Puppy Power

I am of the opinion that castrating a male pup at such a young age may cause more issues. It is not a recipe to settle him down by any means. There is a lot online re the castration of young pups, perhaps have a look?

On the other hand you have a gorgeous young dog, who needs to learn to focus on you for all that is good in his life. Getting him to focus on you through play and especially around meal times is essential to tire him out mentally, which is what he will need to be a calm dog. That and the correct amount of exercise for his age. He will love retrieving exercises too.

Good luck and above all enjoy your dog!

Firstly, Oscar is beautiful!

I'd also second the opinion in neutering too early, however, my particular knowledge relates to Rottweilers (I have several) and I was advised many years ago, to exercise caution with this.

Wishing you all, a long and happy life together.

He's beautiful.

I too think it's very young to have him neutered. Neutering is recommended for excitable dogs in adulthood to help calm them down but a 3 month old puppy is expected to be a bit of a handful as all puppies are.

How is he around other dogs? Is he confident with them and strangers or on the shy side when out? We were recommended not to have our toy poodle neutered until he was at least a year old because although active and confident in the home, he was very nervous when taken out.

The vet said a few extra months of testosterone would help his self confidence, and it did. There's plenty of advice on line as 3dognight has said and it might be worth getting a second opinion from another vet.

He sounds a real character. Have fun and enjoy.

He is beautiful, and looks so innocent .

I have a very similar dog, a rescue, a cross breed - springer/king charles and he is a handful, 18 months old, I have had him about 3 months and we felt, like you, maybe we should have him neutered. I would discuss it with your vet, my vet said sometimes it can make matters worse, so we have decided he can keep his.

Enjoy your walks and time together.

Oh, how I sympathize with you. Years ago we had a young black cockerspaniel. He was gorgeous, was able to learn how to go outside when he needed to, slept all through the night in his pet cage without a murmur, travelled well in the car, BUT the rest of the time was a living nightmare! Pinched any food wherever it was, dining table, kitchen counters, laps, etc., was totally made around the house and would not come back when called, except when he felt like it! He was so frightened of so many things, the hoover, food mixer and door bell! There is a web site somewhere especially for owners of Cockers - they will help you! Good Luck and ask Santa for a shed load of patience.

Thank you for some very interesting comments.

Our last dog was 2 years old, when he was neutered but only because we couldn't make the decision of what information was right.

He is very confident around people and other dogs. I have read a bit more about the operation, spoken to others and taking all this into consideration I think perhaps I will call off the operation for a while and see how we progress.

He gets lots of exercise and mental. I have taught him lots of things to play and do. We live in a perfect dog walking area, and he meets loads of doggy friends when we are out.

Thank you for the advice and help

I have recently got a new dog [see title new dog] and he isn't neutered ,he is lovely in the house but a nightmare outside, he stops at every tree or post,as he can smell other dogs, and pulls ,but he is getting better with that
I asked the vet if neutering would calm him down but she said not necessarily, so not sure now what to do myself
My son who has always had dogs says it will, but having said that he has 2 Yorkies who aren't neutered,and the problem can be when you visit anyone they will just cock their leg up anywhere
I have also read though that neutering too young can cause problems

Such a gorgeous boy!

I agree that you should check with your vet regarding the proper age for neutering. I am a major supporter of spaying and neutering, but I am not sure of the effects of neutering very young.

One thing you might look at is the TV series "It's Me or the Dog". There are episodes you can find on YouTube. Dog trainer Victoria Stillwell helps pet parents with poorly behaved dogs to effectively train their dogs in obedience. I'm not saying that Oscar is as poorly behaved as these dogs (some of them are complete nightmares), but you may find that some of her techniques are helpful in encouraging good behaviour from him.

He is gorgeous. I too am a supporter of neutering and spaying. In fact unswayed female dogs are at risk from a nasty condition called pyrometra.

Yes, these are working dogs and have so much energy but once trained are great pets. Enjoy young Oscar.

Unspayed. What is wrong with my phone today it’s gone predictive text mad ?

PS always neuter ours 6-8 months.

He is a beautiful boy Desjumeaux17 Cockers are very intelligent and need plenty of work and exercise, you have already found this out of course. Persevere with the love and training and you will have a wonderful, stimulating companion. I know views have changed about castration but our JR had major bladder problems in mid life. Our vet said the problems probably would not have occurred had he been castrated. He ended up having the op as they had to make a new orifice for him to pee. He is still going strong several years later though and still boss of the house.
Agnurse I love Victoria Stillwell's programmes, my husband does too but for different reasons I think

He’s a beauty. Another one here saying yes neuter but not till about 18-20 months. That gives time for growth plates to develop so minimise risk of joint problems, plus for him to mature

Another thing you might consider is seeing if he could get involved in specific training programs such as fly ball or agility. These are active sports that would give him the opportunity to burn off some of his energy.

working cockers are exactly that - working dogs. They need a massive amount of work to keep them happy. If they are not going to be used for the reason the breed developed then you need to do something that really occupies them mind and body. Flyball/dog agility etc are ideal (and will keep you fit too) but I reckon working cockers dont 'settle' until at least a couple of years old if then. Lovely dogs mind you!

Or get involved in a scent work group. Cockers are scent driven so you’re working to their strengths

You will have a lot of fun and get fitter too. However there will come a day down the road when you will wonder what you have done. Dogs with lots of personality are hard work, but like the saying goes the more you put into something the more you will get out. He looks lovely!

Thank you, you have exactly described Oscar

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201912/medium-13296-img-1901.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201912/medium-935261-20191202-210021.jpg

Thank you for all the information you have all offered. We have decided to postpone the operation until later, after his birthday.

We have obtained a very active but stunning dog. He is quickly learning how to do things, and we get a full nights sleep as well.

We are lucky to live close to the beach and we have a dene which makes a lovely walk. He loves meeting other dogs and people and returns the ball really well. His recall is very good as well even when other dogs are around.

I think we forgot what it was like to have a puppy, it was 13 years ago that we had Ben as a puppy. I know he had his little issues. I will try the videos you have suggested as well.

Ben has a blog page, and I have linked Oscars page to it so I am busy writing his story as well.

Thank you all once again, and MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY 2020 to everyone.

adogcalledben.blogspot.com/

If you're intent on neutering I won't try and persuade you otherwise but at least let him mature first, it does not calm down excitable dogs it just removes their ability to procreate.

A friend has a working cocker, took Daisy about three years to calm down! Someone else I know with one said they hid things around the house to keep the dog busy. D stepdaughter also has one, lovely dogs, but they do need to be kept busy. My DH is a retired vet and doesn't like dogs being neutered to early. He doesn't see the the point unless the dog is aggressive. Good luck with him.

I am so glad I mentioned this, Oscar is a lovely boy and I know there will be challenges ahead but we have time and focus. he is great fun with the ball and comes back on recall very well, he is smart.

We inherited an already neutered dog.
He never did calm down! Although he was delightful and quite obedient he was always ready to pick a fight with other male dogs six or more times his size.

I am going to see if there is dog training group around here,i know there is one in the summer but i think not in the winter
My dog goes absolutely ballistic when he sees other dogs and pulls and strains to get to them, he also wants to run after motorbikes if one passes, but very good on his evening walks, as no other dogs around,
I have also got to try to get the cats used to him, and he to them, which is my main worry, but he sees them sat on the stairs and i think is getting used to seeing them