[Cooper]

I've also heard that males tend to be a little less aggressive if they're neutered.

Something most people don't consider when they're thinking about getting their pets sterilized is that if they don't, their pet could get run over in the street while he or she is trying to mate, fights between males over females, things like that. The health benefits that come with neutering are certainly worth considering as well.

I don't know where you live but in the States, it ranges from $25 - $100, depending on the vet or where you have it done. There are a lot of low-cost animal care facilities out there that will spay and neuter animals for a "reduced" cost to those that can't or won't pay full price. You can call your local animal shelter, rescue organization or SPCA for locations. Some SPCAs will neuter or spay free of charge as well. (Sometimes, they ask for a small donation in return.)

And you can't be guaranteed that your dog won't hump after being neutered but the likelihood of it happening is slim. He might for a while after the surgery but then, he'll realize it's not as fun as it used to be and will most likely stop.

Cooper is neutered and he marks but he doesn't do it inside the house. Marking, too, is really related to potty training, although an un-neutered dog is more likely to mark the inside of the house when he smells a female in season.

Wow.. this was a lot longer than I thought it would be. :?

 

[Cooper]

I don't know how long you've lived in Hawaii but I know a few years back, their humane society was in the news for abusing animals. You might want to avoid them.

 

[Cooper]

It depends on the dog and the training, I would think.

I would be more concerned about the health risks though, if I were you. By neutering, you're lessening the chances of all kinds of cancer and other bad stuff.

 

[Cooper]

the dog has no training =/

*hmph*

LOL ... well, train the dog! :lol:

Seriously, there are puppy training classes out there that will teach you basic puppy stuff, including potty training, feeding, and how to gain dominance in your "pack". Dominance is the most important thing - even when it comes to things like humping or any other behavior you want to discourage. With Cooper, I just say "hey Coop... don't do that" when he's doing something I'd rather he not do and he stops. No questions asked.

I highly recommend puppy classes and/or basic obedience classes when it comes to learning how to "control" and manage a new puppy or dog. I learned so much more than basic obedience by taking Cooper. It was expensive (I took him to one of Austin's top dog trainers) but well worth it.

 

[Cooper]

Most places that have puppy classes require they be completely vaccinated before coming to class.

I think the place I took Cooper also required that he was 6 months of age but it was a general obedience and "manners" class, not puppy class.

You might try calling a shelter or rescue and asking for names of different training facilities. Sometimes, the bigger shelters offer classes themselves. If you have a Petsmart or Petco nearby, they offer lessons as well.

I paid $250 for 9 classes with Cooper - but as I said, we went to one of the "premier" trainers in Austin, so it was a bit high.

 

[Cooper]

I would start by asking your vet if they can recommend someone. Then, when you're at a petstore or out and you see someone with a dog, ask them if they know of anyone. Get info by word of mouth - if you have friends with dogs or if their friends have dogs, ask them.

If someone was pleased with how their dog was trained (and them too), then they'll be more than happy to refer you.

Some training facilities have websites were you can go get information on how they train people and their dogs and you can decide if their techniques are right for you. You can also call and just ask what tools and methods they use in training; they'll be happy to tell you.

That's the most important thing though; you want to make sure the place you do take your dog doesn't do things that you do not agree with. You want to ask about what kind of collar they require your dog to wear during training - most places require one specific kind for class. Obviously, you don't want to go somewhere that requires shock collars or choke chains, especially not on a little neck like your pups.

It's just a bunch of research, talking to people and deciding what kind of training you want to do. You may be limited in Hawaii though but I'm sure you can find a place that fits your needs.

 

[Cooper]

LOL I did tons of research before I got my Cooper... then tons of research afterwards. I found that your vet can come in very handy when you have questions that aren't related to the health of your dog, as well as friends that you "admire" for the way they handle their pooches. It pays to ask around! That's what's so great about this forum.

 

[Cooper]

Cooper came home the same day as his surgery.

They may want to keep him overnight because he's so small - just as a precaution. I'd ask about that though; it is slightly unusual.