding his territory than anything else. Dogs can be very social when out and about but when a strange dog or animal or person comes into their property they can put on quite a show - whether they mean it or not.

I would see how he behaves towards other males, and other dogs in general at neutral locations first, like obed class or the park. You are safer getting a female pup, but with the right temperament on the puppy as well, and the age difference, it _might_ be ok. It will also be more complex if they are both intact.

At his age you will have to select the male new pup carefully, as I would imagine that will be the problem, once that dog matures he will challenge and take issue with the older dog, as the older dog also ages there will be larger conflicts about alpha, etc.

sandy

[BIGDOG]

witzn, thank you for you in-put.While reading your reply I realized that I did not express myself clearly,"sorry ". My 5 yr old dane "Hoss" passed away some time ago. In my last statement about would "they" get along if I socialized them I meant a new pup and the neighbors dog Tahnk you so much and sorry again